Oppo 981H

MillerLiteScott
MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
edited March 2007 in Electronics
I am still not ready to jump into the HD players. I have been thinking about getting an Oppo 981H to serve as my DVD player for HT and multi format CD player for my 2 channel rig.

Questions:

1. Is this worth while?

2. Can I use the HDMI and Optical or Coax digital out for HT and RCA analogue out to my pre amp for 2 channel?

Once the HD DVD Players come down in $ I plan to just use the Oppo for 2 channel untill I can get something fancy.

Scott
I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
Post edited by MillerLiteScott on
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Comments

  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited March 2007
    I have one in my bedroom, awesome player. Im using HDMI-DVI. Just running the sound via optical. Nice player, excellent PQ/SQ
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited March 2007
    Given Oppo's reputation from the 971 and 970, the 981 (for the price) should be a no brainer. I'm waiting for the secrets review before I pick up the 981.
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited March 2007
    What is the price of the Oppo 981? Only reason I ask is because I had a chance to buy a Toshiba HD-A1 for about $250 shipped. Ended up going with a HD-XA1, but at that price it would be easy to get into a next gen player.

    Just my .02.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
    edited March 2007
    The Oppo 981 HD is $229.00 with free shipping at Amazon and from what I could tell $229 everywhere else.

    I have a gift card at Amazon which drops the price down a little more.
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited March 2007
    Andy:

    It's not an HD player, it only upconverts to 1080P from standard def disks so I wouldn't neccessarily call it "next gen" since it isn't BR/HDDVD compliant.
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
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  • gonzalr
    gonzalr Posts: 92
    edited March 2007
    You can get Toshiba HD-XA1 for $399 with free 5 HD-DVD movies. It's a great upconverting player and CD player as well. The HD playback is like a bonus based from your needs.

    Just need additional $170 and your player is full proof for several years.
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  • Holydoc
    Holydoc Posts: 1,048
    edited March 2007
    gonzalr wrote:
    You can get Toshiba HD-XA1 for $399 with free 5 HD-DVD movies. It's a great upconverting player and CD player as well. The HD playback is like a bonus based from your needs.

    Just need additional $170 and your player is full proof for several years.

    Only fool proof if HD-DVD's stay around. Otherwise, fool proof may become folly.
    Holydoc (Home Theatre Lover)
    __________________________________________
    Panasonic -50PX600U 50" Plasma
    Onkyo -TX-NR901 Receiver
    Oppo -Oppo 980HD Universal DVD Player
    Outlaw -770 (7x200watt) Amplifier
    PolkAudio - RTi12 (Left and Right)
    PolkAudio - CSi5 (Center)
    PolkAudio - FXi3 (Back and Surround)
    SVS - PB-12/Plus (Subwoofer)
    Bluejean Cables - Interconnects
    Logitech Harmony 880 - Remote
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  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited March 2007
    I'd take the 981 for upconverting anyday over the current HD players from either camp. However, it's not a bad alternative (HD-AX1) to hedge your bets a bit. Plus 5 movies is worth about $100-$130.
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited March 2007
    Damn, I just bought my HD-XA1 for $350 used with no free movies. Where is that deal at, if you don't mind me asking? Got a link or anything?
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited March 2007
    gonzalr wrote:
    You can get Toshiba HD-XA1 for $399 with free 5 HD-DVD movies. It's a great upconverting player and CD player as well. The HD playback is like a bonus based from your needs.

    Where is this? I just dropped $350 for a used XA1 with no movies. Would've definitely jumped on this deal if I knew about it ahead of time.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • Holydoc
    Holydoc Posts: 1,048
    edited March 2007
    jdhdiggs wrote:
    I'd take the 981 for upconverting anyday over the current HD players from either camp. However, it's not a bad alternative (HD-AX1) to hedge your bets a bit. Plus 5 movies is worth about $100-$130.

    Ouch. 5 movies = $130.00. That is nearly $30 a piece per movie? Is that how much HD and Blueray DVD's are costing now?

    I never thought about that before. Yes, I just confirmed that Amazon has "Happy Feet" for $15.99 SD-DVD and $27.99 for HD-DVD. Eek...that is something I had not considered.

    Learn something every day. :o
    Holydoc (Home Theatre Lover)
    __________________________________________
    Panasonic -50PX600U 50" Plasma
    Onkyo -TX-NR901 Receiver
    Oppo -Oppo 980HD Universal DVD Player
    Outlaw -770 (7x200watt) Amplifier
    PolkAudio - RTi12 (Left and Right)
    PolkAudio - CSi5 (Center)
    PolkAudio - FXi3 (Back and Surround)
    SVS - PB-12/Plus (Subwoofer)
    Bluejean Cables - Interconnects
    Logitech Harmony 880 - Remote
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  • Schwingding
    Schwingding Posts: 363
    edited March 2007
    I think this is a wise choice. Almost universally liked, and inexpensive to boot. Plus it will play all of your (yet to be purchased) hi res audio formats. I was thinking about buying myself just for the audio for my bedroom, figuring I'd find a way to use the DVD player, too.

    I'm not sure about its video upscaler, but am sure you can find reviews of it online. I have yet to see a better upscaler than that in my BDP1000, but you didn't ask about blu ray players.

    Yes, you can use the audio outputs in the manner you described.
    HT/music rig
    Panasonic PX60U 50" plasma
    Yamaha 5990 AVR
    Onix SP3 tube amp
    bunch of Outlaw 2200 monoblocks
    DUAL SVS PB12+/2 subs :eek:
    Denon 3910 DVD/SACD/DVD-A
    DirecTV HR10-250 DVR
    Onix Strata Mini mains
    Mirage OM10 surrounds
    Polk CSi5 center
    Polk SC80 rear surrounds
    Samsung BDP1000 blu-ray player

    Bedroom rig
    Jolida SJ302a tube amp
    Denon 2910 universal player
    Onix Ref 1 monitors
    Velodyne minivee
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  • jflail2
    jflail2 Posts: 2,868
    edited March 2007
    I purchased a 970 after hearing from several polksters that Oppo was the way to go. All I can say is WOW. Phenomenal picture quality aside, I have been blown away by all the extra features this thing has to offer. I'm surprised it hasn't washed my dishes yet.....

    For $150 the 970 has done me justice...so I'll definitely not be taking the HD plunge until 1 format is declared the victor.
    2007 Club Polk Football Pool Champ

    2010 Club Polk Fantasy Football Champ

    2011 Club Polk Football Pool Champ


    "It's like a koala bear crapped a rainbow in my brain!"
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  • gonzalr
    gonzalr Posts: 92
    edited March 2007
    valueelectronics.com their price is $399 plus 5 rebate movies.

    even the HD-DVD will lost in the format war, imho still a great upconverting player compare to oppo-981.
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  • huggies
    huggies Posts: 150
    edited March 2007
    I don't think either format will win the high-def war. Both sides are firmly entrenched and in too deep. With the public buying an almost equal amount of both formats, this looks like a protracted, but worse, VCR vs Beta fiasco with no winners in sight. So pick which fits you best and don't look back. Probably new tech in 5 yrs replace both anyways.....
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  • shawn474
    shawn474 Posts: 3,052
    edited March 2007
    I bought the Oppo 981 in December and absolutely love it. It has great PQ and really good SQ. Admittedly, I was replacing a middle of the pack PAnasonic DVD player that was close to 4 years old, so that may have something to do with my satisfaction. At its price point, I'm not sure you could do better unless you upgraded to Blu-Ray or HD-DVD. I don't have aby experience with either of the new formats (due to lack of enough disposable income).

    Shawn
    Shawn
    AVR: Marantz SR-5011
    Center Channel: Polk LsiM706c
    Front: Polk LsiM703
    Rear: LSI fx
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39pci
    Television: Samsung UN58NU7100FXZA
    DVD Player: Sony PS4
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