Need advice: DVD-Audio/SACD player

[Lapse of Reason]

Before I drop $500 on the Oppo BDP-83, I am hoping to find another, less expensive player to satisfy my wants. Here is what I am looking for:

1) Most important - I want DVD-Audio and SACD playback over HDMI. This is my sole reason for buying.

2) I have some PAL dvds that I'd like to play. My xbox 360 does the job, but PAL playback would be a plus.

3) A better DVD upscaler than the PS3 would be nice.

4) Blu-Ray playback is not important. I'm happy with the PS3 slim and don't want to explain to my wife why I am buying another blu-ray player.

Do you know of any players that fit? I'm looking to pay about 1/2 the price of the Oppo if necessary. Please help.

[Clark Kent]

This is the player that would have been perfect for you, Oppo used to sell it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Oppo-Digital-DV-...item4a9d63d93f

It sold for around $170 new (dvd only though) when Oppo carried it. Every requirement you mentioned is met, but there is news Oppo is going to introduce a new BD player that probably does the things you want for cheaper than the BD83 in the next three months.

There are lots of decent universal dvd players in the $100 to $250 range, though finding them new is a little tougher as most of them came out in 2006 or 2007.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

This is the player that would have been perfect for you, Oppo used to sell it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Oppo-Digital-DV-...item4a9d63d93f

It sold for around $170 new (dvd only though) when Oppo carried it. Every requirement you mentioned is met, but there is news Oppo is going to introduce a new BD player that probably does the things you want for cheaper than the BD83 in the next three months.

There are lots of decent universal dvd players in the $100 to $250 range, though finding them new is a little tougher as most of them came out in 2006 or 2007.

I have the Oppo DV-980H and it's a wonderful SACD player. It does DVD-A as well, but I don't have any of those discs.

Clark's note on a less expensive Oppo player is one worth considering and waiting for. Don't jump just yet....see what they come to the table with in terms of features.

John

[Jwilly019]

Originally Posted by John72953

Clark's note on a less expensive Oppo player is one worth considering and waiting for. Don't jump just yet....see what they come to the table with in terms of features.

John

I agree with John, wait and see what Oppo's new BD player has to offer. Some think it'll be similar to the 980H, but with BD capabilities. I myself am waiting for more info to be released about it.

Justin

[Lapse of Reason]

Thanks everyone. I decided to buy a used but "like new" Oppo 980H for just under $200 shipped. Even if Oppo does offer something in the next few months, this player should fill my immediate wants. I have a small stack of SACDs and DVD-Audio discs I am eager to hear. I suppose I could resell this one in a few months if the newest Oppo offers an improvement - although from what I read the 980H will be hard to beat (sans Blu-Ray capability).

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Lapse of Reason

Thanks everyone. I decided to buy a used but "like new" Oppo 980H for just under $200 shipped. Even if Oppo does offer something in the next few months, this player should fill my immediate wants. I have a small stack of SACDs and DVD-Audio discs I am eager to hear. I suppose I could resell this one in a few months if the newest Oppo offers an improvement - although from what I read the 980H will be hard to beat (sans Blu-Ray capability).

Excellent choice! The DV-980H is a great little player and I'm sure you'll love it's sound.

John