Universal BD players--best audio performers - Blu-ray Forum

Gremal · 12-18-2009, 05:25 PM

I am trying to put together a short list of what could be called high end BD/DVD/CD/SACD players to replace my two-channel SACD player. At first I was seriously considering the Marantz UD9004 until I realized it outputs HDMI at a compressed bitrate relative to the Oppo. The Denons have the same problem. Then I was considering the Oppo SE and modified versions thereof, including the NuForce mod. I was close to pulling the trigger, but with CES just around the corner it seems prudent to wait and see what announcements come. I would consider any high end universal machine that outputs uncompressed high res audio via HDMI. The Lexicon seems like just a rebranded Oppo.

gonk · 12-18-2009, 06:59 PM

It's going to be a short list, and aside from the Denon and Marantz players you're likely to find that the rest are almost all derived from the OPPO Digital platform (including the Lexicon and the Theta).

Are you going to be using the HDMI output, or do you need the multichannel analog? If it's HDMI, you might want to give the stock BDP-83 a try. The BDP-83SE and NuForce upgrades are focused specifically on power supply and analog board, so HDMI performance is not really impacted.

jomari · 12-18-2009, 07:30 PM

as gonk has mentioned, its going to be a very short list of a 'universal' player out there.

id consider sticking with the oppo... even with CES around the corner, they've invested a definite amount of time and resource to get this one right. almost two years if im not mistaken.

all in all, the oppo is also firmware upgradable so just a heads up.

Gremal · 12-18-2009, 08:01 PM

I will definitely be using two-channel analog out for all CDs and two-channel SACDs directly from the disc machine to my VAC. But I would like to use the HDMI for all multichannel applications, including BD and mCh SACD. So both are critically important. If I wanted to go pure analog I would definitely pick up the Marantz. But I agree with both of you that the Oppo is currently the most pragmatic choice. I would need at least the SE, and probably a modification...still undecided and hoping a CES announcement will present a good alternative.

gonk · 12-18-2009, 09:55 PM

Barring something really slick coming out of CES, I'd say the BDP-83SE may be your best bet then. If you wanted to have it modded further, you could focus your spending specifically on the stereo analog output and leave the 7.1 analog output alone.

12-18-2009, 05:25 PM	#1
Gremal Blu-ray Samurai Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2007 Location:Daddyland Home Theater Gallery:49 Blu-ray collection:184	Universal BD players--best audio performers I am trying to put together a short list of what could be called high end BD/DVD/CD/SACD players to replace my two-channel SACD player. At first I was seriously considering the Marantz UD9004 until I realized it outputs HDMI at a compressed bitrate relative to the Oppo. The Denons have the same problem. Then I was considering the Oppo SE and modified versions thereof, including the NuForce mod. I was close to pulling the trigger, but with CES just around the corner it seems prudent to wait and see what announcements come. I would consider any high end universal machine that outputs uncompressed high res audio via HDMI. The Lexicon seems like just a rebranded Oppo.

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12-18-2009, 06:59 PM	#2
gonk Senior Member Member since:Mar 2009 Location:Memphis, TN Blu-ray collection:111	It's going to be a short list, and aside from the Denon and Marantz players you're likely to find that the rest are almost all derived from the OPPO Digital platform (including the Lexicon and the Theta). Are you going to be using the HDMI output, or do you need the multichannel analog? If it's HDMI, you might want to give the stock BDP-83 a try. The BDP-83SE and NuForce upgrades are focused specifically on power supply and analog board, so HDMI performance is not really impacted.

12-18-2009, 07:30 PM	#3
jomari Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:2	as gonk has mentioned, its going to be a very short list of a 'universal' player out there. id consider sticking with the oppo... even with CES around the corner, they've invested a definite amount of time and resource to get this one right. almost two years if im not mistaken. all in all, the oppo is also firmware upgradable so just a heads up.

12-18-2009, 08:01 PM	#4
Gremal Blu-ray Samurai Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2007 Location:Daddyland Home Theater Gallery:49 Blu-ray collection:184	I will definitely be using two-channel analog out for all CDs and two-channel SACDs directly from the disc machine to my VAC. But I would like to use the HDMI for all multichannel applications, including BD and mCh SACD. So both are critically important. If I wanted to go pure analog I would definitely pick up the Marantz. But I agree with both of you that the Oppo is currently the most pragmatic choice. I would need at least the SE, and probably a modification...still undecided and hoping a CES announcement will present a good alternative.

12-18-2009, 09:55 PM	#5
gonk Senior Member Member since:Mar 2009 Location:Memphis, TN Blu-ray collection:111	Barring something really slick coming out of CES, I'd say the BDP-83SE may be your best bet then. If you wanted to have it modded further, you could focus your spending specifically on the stereo analog output and leave the 7.1 analog output alone.

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