The Oppo DV-980H vs PS3 Shootout!

[Johnny Vinyl]

In my quest to obtain better sound quality for playback of CD/SACD, I started searching for reasonably priced players as an alternative to the PS3, which is what I have been using. After reading a lot of Stickies and individual threads, I decided to purchase the Oppo DV-980H and it arrived last week.

In anticipation of the setup I decided to purchase some new mid-grade analog cables for my Totem Sttaf fronts and also purchased a lower end Philips analog cable for my centre channel. I already had a similar Philips analog cable that was in use with my Phono Stage. The mid-grade analog cable I bought was Audioquest Copperhead .The Oppo is thereby connected via Analog and also HDMI (for when I watch regular DVD). It should also be remembered that my setup is a 5.0 configuration. I do not own a subwoofer as of yet.

CD Test Material:
Jack Johnson – On And On
Dave Brubeck – Time Out
Corinne Bailey Rae - Corinne Bailey Rae
Steve Winwood – Nine Lives

When I play CD’s I ALWAYS listen to them in “Pure Direct” mode. The comparison may not therefore be 100% fair as I’m listening to the PS3 via HDMI and the Oppo via Analog (it defaults to analog when “pure direct” is engaged).
In every single case, the PS3 via HDMI was louder. The Oppo via analog was much more subdued, but it was better. The separation, detail, depth and presence were greatly heightened, despite its lower output level (via analog). I have always suffered greatly from CD listener fatigue, but this was greatly reduced by the Oppo’s superior reproduction of what was actually put on the disc.

Winner: Oppo DV-980H

SACD Test Material:
Pink Floyd – Dark Side Of The Moon
Dire Straits – Brothers In Arms
Roxy Music – Avalon
Moody Blues – In Search Of The Lost Chord

Unlike my CD comparison, there was no noticeable difference in volume attenuation between the PS3 via HDMI and Oppo via Analog. I kind of expected the same to happen, but it didn’t and I’m not technologically savvy enough to explain why this was so. I just accept it. I felt that the PS3 via HDMI was more balanced across the 5 speakers I incorporated (remember I don’t have a subwoofer). The Oppo had more emphasis on the fronts, reducing that “surround” effect. I suspect that this may be due to the fact my front analog cables are of a much better grade than those I use for my Centre Channel and Surrounds, but I could be wrong. The Oppo did provide me with a much cleaner sound. Like the CD test, there was a significant amount of increased presence, depth and detail. However, we are talking about SACD and I want to be satisfied across all channels...I have not experienced that yet. One solution, and I think for me the only one, is to upgrade my other sets of analog cables. For SACD in 2-channel mode, the Oppo sounds better. In 5-channel mode, the PS3 gives the better experience.

Winner: Undecided (in fairness).


DVD Test Material:
Braveheart
Gladiator

I am not trained enough visually to notice a real difference. I thought both looked equally good, although when there is a blank screen, the Oppo looked less grainy. Maybe I should say it had less noise. I would love to give you a really good comparison, but I can’t. I’ll probably look at my DVD’s in both machines...

Winner: Both

That's my interpretation of what I heard. It is not nearly as eloquantly described and technologically detailed as some would like or expect, but they are my thoughts.

The bottom line is that I am very happy with the Oppo and also my PS3. For music in 2-channel the Oppo is now my player of choice. I suspect it will be as well when I upgrade my other analog cables.

As a final thought, I do honestly feel that for music, analog connections are the way to go.

Thanks for reading.

John