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Old 07-01-2009, 02:42 AM   #1
Johnny Vinyl Johnny Vinyl is offline
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Default The Oppo DV-980H vs PS3 Shootout!

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
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Old 07-01-2009, 08:35 AM   #2
Opips2 Opips2 is offline
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Did you listen on PS3 using A/V input analog for SACD and whztever CD music??

PS3
Setting> Sound Settings> Audio Output Setting>Audio Input Connector
Analog is best sound, it's very sharp, clear and louder!

update, I added new pic on HT gallery.

my beautiful loudspeaker floorstanding.
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Old 07-01-2009, 10:21 AM   #3
lucv13 lucv13 is offline
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Great shootout John, I'll tell you the ps3 was one of the best A/V purchases I've ever made and it plays games too. I remember in 06 prior to the ps3 release I built my HTPC using the best board, chip, best $200 soundcard and 2nd best video HDCP vid card it cost me a fortune - ps3 just blew it away, was still a great pc though.

Last edited by lucv13; 07-01-2009 at 10:23 AM.
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Old 07-01-2009, 11:35 AM   #4
Johnny Vinyl Johnny Vinyl is offline
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Hi Luc,

It goes to show that the PS3 still has a lot of life in it and compares well to other componants. Like you, I've always felt that the PS3 was one of the best purchasing decisions I made.

Being mostly a 2-channel music lover, I am also very happy with my new Oppo DV-980H as it outshines the PS3 significantly in that regard. As I upgrade my Analog cables for the Centre & 2 Rears, I suspect that the Oppo will also come out on top. It's sound was clearly superior, but the 5-channel experience wasn't as evident.

I'm going to be double-checking my settings on my A/V and the PS3, to make sure they are set properly (I think they are) and then do some more viewing in comparison. My DVD test wasn't nearly as critically performed as the audio testing was. So I'll have more to report on in the days (hopefully) to come.

John
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Old 07-01-2009, 01:47 PM   #5
zicmubleu zicmubleu is offline
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John did you try the Oppo with an hdmi connection to see how it compares with both it's own analog and against the PS3? Sort of the inverse of what Opips2 was asking I believe. If I have understood dobyblue correctly his preference is to use the hdmi from the player to the receiver as long as the receiver has good codec chips. In the end it would be nice to know if the hdmi connection from PS3 was different in sound in any noticeable fashion than the Oppo.

Steve
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Old 07-01-2009, 02:17 PM   #6
btf1980 btf1980 is offline
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Is there a reason why you didn't use HDMI with the Oppo for SACD? It does DSD direct, something the PS3 cannot do.

Analog cables are definitely not the way to go with the DV-980H.
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Old 07-01-2009, 03:23 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zicmubleu View Post
John did you try the Oppo with an hdmi connection to see how it compares with both it's own analog and against the PS3? Sort of the inverse of what Opips2 was asking I believe. If I have understood dobyblue correctly his preference is to use the hdmi from the player to the receiver as long as the receiver has good codec chips. In the end it would be nice to know if the hdmi connection from PS3 was different in sound in any noticeable fashion than the Oppo.

Steve
I'm glad you like the new player! I know I've asked the same question as well but that was before the player arrived. I just want to say that to MY ears I think the DSD in "pure direct" through HDMI sounded best and since we have the exact same receiver I'm curious how having similar products and settings could sound to different ears - even using the same SACD test material when I did my comparison(Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon). I'll be checking back to see if you do get a chance to give it a try.
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Old 07-01-2009, 04:27 PM   #8
Opips2 Opips2 is offline
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John

Long ago, I bought S-video A/V gold cable input for PS2. I using the gold cable on PS3. it's flewless!!

It's monster cable.

Last edited by Opips2; 07-01-2009 at 04:31 PM.
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Old 07-01-2009, 05:30 PM   #9
Gremal Gremal is offline
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I had a similar shootout and invited over two of my audio buddies, one of whom brought his new Oppo. We tested a variety of SACDs and Blu-rays and also A/B'ed the Oppo against my Classe Omega SACD player. While the Oppo performed very well and wasn't broken in, it didn't make me immediately want to order one. The treble seemed more forward and prominent on the Oppo and colors seemed that way too when A/B'ing the video against the PS3. But the improvement (if you could call it that) seemed a bit artificial or unnatural to me. I think that may be because the Oppo wasn't broken in, or it may be because the PS3 is nothing to sneeze at and does some things just as well or perhaps better depending on how you interpret the differences.

One denizen has been mod'ing his Oppo with new power supply, caps and audio board. If he also uses a superclock I think this would be a killer upgrade. But for now I'm happy with my PS3.
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Old 07-01-2009, 06:43 PM   #10
Johnny Vinyl Johnny Vinyl is offline
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I've been reviewing my settings on all of my componants this afternoon, because the comments made by several of you made me think that I can't be the only one not hearing what I'm supposed to. I am embarressed to admit that I haven't a clue as to how the settings are supposed to handshake and this whole test thing is leaving me rather frustrated. I don't know what I'm listening to half of the time, because my A/V or any other componant doesn't tell me that. It's a freakin' guessing game! I keep having to adjust settings on my Oppo and my A/V each and every time I listen to something.

I'm really frustrated right now!

John
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Old 07-01-2009, 06:59 PM   #11
Opips2 Opips2 is offline
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John,
I help you, How to trick on PS3.

Using Red and White for Analog A/V input cable, Sound Settings>
Skip color Blue, Green, Red component for Video.

Do not use on Video Settings. just HDMI cable

Be Careful,
your receicer setting is audio input for Analog.
And Surround Modes: Stereo
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Old 07-01-2009, 07:11 PM   #12
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Sorry John I understand how things can get frustrating. When I start tweaking my system and reading through manuals and finding info on the web + I got the kids coming around every now and then - I know it can get real frustrating! Take a break if you need to. Don't feel pressured by other members posts to have answers right away.

I thought I just might mention how I have things on my receiver since we have the same one - maybe I could be wrong too. I have my oppo hooked up to my 6190 using both HDMI and analog connections as well.

For DSD through HDMI - I use the BD/HDDVD source with the input to HDMI. To confirm what I am getting through the receiver I switch it to "Straight" mode and it will display "DSD" on the receiver then I switch the receiver to "Pure direct" to get the best sound.

To hear the oppo in multichannel analog I just switch the 6190 source to "MULTI CH IN" and the receiver will display "Analog" in "Straight" mode then I switch it to "Pure Direct" again.

The oppo is always set to 1080p and DSD ouput.

For anything from the PS3 it will only show "PCM" in "Straight" mode

Sorry if this way off from what you were even asking Hope I didn't confuse you even more. Good luck John.
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Old 07-01-2009, 07:35 PM   #13
Johnny Vinyl Johnny Vinyl is offline
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Hi DLS,

No this is right on the money, but I'm having another problem or two. I play an SACD and then want to play another...but nothing. It recognizes the dics (no error display), but I get no sound. I have to shut the system down and start it up again. I don't understand why this is happening.

Additionally, I can't get a regular CD to play in 2-channel...it outputs to all channels. I've changed settings again and again and I seem to be getting nowhere.

Anyway, I think I'll just take a break and walk away. Damn I wish I had my TT...so simple...turn everything on, select phono (or where-ever your phone stage is connected to) and away you go. And the sound! Oh well....


Thanks.

John
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Old 07-01-2009, 08:12 PM   #14
hoogoosedmoose41 hoogoosedmoose41 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by btf1980 View Post
Is there a reason why you didn't use HDMI with the Oppo for SACD? It does DSD direct, something the PS3 cannot do.

Analog cables are definitely not the way to go with the DV-980H.
id be interested in a professional evaluation on this because i run the DSD direct on SACD and to me it sounds killer. the only thing i cant stang with the oppo are the 80s atari graphics on the menu.
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Old 07-02-2009, 01:47 AM   #15
Opips2 Opips2 is offline
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JOHN,
take a break time!

HAPPY CANADIAN DAY!!

Cheer!!
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Old 07-02-2009, 02:06 AM   #16
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John

I have a Oppo 980 with a Yamaha V1800 and have a related problem with SACD's and HDMI. Sometimes I get garbage sound (garbled) and have to cycle the power on the Oppo and then it plays fine. I believe there are HDMI handshaking issues. If you go to the audio setup page on the Oppo...is LCPM rate grayed out and set at 48K ?

Last edited by Jello; 07-02-2009 at 02:20 AM.
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Old 07-02-2009, 02:22 AM   #17
Johnny Vinyl Johnny Vinyl is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jello View Post
John

I have a Oppo 980 with a Yamaha V1800 and have a related problem with SACD's and HDMI. Sometimes I get garbage sound (garbled) and have to cycle the power on the Oppo and then it plays fine. I believe there are HDMI handshaking issues. If you go to the audio setup page on the Oppo...is LCPM rate grayed out and set at 48K ?
Yes
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Old 07-02-2009, 02:29 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John72953 View Post
Additionally, I can't get a regular CD to play in 2-channel...it outputs to all channels. I've changed settings again and again and I seem to be getting nowhere.
I'm not sure if you're referring to the PS3 here, but the best way to listen to CD's I have found is to go into the audio options and manually uncheck all of the 5.1 and 7.1 options and just leave 2.0 checked up to 176.4 and 192. Finalize that, then go into SYSTEM SETUP and change the CD output setting from 48Hz to 44.1/88.2/176.4 (that's how it reads).

Then you're getting CD upsampling to 176.4 which I think you'll find in PURE DIRECT mode on the Yammy provides pretty awesome CD playback through HDMI. I have hooked up the PS3 through optical, HDMI and analog and find the 176.4 upsampling through HDMI to provide superior playback performance. In addition you get a 2.0 signal instead of the multi-channel. If you leave the 5.1 options checked it will output a multi-channel signal even though it's only sending info through the L and R channels.
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Old 07-02-2009, 02:42 AM   #19
Johnny Vinyl Johnny Vinyl is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dobyblue View Post
I'm not sure if you're referring to the PS3 here, but the best way to listen to CD's I have found is to go into the audio options and manually uncheck all of the 5.1 and 7.1 options and just leave 2.0 checked up to 176.4 and 192. Finalize that, then go into SYSTEM SETUP and change the CD output setting from 48Hz to 44.1/88.2/176.4 (that's how it reads).

Then you're getting CD upsampling to 176.4 which I think you'll find in PURE DIRECT mode on the Yammy provides pretty awesome CD playback through HDMI. I have hooked up the PS3 through optical, HDMI and analog and find the 176.4 upsampling through HDMI to provide superior playback performance. In addition you get a 2.0 signal instead of the multi-channel. If you leave the 5.1 options checked it will output a multi-channel signal even though it's only sending info through the L and R channels.
Hi Steve,

I was actually referring to the Oppo. I seem to have no issues with CD's playing through my PS3. I will check the settings you described in your post on my PS3, just to make sure.

I have changed my settings so many times on the Oppo that I can't remember what they were at when I first compared the PS3 to the Oppo via analog.

It's been a really long day trying to figure this all out. I think I'm starting to understand various connection methods a little more and what I need to do with my AVR when selecting the player and/or the type of disc, but I'm not there yet.

I Miss My Turntable!

John
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Old 07-02-2009, 02:44 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John72953 View Post
Hi Steve,

I was actually referring to the Oppo. I seem to have no issues with CD's playing through my PS3. I will check the settings you described in your post on my PS3, just to make sure.

I have changed my settings so many times on the Oppo that I can't remember what they were at when I first compared the PS3 to the Oppo via analog.

It's been a really long day trying to figure this all out. I think I'm starting to understand various connection methods a little more and what I need to do with my AVR when selecting the player and/or the type of disc, but I'm not there yet.

I Miss My Turntable!

John
What is a turntable?

I hope you can get yours soon.

Rich
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