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#1 |
Moderator
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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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#2 |
Special Member
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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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#3 |
Blu-ray Guru
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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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#4 |
Moderator
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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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#5 |
Expert Member
Dec 2008
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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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#7 | |
Special Member
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#9 |
Blu-ray Samurai
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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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#10 |
Moderator
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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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#11 |
Special Member
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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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#12 |
Special Member
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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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#13 |
Moderator
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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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#14 |
Senior Member
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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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#16 |
Active Member
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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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#17 | |
Moderator
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#18 | |
Super Moderator
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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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#19 | |
Moderator
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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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#20 | |
Blu-ray Ninja
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![]() I hope you can get yours soon. ![]() Rich |
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