Do You Regret Your Pre-ASR Audio Gear Choices of the past?

[PristineSound]

Time has passed by the Oppo's and it's a bit silly to spend any money on them for repairs.
The UDP 205 biggest claim to fame was it's excellent ES9038Pro chip and outstanding measurements.
Sadly its only a 7.1 channel DAC so if your looking to do modern audio/video Atmos or Auro, etc ; it's now obsolete.
The only other Oppo @amirm measured was a 105 and it appeared to have something wrong with it.
Let the hate begin.

The 205 is one of the few that does intersample overs correctly, even for modern day players.

And there just aren't any players out there that does CD, SACD, DVD-A and Blu-ray audio with this kind of DAC performance, maybe with the exception of Magnetar.

Yes, I still have physical optical disc has a hobby to collect, despite I largely stream.

If your external DAC accepts HDMI input then we can play all of those disc.

 

[Sal1950]

Yes, I still have physical optical disc has a hobby to collect, despite I largely stream .And there just aren't any players out there that does CD, SACD, DVD-A and Blu-ray audio with this kind of DAC performance, maybe with the exception of Magnetar.

My Sony UBP-X800M2 can play all them and more that the Oppo can't.
Not saying the 205 wasn't a great player, it's just long obsolete and not worth investing any repair money in when you can equal it for $300
YMMV

 

[Sal1950]

If your external DAC accepts HDMI input then we can play all of those disc.

Then that hot shot Oppo DAC is irrelevant.

 

[olds1959special]

yes

 

[PristineSound]

My Sony UBP-X800M2 can play all them and more that the Oppo can't.
Not saying the 205 wasn't a great player, it's just long obsolete and not worth investing any repair money in when you can equal it for $300
YMMV

What is the performance of the Sony UBP-X800M2 DAC? Is it comparable to the Oppo?

If you use an external DAC, the only way to get SACD output is through HDMI, which means you are likely only using a AVR as most DAC does not accept HDMI input. Most AVR DAC aren't hitting 110dB SINAD, though inaudible anyway.

But the Oppo is an engineering masterpiece even very few players can match today. Hence it's why there is a large following. Not saying it's irreplaceable, not saying it's the king even amongst what available today but am saying it's a great player even in today's market and even as it ages.

 

[Sal1950]

but am saying it's a great player even in today's market and even as it ages.

It is and was, its implementation of the ES9038Pro chip was stellar. But in a 2025 audio/video system running a avr or pre-pro and then using any of it's digital features like DRC it's irrelevant. Just clearing the air on some of the misplaced adoration it gets.
Let alone the idiots playing $2,-3,000 dollars for them on ebay.

 

[Sal1950]

If you use an external DAC, the only way to get SACD output is through HDMI, which means you are likely only using a AVR as most DAC does not accept HDMI input. Most AVR DAC aren't hitting 110dB SINAD, though inaudible anyway.

So in the extremely limited usage framework of its 7.1 analog outs into something that doesn't do any further digital conversion, it gets 115 SINAD which you admit isn't a audible relevant feature. Just sayin

 

[PristineSound]

It is and was, its implementation of the ES9038Pro chip was stellar. But in a 2025 audio/video system running a avr or pre-pro and then using any of it's digital features like DRC it's irrelevant. Just clearing the air on some of the misplaced adoration it gets.
Let alone the idiots playing $2,-3,000 dollars for them on ebay.

Well, I wouldn't pay $2-3k for a 205 myself. I probably would just get the Magnetar at this price point. Which is why I have the 105D, as that is still a palatable price point for me and I use it exclusively for audio disc, and not video.

The people who buy used Oppo or can't part ways with it, do so because they admire its capabilities and engineering.

For example, my Oppo BDP-105D uses ESS 9018 with ~110dB SINAD performance (And once again, how many AVR's DAC can hit 110dB SINAD if one chooses to send the audio signal via HDMI?), it plays SACD, DVD-A, CD and Blue Ray audio. It has balanced output, it can be used as an external DAC, with various input connections including USB.

How many players does this? Your Sony UBP-X800M2 does not do this entire list. The only other player is the Magnetar, but even the Magnetar only has USB input to use it as an external DAC.

 

[Sal1950]

For example, my Oppo BDP-105D uses ESS 9018 with ~110dB SINAD performance (And once again, how many AVR's DAC can hit 110dB SINAD if one chooses to send the audio signal via HDMI?),

Just curious as to where you got that SINAD measurement?

How many players does this? Your Sony UBP-X800M2 does not do this entire list.

What "entire" list?
In all the time I've owned it, it played everything I put in it, what can't I play?
Maybe not the worlds most esoteric player but it is built like a tank,should last decades and only cost $300
What more could I ask of it?

Audio Format​

AAC (.AAC, .mka), HEAAC v.1/v.2/level2, WMA9 Standard (.WMA), LPCM (.mka, .wav), DSD - DSDIFF/DSD (.dff, .dsf), FLAC (.flac, .fla), AIFF (.aiff, .aif), ALAC (.m4a), Dolby Digital (.ac3, .mka), WMA10 Pro, Vorbis, MP3 (.mp3, .mka), AAC (.m4a), Monkey’s Audio

Disc​

Ultra HD Blu-ray, BD-ROM, Stereoscopic 3D (profile 5), SA-CD (SA-CD/CD) Playback, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-R Dual Layer, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD+R Double Layer, CD (CD-DA), CD-R/-RW

Photo format​

JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg), GIF (.gif), PNG (.png), MPO MPF 3D (.mpo), BMP (.bmp)

Video Format​

HEVC (.mkv, .mp4, .m4v, .m2ts, .mts), VP9 (.webm, .mkv), VP8 (.webm, .mkv), VP6 (.flv), MPEG-1 Video/PS (.mpg .MPEG, .mkv) [.VOB, .VRO], MPEG-2 Video/PS, TS ( .mpg.MPEG, .m2ts, .mts, .mkv) [.VOB, .VRO], MPEG-4 AVC (.mkv, .mp4, .m4v, .m2ts, .mts) ,MPEG-4/AVC (.mov, 3gp, .3g2, .3gpp, .3gpp2, .flv), Xvid (.avi, .mkv), WMV9 (.wmv, .asf, .mkv), AVCHD Disc Format,VC1 (.m2ts, .mts, .mkv), Motion JPEG (.mov, .avi)

 

[tengiz]

What is the performance of the Sony UBP-X800M2 DAC? Is it comparable to the Oppo?

The Sony UBP-X800M2 has no analog outputs - it's strictly a digital transport.

 

[PristineSound]

Just curious as to where you got that SINAD measurement?


What "entire" list?
In all the time I've owned it, it played everything I put in it, what can't I play?
Maybe not the worlds most esoteric player but it is built like a tank,should last decades and only cost $300
What more could I ask of it?

Audio Format​

AAC (.AAC, .mka), HEAAC v.1/v.2/level2, WMA9 Standard (.WMA), LPCM (.mka, .wav), DSD - DSDIFF/DSD (.dff, .dsf), FLAC (.flac, .fla), AIFF (.aiff, .aif), ALAC (.m4a), Dolby Digital (.ac3, .mka), WMA10 Pro, Vorbis, MP3 (.mp3, .mka), AAC (.m4a), Monkey’s Audio

Disc​

Ultra HD Blu-ray, BD-ROM, Stereoscopic 3D (profile 5), SA-CD (SA-CD/CD) Playback, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-R Dual Layer, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD+R Double Layer, CD (CD-DA), CD-R/-RW

Photo format​

JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg), GIF (.gif), PNG (.png), MPO MPF 3D (.mpo), BMP (.bmp)

Video Format​

HEVC (.mkv, .mp4, .m4v, .m2ts, .mts), VP9 (.webm, .mkv), VP8 (.webm, .mkv), VP6 (.flv), MPEG-1 Video/PS (.mpg .MPEG, .mkv) [.VOB, .VRO], MPEG-2 Video/PS, TS ( .mpg.MPEG, .m2ts, .mts, .mkv) [.VOB, .VRO], MPEG-4 AVC (.mkv, .mp4, .m4v, .m2ts, .mts) ,MPEG-4/AVC (.mov, 3gp, .3g2, .3gpp, .3gpp2, .flv), Xvid (.avi, .mkv), WMV9 (.wmv, .asf, .mkv), AVCHD Disc Format,VC1 (.m2ts, .mts, .mkv), Motion JPEG (.mov, .avi)

Here, measured my archimago:

MEASUREMENTS: Oppo BDP-105 RCA, XLR, HDMI, and other stuff for the record (like MQA CDs?!)...

A blog for audiophiles about more objective topics. Measurements of audio gear. Reasonable, realistic, no snakeoil assessment of sound, and equipment.

archimago.blogspot.com

I don't think you actually read the list. Your Sony does not have the equal nor better onboard DAC performance. It does not have balances outputs. It cannot be used as an outboard DAC, let along with USB, optical and coaxial digital input. And I forgot that your Sony can't do external video processing like the Oppo.

Look here, I'm not bashing your Sony, you made a statement that the Oppo has passed it's time. I replying that the Oppo has a unique place even as it ages due to the performance and capabilities. And I listed what they are. You can continue to say the Oppo is an aging fossil, it wouldn't bother me, my feelings aren't hurt. I'm just replying back to you stating facts about these Oppo and why I think these facts makes the Oppo still very unique today.

 

[PristineSound]

H

The Sony UBP-X800M2 has no analog outputs - it's strictly a digital transport.

Which means you must used HDMI for external DSD decoding of SACD. And mostly you need to use AVR to do this. Is that an problem, not at all. But you likely ain't going to achieve ~110dB SINAD with an AVR like you can with the Oppo.

And I know someone is going to go down the route of asking me if this is audible. I'm only stating facts as it pertains to the Oppo's capabilities and performance and why I believe such capabilities and performance gives Oppo a loyal following and why it's still have a place today.

 

[Sal1950]

Which means you must used HDMI for external DSD decoding of SACD. And mostly you need to use AVR to do this. Is that an problem, not at all. But you likely ain't going to achieve ~110dB SINAD with an AVR like you can with the Oppo.And it means nothing if you do use an AVR with any of it's digital features.

And if you do use it with a AVR and any of its digital features like DRC or bass management, any advantage is lost.
From our discussion on a different thread it sounded like your a 2ch only man?
Does the preamp or power amp your using after it have a equal TOTL SINAD to take advantage of that low noise and distortion or does it get swamped ?
For 2ch use most any ole player has digital outs and can be paired with $89 SMSL DAC and equal that SINAD.
All I'm saying is don't invest any more money in obsolete tech.

 

[PristineSound]

And if you do use it with a AVR and any of its digital features like DRC or bass management, any advantage is lost.

You need to explain this. The DSP is done in the digital domain, perhaps it can add jitter, but an asynchronous DAC reclocks.

All I am pointing out here is the DAC performance of an AVR, which you can find in the review index.

From our discussion on a different thread it sounded like your a 2ch only man?

I do not currently own a multi-channel system.

Does the preamp or power amp your using after it have a equal TOTL SINAD to take advantage of that low noise and distortion or does it get swamped ?

Yes

For 2ch use most any ole player has digital outs and can be paired with $89 SMSL DAC and equal that SINAD.
All I'm saying is don't invest any more money in obsolete tech.

First, let me elaborate here. When Amir measures these 120dB SINAD or even 110db SINAD, eyes open, despite according to the most commonly cited distortion and noise threshold is only .1%. So none of this matters, right? That is a whole another discussion.

Now back to the Oppo, you are imagining me saying anything less than SOTA SINAD is audible. Just because I am gloating about an engineering feat doesn't mean I said something you imagined me saying.

Finally, I refer you back post #151. There's really nothing more I have to add to that post.

 

[Sal1950]

Question, if you put that beautifully clean DAC signal thru an AVRs DAC or pre or power amp that buries it in 3% distortion, or a loud AC ground loop hum, of what good has the beautifully clean component done for your listening pleasure. Final sound quality hinges on the weakest link in the chain.

 

[PristineSound]

Question, if you put that beautifully clean DAC signal thru an AVRs DAC or pre or power amp that buries it in 3% distortion, or a loud AC ground loop hum, of what good has the beautifully clean component done for your listening pleasure. Final sound quality hinges on the weakest link in the chain.

Not sure if this is direct at me. But if it is, you are asking the same questions, so I am referring you back to post #151 and #154 for the same answer.

 

[Robin L]

I certainly regret some of the gear I've had in the past—"legendary" items like the Marantz 8B come to mind, not to mention any audio interconnect over $50—but even more than that I regret the tweeks, permanently damaging some otherwise ok turntables and speakers in the process. What I have now pretty much can't be tweaked and sounds better anyway. I think a lot of what was "wrong" about the gear I've used in the past has to do with the many ways what I'm using now is "right". It's true that things improved after I started reading ASR but a lot of those improvements were underway already.

 

[Mike Madigan]

Maybe this has been addressed elsewhere. In today’s audio market of hardly any walk in audio stores for A/B comparisons especially speakers. Do people just rely on reviews of equipment to decide what to buy ?

 

[eduardw]

No regrets, I always try to not look back after a HIFI purchase.

 

[Sal1950]

I certainly regret some of the gear I've had in the past—"legendary" items like the Marantz 8B come to mind,

Robin, what was it about the 8B that made it stand out in your regrets?