Post by izamber December 6, 2007 (21 of 34)
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mcchuk said:
Apparently the DAC's on this system are by Mediatek which is same manufacturer as the one's in the DVD-87's.
Mediatek doesn't produce DACs, according to my knowledge. The Oppo uses a Crystal/Cirrus Logic multichannel chip as a DAC (the CS4361). The all-purpose chip which manages the video and audio streams is by Mediatek (a special version for Oppo); the Mediatek chip also converts DSD to PCM, as the Cirrus Logic DAC can't manage DSD.
best,
Igor
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I am currently looking into an OPPO player as a step up to my SONY SCD-XE670 and from all accounts, this is a player to be reckoned with. As I already have a decent DVD player with HDMI for my new HDTV, video is a complete non-issue.
However, I did read one comment in a review that is puzzling me...
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2183094,00.asp
"We also played several SACD and DVD-Audio discs. The player robustly supports DVD-A, but SACD support was more limited. Audio playback was just fine, but when you insert an SACD disc, you just get a list of files—no menu or song titles were available."
I am assuming this comment is simply about the On Screen Display as opposed to the front display of the player itself? Also, does the OPPO tell you the track titles in text format on the front of the machine the way a Sony unit does? Not a deal breaker, but it would be nice.
Also, from what I have read, the unit has an "Audio Only" option, turning off the Video Circuitry to optimize Audio. Do I need to turn this on every time I power up the unit? I will probably be using it for Audio 99% of the time.
I was also wondering how people feel about the 980H after having spent a longer time with it and how does it hold up?
Also, I have just started my SA-CD Gear Forum and would appreciate your reviews of any SA-CD players there.
http://sacdgear.proboards107.com/
Thanks.
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Post by dbmay75 December 17, 2007 (23 of 34)
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threerandot said:
I am currently looking into an OPPO player as a step up to my SONY SCD-XE670 and from all accounts, this is a player to be reckoned with. As I already have a decent DVD player with HDMI for my new HDTV, video is a complete non-issue.
However, I did read one comment in a review that is puzzling me...
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2183094,00.asp
"We also played several SACD and DVD-Audio discs. The player robustly supports DVD-A, but SACD support was more limited. Audio playback was just fine, but when you insert an SACD disc, you just get a list of files—no menu or song titles were available."
I am assuming this comment is simply about the On Screen Display as opposed to the front display of the player itself? Also, does the OPPO tell you the track titles in text format on the front of the machine the way a Sony unit does? Not a deal breaker, but it would be nice.
Also, from what I have read, the unit has an "Audio Only" option, turning off the Video Circuitry to optimize Audio. Do I need to turn this on every time I power up the unit? I will probably be using it for Audio 99% of the time.
I was also wondering how people feel about the 980H after having spent a longer time with it and how does it hold up?
Also, I have just started my SA-CD Gear Forum and would appreciate your reviews of any SA-CD players there.
http://sacdgear.proboards107.com/
Thanks.
Hi there,
I've owned a 980H since September, and while I don't have any prior universal players to compare it to, I can tell you that I am very satisfied with this product. I frequently visit OPPO's U.S. headquarters in Mountain View, CA and the staff are incredible, from sales to tech support.
To answer your questions, it shows Track 1, Track 2, etc. on your TV or 01, 02 on the front display, however it will not show the actual song title. I was unaware that Sony players do this, which is a great feature, but hey, they did create SACD after all, right?
As for the "Audio Only" option, this is only if you want to listen to the music without the distraction of the menu on your TV being present. To be sure, it turns off the display, not the TV itself. OPPO claims that by turning this feature off, it reduces any interference with the audio signal, but I've tried it with several discs and I don't notice any difference. If you own an HDTV as I do, using the "Audio Only" feature will reduce any risk of burn-in on your screen, however, OPPO was smart enough to include a Screen Saver to prevent this from happening. Just like your PC, however, you can turn off the Screen Saver option if you wish.
Another cool feature on the remote is an A-B button so you can playback a certain section of the disc over and over if you wish (learning a guitar solo perhaps?) which I haven't seen on a lot of CD players. You can also change the speed of the audio - I did this for kicks watching an Eagles concert DVD and it does a good job without any flicker from the video.
Here are my minor gripes:
* It's a single disc player so unless you're playing an MP3 disc with 150 tracks, you have to get up and change discs when the album is finished.
* It will play tracks from my iPod via the USB 2.0 port on the front, but the user interface on the TV makes it hard to decipher the track names.
* You cannot change from stereo to multichannel once an SACD is inserted into the player. You must eject, change the option on the menu, then reinsert.
* No headphone inputs in case you want to listen to the player, but don't have additional equipment to hook up to.
I've brought up some of these gripes and rather than shining me on, they are showing interest in implementing my suggestions. Can I do that with Sony? Um, no, I don't think so.
I give the player a 8.5 out of 10 - the value of being able to throw literally any disc type into it for about $150 and get EXCELLENT results, the looks (sexy black can't be wrong!), the compact size and the HDMI and 7.1 analog input/output options make the 980H the best choice in its class.
Only last thing I want to mention is that while a new model is in testing right now and should be ready by January or February 2008, OPPO players seem to have a very high resale value so if you choose to take the plunge on the 980H and find something more to your liking 3-6 months from now, such as the new 983H you can probably get most of your money back!
Ask anything else you'd like - I hope this helps!
Dan
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One more question for dbmay75
1) If I play a multichannel disc and then shut it off in multichannel mode, will it still be in multichannel mode when i start it up again, eliminating the need to keep switching to mch whenever I turn it on, whether or not I have left a disc in the machine? I basically listen in MCH exclusively.
Thanks.
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Post by Bobpaule December 17, 2007 (25 of 34)
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GREAT NEWS!!!
Compared the Oppo 980 and the Pioneer Elite DV-48AV for one week.
Oppo:
Packaged in a soft cloth wrapping with the Oppo logo, makes you feel like you
are opening something special, in tune wth the historic breakthrough in bringing DSD to the masses (no kidding, think Oppo and Onkyo basic HDMI receiver).
I fed 5.1 DSD via HDMI to a Yamaha RX-V3800/external-amps and it sounds marvelous. And yes the manual explains how to set it up to always pick up the 5.1 tracks. Only glitch i found is loss of HDCP handshake (MPAA i hate you) when changing discs with display is turned off, requiring a quick restart. Interestingly handshake works best with display set at 1080i, even though i only used it to program it. Manual is very well written. You can really tell that someone has done their homework by the front plate displaying the coveted 576 resolution attainable off DVDs only by SDI mods in the dark ages before HDMI:)Called tech support and got to talk to a total nut of a geek, had his xxxx together all the way to the laws of physics, waay to much fun to talk to, very useful and logical thinking, talked me through checks to pinpoint a problem with HDCP handshake.
Pioneer Elite:
About 3 inches shallower and 1 lb lighter than the Oppo. No frills packaging, no HDMI cable, cryptic manual. $70 more than the Oppo on a nice discount.
Only allows 2 channel DSD!!! The cruel marketers at Pio had the nerve to hide this at the very end of the manual (readable on www.onecall.com on the left side of product page) under the "Troubleshooting" section. Then, the player also ran into HDCP issues and quit video on all resolutions above 480i/p. My A35 and BD30 never had a glitch (both HBR and 24p). Add to this the slow command execution times and it lost the battle. Then, who on earth decided to leave gaping USB port open on the otherwise beautiful piano gloss faceplate ?
Overall the Chinese Oppo beats the Thai Pio by looks and performance.
Longterm Pioneer Elite fan here, had the 59 universal player for a while, loved it.
Word of warning, Pioneer Elite is fixing to release the DV-58AV, the spec sheet makes no mention of 5.1 DSD, it would be a pity to see that one miss on this important feature too.
Sorry if i sounded harsh on either player, after all i am just a newb here.
Hope this helps.
BTW ABT is a breeze to deal with when it comes to returns.
Now i have to turns the lights off and clutch my glass of Cabernet while slipping into the reverie of Roxy Music's Avalon 5.1 remaster.....
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Post by dbmay75 December 17, 2007 (26 of 34)
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threerandot said:
One more question for dbmay75
1) If I play a multichannel disc and then shut it off in multichannel mode, will it still be in multichannel mode when i start it up again, eliminating the need to keep switching to mch whenever I turn it on, whether or not I have left a disc in the machine? I basically listen in MCH exclusively.
Thanks.
Yes, from the menu on your TV, you tab down to SACD mode and select either CD Mode, Multichannel or 2-Channel. Whatever you select will remain until you change it.
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Post by dbmay75 December 17, 2007 (27 of 34)
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Bobpaule said:
GREAT NEWS!!!
Compared the Oppo 980 and the Pioneer Elite DV-48AV for one week.
Oppo:
Packaged in a soft cloth wrapping with the Oppo logo, makes you feel like you
are opening something special, in tune wth the historic breakthrough in bringing DSD to the masses (no kidding, think Oppo and Onkyo basic HDMI receiver).
I fed 5.1 DSD via HDMI to a Yamaha RX-V3800/external-amps and it sounds marvelous. And yes the manual explains how to set it up to always pick up the 5.1 tracks. Only glitch i found is loss of HDCP handshake (MPAA i hate you) when changing discs with display is turned off, requiring a quick restart. Interestingly handshake works best with display set at 1080i, even though i only used it to program it. Manual is very well written. You can really tell that someone has done their homework by the front plate displaying the coveted 576 resolution attainable off DVDs only by SDI mods in the dark ages before HDMI:)Called tech support and got to talk to a total nut of a geek, had his xxxx together all the way to the laws of physics, waay to much fun to talk to, very useful and logical thinking, talked me through checks to pinpoint a problem with HDCP handshake.
Pioneer Elite:
About 3 inches shallower and 1 lb lighter than the Oppo. No frills packaging, no HDMI cable, cryptic manual. $70 more than the Oppo on a nice discount.
Only allows 2 channel DSD!!! The cruel marketers at Pio had the nerve to hide this at the very end of the manual (readable on www.onecall.com on the left side of product page) under the "Troubleshooting" section. Then, the player also ran into HDCP issues and quit video on all resolutions above 480i/p. My A35 and BD30 never had a glitch (both HBR and 24p). Add to this the slow command execution times and it lost the battle. Then, who on earth decided to leave gaping USB port open on the otherwise beautiful piano gloss faceplate ?
Overall the Chinese Oppo beats the Thai Pio by looks and performance.
Longterm Pioneer Elite fan here, had the 59 universal player for a while, loved it.
Word of warning, Pioneer Elite is fixing to release the DV-58AV, the spec sheet makes no mention of 5.1 DSD, it would be a pity to see that one miss on this important feature too.
Sorry if i sounded harsh on either player, after all i am just a newb here.
Hope this helps.
BTW ABT is a breeze to deal with when it comes to returns.
Now i have to turns the lights off and clutch my glass of Cabernet while slipping into the reverie of Roxy Music's Avalon 5.1 remaster.....
Great choice, on both the OPPO and "Avalon" ... I finally picked up my copy today and all I've heard was the CD layer at my office, but even that is dramatically better than the redbook. I can't wait to get to the SACD layers this weekend ...
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More questions about the Oppo..
I use the "Stay In Tune with Pentatone" disc to balance and setup my speaker balance whenever I want to fine tune SACD playback. The disc contains white noise tracks for this purpose.
In oder to adjust the Speaker Distance, Delay and Channel Trim of the Oppo, is it necessary to stop playback to do so, or can I keep on playing the disc while I make these adjustments?
Any user info on this would be appreciated.
Shawn
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Post by dbmay75 December 18, 2007 (29 of 34)
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threerandot said:
More questions about the Oppo..
I use the "Stay In Tune with Pentatone" disc to balance and setup my speaker balance whenever I want to fine tune SACD playback. The disc contains white noise tracks for this purpose.
In oder to adjust the Speaker Distance, Delay and Channel Trim of the Oppo, is it necessary to stop playback to do so, or can I keep on playing the disc while I make these adjustments?
Any user info on this would be appreciated.
Shawn
In general, I make any changes before playback due to the fact that major points like EQ and speaker configuration cannot be made on the fly. As with most equipment you invest in, however, you'll want to perform some initial tweaking no matter what in order to find what you like and get comfortable with the remote and menu.
As of now, I'm still stuck with 2 speakers running through a stereo so my menu setup is fairly simple. The OPPO is connected via HDMI to my HDTV and RCA cables run from the stereo to the HDTV as well so I can listen to both the OPPO and the TV through the 2 speakers. It's not ideal of course - like many, I've fallen in love with Onkyo's new line so I'm bound for 7.1 heaven sooner than later. Alas, between the mortgage, the minivan, private school, etc. it's taking longer than I wanted it to, lol.
Cheers,
Dan
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Post by Bobpaule December 18, 2007 (30 of 34)
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The Pentatone is great if you do analog outs or do PCM (PS3) out via HDMI, where some processing occurs in the player.
In the case of DSD via HDMI/iLink the player becomes a mere "transport" and sends the signal as read off the disc bit by bit with no alterations to your processor's DSD-voltage converter like the Texas Instruments DSD1791 DAC in the RX-V2700. That is if you are lucky, if not they will have a PCM converter inside the receiver, making the whole DSD experiment and exercise in futility and redundance.
With DSD you need to calibrate the processor/receiver, the rest all depends on how they decided on the remaster in the studio, whether you like it or not.
I suggest AVIA or Digital Video Essentials and the good ol fashioned RatShack SPL meter. Now, if you have an Audyssey machine and a Behringer FB destroyer or Velodyne SMS on the sub with treated room you are right on track for the recording studio experience duplication.
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