I also prefer the Oppo Players for my listening of DVD-A and SACD media, (actually - for ALL disc media of any type!)
I have both the BDP-83 and a BDP-103 included in my home system - if it matters.
However, as much as I love this masterpiece of "Yes works", I was very disappointed in the DVD-A rendition, which I bought years ago.
Thankfully, both of those lossless formats (DVD-A and SACD) produce (arguably) equal audio fidelity, including dynamic range, resolution, and frequency response- fantastic excellence for even the most meticulous human ear to experience. So my only complaint is with "the mix".
The DVD-A mix simply "got it wrong" compared to that of the original vinyl release, (and I suppose even the 16 bit redbook CD) in its staging AND phasing.
I was appalled to the point of sadness! Instruments that were made dominant in the forefront channels of the original mix were burried or out of phase in the 5.1 DVD-A mix. Without going into a track-by-track complaint, let it suffice to say that even though I listened to this masterpiece since it came out without tiring of it, I cannot listen to the DVD-A rendition due to this anomaly.
I therefore hope that the SACD version/mix is correct - or rather as the original mix sounded with respect to the staging (which was perfect).
But it seems I am alone in this opinion - or else just alone in voicing it this way. The works are certainly worth re-buying if need-be, but one shouldn't have to!
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