OPPO BDP-95 Blu-ray Player First Look

[zildjian]

Here's the first article I've seen with audio output measurements from the new Oppo players.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/blu-r...e.html?start=1

I'll post this in both the BDP-93 & 95 threads since it applies to both.

I've been very pleased with the performance of the BDP-95. I've watched a several blu-ray discs on it, but mostly I've been listening to SACD & DVD-A discs via the analog outputs mostly. When I get a new pre-pro, I'll start using the balanced outputs.

[Ausgeflippt]

Re Davee70
("I've been listening to multichannel audio discs in quad using two stereo units. Works reasonably well, though dated to be sure.")
I do the same thing. Never knew anyone else did this. All Sansui vintage here.Two-channel throughout the house, using G-9000, AU-919, AU-11000, BA/CA F-1interconnected to run multiple pairs of speakers in every room of the house, wired through the walls, across the attic and back down again to banana plug outlets. For surround in the bedroom, the rear RCAs of my Sony SCD-CE595, modified by Tube Research Labs, are plugged into the AU-11000, while the G-9000 runs the fronts. (I do have another amp and speaker set for center, but mostly useless. Most multi-channel "surround sound" SACDs are strictly 4-channel.) The rest of the house is 2-channel, although the sound comes at you from just about everywhere.
This may be dated, but I doubt if it can be beat.
I suspect I will pre-order the BDP-95. I've been following the OPPO stuff for a year now and have waited it out for the second generation "Special Edition."

[PearlcorderS701]

I'm still waiting for the model 90 to be reveiled. Two HDMI outputs would be ideal. One output would connect directly to the TV for watching movies w/o use of a receiver as well as a stellar upconverter (from the Blu-Ray player itself) and the other connected to a receiver with a stellar upconverter. Preferably that would mean HQV, Anchor Bay, and now Marvell. As far as I know, only Pioneer offers Marvell's chip for "big name' receivers. I have not checked Yamaha nad i know as of right now Denon only offers Anchor Bay except for the Realta (HQV) chip in its flagship receiver.

But, alas, all this wil be for "fun" as I already bought Oppo's 83 model last year. Great unit but if only I can see the future.

/sigh

You know, I was in the same camp in believing all the benefits about dual HDMI outs -- I had always thought that separating audio from video is the only way to go so that both signals come though in the most pristine fashion without degradation. So, something about one HDMI port always bugged me on HD gear -- in order to get 1080p and the lossless codecs bitstreamed, you need HDMI, so both these signals would go over one cable to an AVR or processor, where a second HDMI run would go from the AVR or processor to the display to pass the 1080p video. This is how I run my system, but something seems "wrong" about introducing a "passthrough" device like a receiver or processor between the video signal; I understand it's the only way to do it, up until now, but I always worried the video was being compromised before it went to the display doing it this way (even though manufacturers will tell you all about pristine video passthrough and HDMI 1.3-compliant repeaters and such).

Then, Denon and now Oppo introduced players with dual HDMI outs, and the promise of sending both video and audio separately to their respective terminals has been realized -- however, it was quickly explained to me by Oppo's support staff that the point of the HDMI spec was originally so that one cable could carry both audio and video, and they assured me no "loss" is occurring by using one HDMI output from my BDP-83, immediately citing the fact that the dual HDMI outs on their newer 93 and 95 players are in place really for the task of sending 3D video to a new 3D TV, while being able to send "older" HDMI 1.3 audio signals to an HDMI 1.3 receiver/processor...

At any rate, I was one of the late discoverers of the BDP-95, accidentally stumbling upon it when I glanced at their site recently. What intrigues me about the 93 and 95 -- as beyond this I don't really personally require any of these players' features because I am not using any analog connections in my HT, only HDMI for strictly DVD and BD playback -- is the Marvell processor and its advanced Noise Reduction abilities. I had a detailed discussion with Oppo's support team via email about this and they assured me the Marvell processor in these new players far surpasses the Anchor Bay's abilities in the BDP-83, and will destroy it in terms of noise suppression -- this concerned me greatly because Noise Reduction has been a very big selling point to me with players, as I have a large standard DVD collection that requires advanced, aggressive applications of NR for compression artifacts and other anamolies. Plus, there is the upconversion performance to take into consideration -- while good, the VRS Anchor Bay chipset in the BDP-83, I am told, can't hold a candle to what the Marvell processor could do for DVD upscaling, and that's yet another big seller for me.

I just can't afford to upgrade to either of these players right now...

[goodman]

It looks like the 95 is now shipping from Oppo. When will the Audioholics store have the 95 available?

[goodman]

Well, the BDP 95 is apparently now available through the Audioholics store, so I just ordered one. After it arrives, set-up, and compared with the PS3, the PS3 will be relegated to permanent bedroom duty.

[PENG]

Well, the BDP 95 is apparently now available through the Audioholics store, so I just ordered one. After it arrives, set-up, and compared with the PS3, the PS3 will be relegated to permanent bedroom duty.

Haha, I have done a little bit of that myself, and they are both staying on the rack.

[Audio Bug]

I was thinking of buying a Marantz UD7006 when I came across this thread. Now I am thinking the Oppo BDP-95 might be a better deal. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[lobanw]

Although I like the thought of trying new Oppo 95, I have to stick with my trusty model 83, 'cause I am bit short on cash. But nice unit anyway.

[Miketuason]

I just ordered the BDP-95 yesterday, can't wait to hook it up.

[PENG]

I was thinking of buying a Marantz UD7006 when I came across this thread. Now I am thinking the Oppo BDP-95 might be a better deal. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I have only got about 15 hours on mine and I cannot say its analog sounds better than HDMI to the cheap DACs in the AV7005. However, I can tell you that it DVD upscaling is good, not any sharper than my PS3 but may be a touch more natural looking. Overall I feel good about having some of the best DACs onboard, the good look, quietness, wifi, and the fact that it weighs 16 lbs.