Slim PS3 Vs Oppo BD83

[murthyvs]

Hi all,

I have a PS3-60GB (2007 model) that does everything fine but cannot bitstream HD audio (Master Audio and TrueHD). I am planning on trading the PS3-60GB and getting a new Slim PS3 (I dont play PS2 games/ dont want external OS loaded etc. - just play PS3 games and watch BD movies) that can bitstream HD audio (and my Denon 4308CI AVR do the rest). But I recently came across this Oppo BD83 and the reviews are fantastic but the downside - it cannot play PS3 games.

Can someone share their first hand comparison on these? I dont have a whole bunch of SACD's and DVD-A's - so if I decide to get an Oppo it should justify the incremental $$ for awesome video and audio quality.

Thanks!

 

[Seth=L]

IMHO, you should keep the 60GB PS3.

Ask yourself, "What's the advantage of bitstreaming Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA when my PS3 decodes these formats and sends up to 7.1 lossless PCM to the receiver?"

The only difference there will be is that instead of the conversion of the HD audio codecs to LPCM will take place in the receiver instead of the PS3. The receiver's DACs are still used and all other post processing can still be fully utilized with a multichannel PCM sound track.

Another cool bit is that the 60GB PS3 plays SACDs, the Slim version does not. Many DVD-Audio discs include a DTS 5.1 track. I personally was never able to differentiate between the DTS or MLP Lossless tracks on these DVD-Audio discs. I'm not saying there isn't a difference, but you can still enjoy the delights of a well mastered 5.1 audio recording with a very good lossy codec.

The best part about my plan is that it saves you from getting an Oppo or new PS3. This allows you to allocate those funds to the next upgrade you were considering. New subwoofer in the cards? How about some acoustic treatments?

Edit: Through reading your other posts I see you got your sub fix already.

 

[j_garcia]

The only place where I think you would notice a big difference between the PS3 and the Oppo is if you watch a lot of SD DVDs. The upscaling on the Oppo is quite a bit better than the PS3. In all other respects, they are pretty similar with the exception of DVD-A. Since you are a gamer it sounds like, I'd stick with the PS3 also.

 

[Ares]

I will second Seth's opinion I have listened to True HD and DTS-MA in bitstream and in PCM and I was hard pressed to hear a difference, is there a difference might be but I could not tell. Save your money but if you really want to spend it go with Oppo. I would rather have a 60GB launch PS3 over a Slim any day.

 

[murthyvs]

IMHO, you should keep the 60GB PS3.

Ask yourself, "What's the advantage of bitstreaming Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA when my PS3 decodes these formats and sends up to 7.1 lossless PCM to the receiver?"

The only difference there will be is that instead of the conversion of the HD audio codecs to LPCM will take place in the receiver instead of the PS3. The receiver's DACs are still used and all other post processing can still be fully utilized with a multichannel PCM sound track.

Another cool bit is that the 60GB PS3 plays SACDs, the Slim version does not. Many DVD-Audio discs include a DTS 5.1 track. I personally was never able to differentiate between the DTS or MLP Lossless tracks on these DVD-Audio discs. I'm not saying there isn't a difference, but you can still enjoy the delights of a well mastered 5.1 audio recording with a very good lossy codec.

The best part about my plan is that it saves you from getting an Oppo or new PS3. This allows you to allocate those funds to the next upgrade you were considering. New subwoofer in the cards? How about some acoustic treatments?

Edit: Through reading your other posts I see you got your sub fix already.

Stick with PS3-60GB makes sense ...

Agreed, I am not an audiophile - but frankly, I didnt hear any difference between lossless PCM Vs. bitstream .. all that's bugging me is to see that TrueHD/MA light on my Denon and my myth that Denon can do conversion better than PS3.

Right now that Denon guy sits there and does very little (under utilized for $ spent) - just powering my speakers: Aperion 6T's, 6C, 5DB's, taking inputs from Comcast HD box, X360, Wii and HTPC and sending it to Bravia 46XBR9.

Yep, SVS PB12-Plus is on its way. Scheduled for 3/18 delivery. Excited.

 

[Seth=L]

myth that Denon can do conversion better than PS3.

To my knowledge there has been no credible objective evidence that would indicate a sonic difference between any receiver or preamp/processor doing the conversion over the PS3.

Depending on who we are, or how off our rockers we may be, it might be worth spending $300-600 to see the DTS-HD Master Audio indicator light up on our receivers.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

You can't surf porn on a Oppo BD83....

Easy choice...

 

[Ares]

To my knowledge there has been no credible objective evidence that would indicate a sonic difference between any receiver or preamp/processor doing the conversion over the PS3.

Depending on who we are, or how off our rockers we may be, it might be worth spending $300-600 to see the DTS-HD Master Audio indicator light up on our receivers.

What you don't trust the reviewers with Golden Ears? All joking a side save your money just like Seth said it's not worth the money unless you would like to see the receiver's True HD or DTS-MA light up.

 

[murthyvs]

What you don't trust the reviewers with Golden Ears? All joking a side save your money just like Seth said it's not worth the money unless you would like to see the receiver's True HD or DTS-MA light up.

Yep ... I am backing off ..

 

[Seth=L]

Yep ... I am backing off ..

LOL @ implications.

 

[PENG]

http://hometheatermag.com/discplayers/sony_playstation_3_game_consoleblu-ray_player/index1.html

Read this review and be happy. as the reviewer said his Oppo can upscale DVD better but not by much.

The Oppo is nice but not everyone has reason to pay $499.99 (plus shipping) for it when you can pick up a player at 1/3 or lower price with practically equal BR PQ and almost as good DVD upscaling capability. On the audio side, only audiophiles pay attention to SACD and DVDA but then they (me included) would not be happy with the 83 and upgrade to the 83SE would set you back another extra $400 if that's important to you.

Actually no matter how good a job the Oppo can do to a DVD it is still only going to get you DVD PQ. I find my slim upscaling practically as good as my Pioneer and Samsung that has the Reon. One disadvantage of the PS3 is that it does not deinterlace 1080i but it may not matter if you have a display that does a good job. In my case I cannot tell the difference between my players or TV do the deinterlacing.

 

[mike c]

if the cash was burning my pocket ...

i'd keep the 60gb ps3 for games
buy the oppo for playing BD's

i like having one specialized component for each type of format (why i still keep a DVD player on all my systems)

 

[murthyvs]

http://hometheatermag.com/discplayers/sony_playstation_3_game_consoleblu-ray_player/index1.html

Read this review and be happy. as the reviewer said his Oppo can upscale DVD better but not by much.

The Oppo is nice but not everyone has reason to pay $499.99 (plus shipping) for it when you can pick up a player at 1/3 or lower price with practically equal BR PQ and almost as good DVD upscaling capability. On the audio side, only audiophiles pay attention to SACD and DVDA but then they (me included) would not be happy with the 83 and upgrade to the 83SE would set you back another extra $400 if that's important to you.

Actually no matter how good a job the Oppo can do to a DVD it is still only going to get you DVD PQ. I find my slim upscaling practically as good as my Pioneer and Samsung that has the Reon. One disadvantage of the PS3 is that it does not deinterlace 1080i but it may not matter if you have a display that does a good job. In my case I cannot tell the difference between my players or TV do the deinterlacing.

This makes me feel happy and stay calm

Thanks

 

[Jack Hammer]

On a similar note I've really been unhappy with the PQ on my older DVD's when played via the PS3 and have been wondering how much of a difference a separate DVD player with better upscaling would make. Some of them really look awful (I've been buying DVD's since they first came out, so some are older and poorly mastered versions). The PS3 is fine for BD, how much of a difference would I notice with another player dedicated for better DVD PQ?

 

[murthyvs]

On a similar note I've really been unhappy with the PQ on my older DVD's when played via the PS3 and have been wondering how much of a difference a separate DVD player with better upscaling would make. Some of them really look awful (I've been buying DVD's since they first came out, so some are older and poorly mastered versions). The PS3 is fine for BD, how much of a difference would I notice with another player dedicated for better DVD PQ?

Ditto .. I have recently played some recent (2006) DVD's and not happy w/PQ on PS3 although I turned on upconversion feature in the settings. BD works just fine. I am saving some $$ to buy a 400-disc BD changer that has nice up-conversion abilities

 

[murthyvs]

if the cash was burning my pocket ...

i'd keep the 60gb ps3 for games
buy the oppo for playing BD's

i like having one specialized component for each type of format (why i still keep a DVD player on all my systems)

That is nice .. but I beg to differ.. I need one jack of all trades (Audio, Video discs) and a complete master of all

I will wait .. save some $$ to buy a 400-disc BD changer that has nice up-conversion and awesome audio abilities.

 

[Seth=L]

That is nice .. but I beg to differ.. I need one jack of all trades (Audio, Video discs) and a complete master of all

I will wait .. save some $$ to buy a 400-disc BD changer that has nice up-conversion and awesome audio abilities.

I've only seen a changer of that size from Sony, and I doubt it has a good scaler.

 

[j_garcia]

Nothing that holds 400 discs is going to be any good.

 

[darien87]

You can't surf porn on a Oppo BD83....

Easy choice...

True, but the PS 3 sucks as a web browser. If I have to click "yes" on that dumb-***, "Do you want to run the plug-in?" prompt one more time...

 

[murthyvs]

Nothing that holds 400 discs is going to be any good.

Agreed .. may be we have to wait ...