Oppo 83 se

[andres6]

Here's another question:

1) I remember someone from Oppo telling me when I called them long ago that all outputs on the 83/83SE units remain on all of the time concurrently (unless you are in Pure Direct mode). Therefore, since the Oppo 83SE has even higher performance DAC's for the 2 channel analog outputs (yes, even higher than the high performance multichannel outs; which in turn are a cut above the regular 83 non-special edition analog outs), couldn't I use the ultra superior 2 DAC's for my front channels, and still use the other multichannel outs for the rest of the 5.1 or 7.1 system? This would help to eliminate the need for another set of cables, and also configuring my system to switch inputs/functions when I'm listening to 2 channel music instead of multichannel. I find it very convenient to not have to change my receiver's settings when switching from say a 2 channel SACD and a multichannel SACD.

Should I try this setup to see if I can maximize the sound quality out of my front main speakers while maintaining multichannel capability using the same source and inputs on all equipment?

 

[Ron Temple]

I might be wrong, but I think the dedicated 2 channel outs downmix the entire 5.1 signal if that's your source, so no, I don't think that will work. Yes, they are all active.

 

[bogrod]

Remember that noone has been able to prove that they can hear the difference between one properly operating DAC versus another. In other words, the benefits of the SE are dubious at best.

 

[Ron Temple]

Remember that noone has been able to prove that they can hear the difference between one properly operating DAC versus another. In other words, the benefits of the SE are dubious at best.

Well since the SE and 83 measure differently at audible levels and my experience plus everyone elses that have owned both can hear it. I don't think your statement holds water.

 

[j_garcia]

Remember that noone has been able to prove that they can hear the difference between one properly operating DAC versus another. In other words, the benefits of the SE are dubious at best.

Sorry, I am with Ron on this one. I've had the same system for a few years now and the difference between the 83 and the SE was immediately noticeable in my system.

 

[bogrod]

So there's been a proper test (double blind, level-matched) showing that one can hear differences between properly functioning DAC's? I'm being serious (not trying to be antagonistic). As far as I know, there hasn't been.

 

[sptrout]

So there's been a proper test (double blind, level-matched) showing that one can hear differences between properly functioning DAC's? I'm being serious (not trying to be antagonistic). As far as I know, there hasn't been.

You may want to read the article at: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/blu-ray-players/756-oppo-bdp-83se-special-edition-universal-blu-ray-player.html

Some good information about the AQ between the different 83 Models.

 

[bogrod]

You may want to read the article at: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/blu-ray-players/756-oppo-bdp-83se-special-edition-universal-blu-ray-player.html

Some good information about the AQ between the different 83 Models.

Thanks for the link, and I do see the numbers. But I'm trying to find out if any of it is actually audible (i.e. that someone can discern the differences in a level matched double blind situation). There are subjective opinions that the differences are very much noticeable, but again I'm waiting for evidence that this is not simply bias at play.

 

[bogrod]

(sound of crickets chirping...)

Okay. I guess I got my answer. It is something that is utterly and completely subjective, much like cabling and a lot of other stuff in audio.

 

[j_garcia]

(sound of crickets chirping...)

Okay. I guess I got my answer. It is something that is utterly and completely subjective, much like cabling and a lot of other stuff in audio.

So the answer really is, go buy one of each and let us know how it goes since you are the one asking...

If you ask how much a dollar is worth and nobody answers, that doesn't mean it is worth nothing. Your logic doesn't work there.

 

[TLS Guy]

Remember that noone has been able to prove that they can hear the difference between one properly operating DAC versus another. In other words, the benefits of the SE are dubious at best.

I don't think the DACs are the issue, it is the difference on the analog circuitry that is the nub of this issue. Oppo even admit there is only merit to buying the SE if you are going to use the analog outputs.