Which Oppo for Music?

[Jaybeez]

I'm running out of room on my Mac and am looking to put all my music (AAC, ALAC, WAV) on a USB hard drive and connect it to an Oppo. I'm also interested in getting into SACD and DVD Audio.
This will all be played in my 2 channel space (treated recording studio / listening room).
I most likely will never use the unit for movies, as the Mrs. likes it real simple, and all that gear is in another room.
Have had the opportunity to demo gear recently and owners had an Oppo (not sure which model) which I found had a great interface.
I've done a ton of research on the various models (83, 83SE, 93, 95, 103 and 105) and am unsure what would be most suitable for purpose.
I believe models from 93 up have the ability to be controlled via App, which appeals to me (I don't have a TV in my studio / listening room).
Searches for used gear are a bit surprising, as I'm seeing 83s and 93s at or above the price of a new 103.
I'm fairly certain a new 103 would best suit my needs, but wanted to see if there is something I'm missing which explains the elevated pricing on the used gear?

 

[j_garcia]

SACD and DVD-A are long since over, but there are still good examples available for reasonable prices. Some titles are out of print and are very expensive at this point, and selection of any titles is pretty meager these days.

83 93 and 103/103D are the lower models, while the 83SE, 95 and 105/105D are the higher models and are the ones you would be after for a music system. Once they are setup, which does not involve much for a 2ch setup, you wouldn't really need a display. I don't turn my TV on to listen to music with the 105. I've owned the 970, 980, 83SE and now the 105. All were very good and all of them did SACD/DVD-A.

The confusion is because the older models almost certainly have been modified since they are long out of warranty. Unless I heard it myself, I would not blind buy a modded unit.

 

[Jaybeez]

Excellent feedback, thanks for taking the time to explain.

I am still attracted to the ability to run my entire digital library from hard drive through Oppo, and have been splurging on HDTracks of late.

It clearly looks like new is the better option, but not sure I have the $$ for a 105 at this point, having just shelled out $1500 for some new speakers.

Would a 103 be a huge compromise? My alternative would be to wait until I can come up with the scratch for a 105 and continue to stream via Airport Express and optical cable. Not a bad option, but pretty sure the Oppo would be better.

 

[4thChoice]

SACD and DVD-A are long since over, but there are still good examples available for reasonable prices. Some titles are out of print and are very expensive at this point, and selection of any titles is pretty meager these days.

83 93 and 103/103D are the lower models, while the 83SE, 95 and 105/105D are the higher models and are the ones you would be after for a music system. Once they are setup, which does not involve much for a 2ch setup, you wouldn't really need a display. I don't turn my TV on to listen to music with the 105. I've owned the 970, 980, 83SE and now the 105. All were very good and all of them did SACD/DVD-A.

The confusion is because the older models almost certainly have been modified since they are long out of warranty. Unless I heard it myself, I would not blind buy a modded unit.

j_garcia - Like your avatar. Posted same pic recently under "joke of the day" on several other sites recently, and NO I am not implying/insinuating you are a joke as I have found your comments useful/knowledgeable/informative etc. Have not always agreed with them, but like to read 'em.

FWIW and IMO - Jaybeez, save up for the 105. In the long run it will much better suit your needs. You may want to take a look at the Cambridge Audio 752BD too as it being replaced by the CXU and has been marked down to $800.

 

[sterling shoote]

I like the 105. I am saving for one right now. It will give me the ability to enjoy multi-channel SACDs through my multi-channel analog preamp. There has never been much out there available on SACD but I don't care. The format is not dead however as some imply. I get recordings off of Amazon. They have a selection of the music genres I like.