Oppo 205 revelations, questions..
If you add a DAC and use OPPO for transport, you should be aware of the jitter on the coax outputs. See these plots: https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154408.0 https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=157348.0 Adding a reclocker like the Synchro-Mesh can make a huge difference in the clarity of 2-channel, depending on the DAC. For Dolby Digital, I recommend the iFi SPDIF iPurifier. I use both in my system. Steve N. Empirical Audio |
So I kind of lucked into the last tranche of recipients as I received my 205 on 9/12. It is pretty versatile. I use the balanced stereo outs to a Parasound Halo 2 channel and removed the Marantz AVP from the chain. I use the OPPO volume control and dial back the channel gain on the Parasound to keep my OPPO output above 70. I also ran my Apple TV hdmi into the OPPO for a significant improvement, which I was surprised by. I expected the audio to improve, which it did using the dedicated OPPO stereo path in diwnmix mode. But the picture also improved relative to a straight hdmi from AppleTv into Sony Bravia. I am rediscovering 2 channel. After decades fussing with mch a simpler setup is nice. The only problem has been using the usb dac input on the rear panel. I hooked up an onkyo HDP which also has top grades DACs and the sound did not benefit from two rounds of processing. Also, the OPPO did not index the HDP contents, making use a hassle. i glad I got it, though I hesitated. I have a 105 and 105D also for smaller rooms, |
Great to hear about video improvements. Such a useful unit. But I’m not surprised there’s no improvement from 2 rounds of processing. I’m running my Oppo into my Spectral preamp using Mit 350EVO Shotgun i/c’s ( equivalent to basic Oracle i/c’s) which are a very refined cable. I have found simpler is usually better. Why did you feel there may be a benefit? |
After experimentation I I have changed to “linear phase fast” from the default minimum phase fast. Better life and dynamics. More natural vocals. Although I appreciate the improvement through my Spectral electronics,and high level a/c isolation I seriously doubt it would be apparent with lesser equipment. I do wonder why Oppo made min phase fast the default. Anyone know? |
If you are enjoying the burned in stock 205.......you will be super happy with my mods. You can read a couple of reviews on this thread: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/oppo-205-modification I have a limited time 25% off on the mods right now. I have done a couple of more improvements to disc playback since those posts....so it is even better. My modded LKS DAC is way way out there in DAC land.....however, the modded 205 is even better playing discs. You would have to spend thousands on a DAC to make discs sound as good or better than the modded 205......seriously great sound. Then you need a great digital cable, great transport and a modded IFI Spdif Ipurifier to get even close. BTW, my custom linear power supply is way better sonically than the Oppomod one......less money too. I had to do 4 serious mods to the Oppomod supply to make it even better than the stock supply. |
No, I bought an Oppomod power supply to try (used to use modded Oppomod power supply for my 105 mods). I found that even with extensive mods it was not what I could make.....so, I am making my own even better power supply (you can see pics on my site). One of many things that is better on mine is that the power transformer is located in the back......not butting up right against the other toroid. You do not want two transformers interacting. My power supply is normally cheaper than the Oppomod one too.....and now 25% off. |
No, haven't tried Linear Phase Fast. I have to drag the 205 into my TV room to access the menu so I went with the Apodizing filter as I familiar from my Rega DAC. May experiment in the future. The 205 sounds so good! I really must hear an "Uber" player sometime to find out why they cost so much more. |
For Oppo 205 owners. Gary Galo’s review of the 205 in Audio Express is very detailed and thorough. Perhaps more informed as he owns the 205 and 105. He’s a retired educator at the University level who remains highly involved in music and technology. I appreciate the new information he provides. A bit of a reference for some inner workings and background. |
I don't know guys. I like mine very much, but I would have to say my favorite part is probably the headphone jack. It sounds really good with the Oppo PM3 headphones, which I was lucky enough to get on Amazon for $399. I like the simplicity of just plugging into 1 box and listening. But sonically I think it's good but not surprisingly so. I am pleased that the CD replay is better than I thought it would be, but the SACD doesn't really seem much better, if at all. But if we're passing along any tips here, I would say that it sounds markedly better when warmed up for a few hours and leaving it on Pure, or whatever it's called when you turn off the video, makes it run much cooler. But all in all, given the fact that it's a 1-box player that plays everything and has a good headphone output, I'm very happy with my purchase at the original list price. |
@ptss I am loving mine too. I got my 205 modded by Ric Schultz at EVS and his mods make a really big difference in pretty much every way. I am simply shocked at what a Redbook Compact Disc can now sound like....even once bright sounding discs sound great. As good as a stock 205 sounds after having Ric's mods done I bet it competes very well with dacs costing a whole lot more. I would also highly recommend the Schroeder Method of using double IC runs (Teo Audio Ultra's) using RCA Y connectors as well as the Perfect Path Contact Enhancer. My system has kept improving almost weekly, for the past 11 weeks, to the point where I may not purchase new speakers anymore. I am simply thrilled at the sound coming out of my Hales Transcendance 5's now! |
@allanblissett . I don’t know your system. Please be advised using an isolation transformer to reduce common mode noise and ground leak,for just your Oppo 205 will give an “immense” improvement in sound quality. Please: try it! It was truly startling in my setup Spectral,MIT. I was pleased before but gobsmacked with the improvement :). Cheers |
@bultaco. Stingray,a large music provider in Canada,is the music provider on Telus, a major cable tv provider in Canada. I take the feed directly from the cable box via high speed HDMI cable to the Oppo 205. I’m pleased and when I think back to the old days when all we enjoyed was AM radio on a transistor portable; I realize I’m getting better sound with decent dynamics from the cable; even though it’s a far cry from Oppo CD quality - which I’m amazed with! |
@bultaco. The isolation transformer is an old MIT ISO HC I’ve had for years but wasn’t using. That unit is for common mode noise and elimination of noise transmitted via ground. It’s surprising how effective it is. You should also have something to eliminate differential mode noise. I’m very happy with a Sound Application unit I have for that. But even the MIT Z Stabilizer 2 is very worthwhile if the rest of the system is refined. Mine is Spectral and high level MIT cabling. FWIW I use a separate Equitech 2Q for the Spectral; works well for me. |
I@allanblissett. The ifi sounds interesting. I’d like to hear your experience. My experience is that no single isolation/conditioning unit does what I achieve using a combination of balanced power for common mode noise and other units for differential noise. MIT has recently brought out a $16,000 unit. Im sure it’s a serious effort - but I’ll bet dollars to donuts it will complement Equitech balanced power. It relates to the nature of ac power. Blessings to Martin Glasband, the inventor of the patented Equitech Q series. IMHO the humble Oppo 205 plays “vastly” better than anyone listening to less than a state of the art system (or my system even) can imagine; when it receives pure ac power. The only mod I’d do is to change the digital power supply to one like the Oppomod unit. But I’m amazed at my CD replay as it is. FWIW I attend live classical concerts including opera and ballet regularly; music lover, fussy ears. Cheers :) ! |
@ptss , the iF1digital purifier is suppose to lower jitter, so I am trying it on the optical input of the 205. It can also do coax. So far it seems to give a smoother presentation using it between a Audioengin B1 and the 205. I will try it on the coax from my Directv box next, that should be a bigger improvement. The only negative so far is more clutter. |
