Oppo BDP-95 as a pure two channel audio source?

Thanks Shakedown appreciate it. I think I'm beginning to take a sip of the Koolaid with this unit, just to many personal post and professional reviews echoing what you, Freediver and Csontos are saying. Can't fight the feeling any longer, I just have to hear for myself. Could what everyone is saying really be true? That a $1,200 universal home theater player rivals the best dedicated cd units from the likes of Ayre and Esoteric? I think I'll pick up the new 105 and give it a shot, afterall, Music Direct has a 30 Day return policy right? Thanks to all again, looking forward to being astounded and sharing my impressions.

Jayh31,

Your OP didn't make it explicit, but I assume you'd be using the analog output of the Oppo BDP-95. Balanced stereo output to a processor in bypass mode is very impressive, especially if you set SACD output to DSD in the Oppo menu.

db

Thanks DB. Yes, I would be using the analog RCA output of the Oppo as my amp, (LFD NCSE MkII) does not offer balanced outs. Which now that you mention it, does bring me to another question/concern. Will I be sacrificing to much of the Oppos' capability by not going balanced? Also, it's my understanding that there is an Audio Only setting that eliminates the video features of the unit, are there other set up modes I should be aware of to optimize the Oppos two channel audio sound?

Jay...Do not worry about the Balanced and Unbalanced scenario...its all relative to your distances from units to amplifiers and picking up noise...Read this thread and hopefully it will shed some light on the subject...the second and especially the third posts are on spot...

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-42977.html

Jay asks, "Will I be sacrificing to much of the Oppos' capability by not going balanced?"

I'm not sure, but I think the XLR stereo may get special DAC treatment. Oppo tech is very responsive and helpful. You can turn off video with the PURE AUDIO button on the remote. It may be an option in the setup menu as well, but my BDP-95 serves both music and HT so I haven't tried that.

Before limiting yourself to two channel audio, you may want to explore music on Blu-ray with the lossless codecs. The BDP-95 is spectacular with those discs.

db