Oppo 203 setup/tweaks


I auditioned then purchased an Oppo UDP 203 having had the BDP 105 for some years.  I first resolved that the Digital Filter setting was critical for best audio performance  that setting being the 5th, super slow (roll-off rate).  I have found setup/tweeks to be very important in maximizing performance and would like to get personal experiences specific to this player where improvements were made.
xlinkaudio
My experience with the 203 as with the 105 is with its own internal DAC where it is a AKM (Japanese) and Sabre respectively.  With 4 of the digital filters the 203 was good but did not come up to the 105 in audio performance, but, on the 5th (super slow) I was surprised, it surpassed the 105.  A more natural and open sound, more harmonic structure and texture.  In both cases I am using the internal digital volume controls and connecting direct to the power amp.  In bottom end strength the 203 was no stronger than the 105 and maybe slightly less-not really sure.  Both are good, but, not the end all in bottom end strength.
If you're using an Oppo 203, the best upgrade you can make - and the first place you should look - is to replace the switching power supply (SPS) with a linear power supply (LPS).  It's a 15 minute direct swap with a screwdriver and no "tweak" will come close to the upgrade that an LPS will make in performance across the board, whether you're using the analog outputs, digital outputs, or using it for movies.