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OPPO 205 VS 105 QUESTIONS

     I'd like to upgrade from my current  Oppo 105 to the 205 but need advice on whether there are functions the 105 does that the 205 cannot.  I'm basically just looking to upgrade from the 1080p video playback of the 105 to the 4K playback of the 205 while still having all of the audio capabilities I currently use on the 105 
     I currently use the 105 in a combination 2-ch music and 5.1 surround ht audio system.  For video I have a 65" Panasonic plasma that is 1080p but wanted the 205 just in case I purchase a 4K OLED hdtv in the near future.  The 4K and high contrast color are really the only reasons I'm considering upgrading to the 205.
     But my questions are all concerned with the 205's audio capabilities:

1.  Can I connect the 205 to my Xfinity cable wi-fi router/modem via an rs43 ethernet cable just like the 105?
     My main 2-ch music source is a 2TB NAS, also connected to my wi-fi router/modem via ethernet,  that contains my entire 16/44 CD collection and a growing number of 24/96 hi-res music files. The NAS  only contains audio files, no video files.  I use a wireless laptop running JRiver Media Center to select the music file to play.  All is functioning flawlessly and just want to make sure swapping in the 205 via ethernet will work the same way.  I understand the 205 has the latest top of line Saber dac chips that are likely an improvement over the 105's Saber 9018 chips.  


2.  Can I send internet music files (currently only Spotify but likely others in the future)  to the 205 from my laptop for use as a digital streaming playback device utilizing its internal dacs just like the 105?  

3.  Can I connect the 205 directly to my amps as I currently do with the 105?  If so, does it have dedicated XLR l+r stereo outputs and rca outputs for the surround channels just like the 105?

4.  What would you do: be content with the 1080p Oppo 105 and Panasonic 1080p plasma that are functioning very well or upgrade to a 4K Oppo 205 and 4K OLED both with improved color capacity?

5.  Are there any other significant differences between the 105 and 205 that you think I should be aware of?

     I understand the 205 is currently in short supply but know that Oppo is planning on 1 final production run of the  205 before bowing out of the market. I did signup on the Oppo website fairly early for notification of future availability.  I really want to avoid buying one of the currently still available 205s, but at significantly increased prices, if I can.  I'm going to ask Oppo if I can reserve one of the final run units if I prepay.

Thanks in advance for your assistance,
   Tim
noble100
mcgal
189 posts
 

I recently received a 205. I noticed an immediate improvement in sound quality over my 105D when I hooked it up for a BluRay concert in 5.1. It also sounds better than the 105D through the balanced stereo outputs though I only listened in 2 channel for a minute or two. I use a separate 2 channel system for CD's, SACD's, MQA and HiRes files.

I have my 105D connected to my 205 via the HDMI input on the 205. That way I can watch Netflix, Cable and You Tube since the 205 can't do it by itself. Picture quality is also an improvement for me now than I can connect to my 4K projector.

milpai's avatar
milpai
1,341 posts
 
@mcgal,Would it be easy for you to introduce your 105 and 205 in the 2-channel system and compare the sound quality? Just checking. BTW, what is the disc player in your 2-channel system?
mcgal
189 posts
 
milpai, my HT system is down in the mancave and my 2 channel system is on the 1st floor so they are not physically close. My 2 channel system is a lot more expensive than my HT system so it is not a fair comparison to compare an Oppo which is an excellent universal player with my Esoteric K-01x which is an excellent dedicated 2 channel player.
12blistn
12 posts
 
I have a 105D and didn't buy the 205 on the first run because of the lack of some features, specifically the powered HDMI input on the front and the streaming capabilities.  Gracenote wasn't a deal breaker.  I was hoping OPPO would come out with a better version instead of quitting production.  I did get a 205 on the second run in case another manufacturer doesn't step up and fill the need for a high quality universal player.

I've run balanced cables from the stereo outputs of both to a pre amp for 2 channel comparison with SACDs.  With my old ears, the 205 sounds a little better, but not astoundingly better.  Album art shows up on some cd's, but not all.  Haven't Tried the video with 4K yet, but it's a nice picture on 1080p. I run my cable box HDMI out to the input on the back of the 105D and use the front HDMI input for ROKU and Firestick.  I run wireless headphones off the stereo RCA jacks.  That way, I don't have to turn on the amps to watch TV without disturbing others.  The 205 has more USB inputs.  I'm not sure what advantage that will be for me.
Hope this helps with your decision.
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