Oppo Bdp 95 Review

[petetherock]

Review of the Oppo BDP 95

Specifications:

(The bits in bold are really exciting)

High Fidelity Audio Performance:

* SABRE32 Reference Audio DAC - The DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) is one of the most important components for digital audio playback. The SABRE32 Reference ES9018 from ESS Technology is the world’s best performing 32-bit audio DAC solution targeted for high-end consumer applications and professional studio equipment. With the ESS patented 32-bit Hyperstream™ DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the SABRE32 Reference DAC delivers an unprecedented DNR (Dynamic Range) of up to 135dB and THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise) of -120dB, the industry’s highest performance level that will satisfy even the most demanding audio enthusiast. The BDP-95 uses two ES9018 DAC chips - one for the 7.1-channel output, and another for the dedicated stereo output.

* Toroidal Power Supply - Custom designed and built by Rotel, the toroidal power transformer offers superior inrush current and much lower exterior magnetic field over traditional laminated steel core transformers. The BDP-95's toroidal linear power supply provides a very clean and robust power source to the critical audio components.

* Dedicated Stereo Output - The BDP-95 features a dedicated 2-channel analog output with specially optimized ES9018 DAC and output driving stages. Each output is driven by 4 DAC channels stacking together to achieve even greater audio performance.

* XLR Balanced Stereo Output - The stereo output offers both XLR balanced and RCA single-ended connectors. The balanced output features a true differential signal path all the way from the DAC to the 3-pin XLR connector. By transmitting a pair of differential signals, the balanced output provides better common-mode noise rejection and improves signal quality.

* 7.1-Channel Analog Output - Individual analog 7.1-channel surround outputs are ideal to connect to a 7.1-channel or 5.1-channel surround sound system. Powered by the ES9018 SABRE32 Reference DAC, the BDP-95 delivers an incredible and immersive multi-channel soundstage.

* Digital Optical and Coaxial Outputs - For simple and easy connection to more traditional A/V receivers, the BDP-95 features both optical and coaxial outputs for digital audio.

* Dolby® TrueHD - Dolby TrueHD delivers lossless studio master quality audio designed specifically for high definition entertainment. The BDP-95 supports bit-stream output of Dolby TrueHD via its HDMI 1.4a output. It can also internally decode Dolby TrueHD into LPCM and output via HDMI or the 7.1ch analog audio output terminals. (Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus audio formats are also supported.).

* DTS-HD Master Audio™ - DTS-HD Master Audio delivers an auditory experience that matches the lifelike images of high-definition video with up to 7.1 channels that are bit-for-bit identical to the studio master. The BDP-95 supports bit-stream output of DTS-HD Master Audio. It can also internally decode DTS-HD Master Audio and output via HDMI or the 7.1ch analog audio output terminals. (DTS-HD High Resolution Audio and DTS Digital Surround are also supported.)

Note - Although the BDP-95 shares the same playback platform as the BDP-93, it is designed from the ground up with a different chassis and many different components optimized for the analog audio performance. For this reason it is not possible to upgrade a BDP-93 to gain the BDP-95's enhanced audio performance by replacing parts.

Diversified Media Support:

* Blu-ray Disc - The high definition Blu-ray Disc™ format provides pristine video and audio quality for your home entertainment.

* Blu-ray 3D – Experience high definition in all new dimensions. The BDP-95 supports the new Blu-ray 3D specifications (3D television and glasses required).

* Netflix Instant Streaming Ready - Instantly watch movies streamed to your TV via the internet when connected to the OPPO BDP-95. (Unlimited membership required. US only)

* Blockbuster on Demand - The newest releases instantly from your couch! (Service available in the United States only)

* BD-Live & BonusVIEW - The BDP-95 supports BD-Live™ (Profile 2.0) and contains all necessary hardware - audio/video decoder, Ethernet and wireless networking, and 1GB of internal storage - for BD-Live. It also supports BonusVIEW (Profile 1.1) enabling "picture-in-picture" and audio features for viewing director or actor commentary while the main movie is playing.

* DVD-Audio - The BDP-95 plays DVD-Audio and supports both stereo and multi-channel high resolution audio programs. Users can select whether to play the DVD-Audio or the DVD-Video portion of the disc.

* SACD - The BDP-95 plays Super Audio CD (SACD) and supports both stereo and multi-channel high resolution audio programs. Users can select whether to output the DSD (Direct Stream Digital) signal in its native format over HDMI or convert it into high resolution PCM.

* Additional Disc & Media Formats - Additional disc and file formats, such as DVD, audio CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD, AVCHD, MP4, DivX, MKV, FLAC, WAV and other audio/video/picture files on recorded discs, USB or eSATA drives can be played back on the BDP-95.

Video

Unparalleled Video Quality:

• Qdeo by Marvell - The BDP-95 incorporates Marvell's Kyoto-G2 video processor with the second generation Qdeo™ technology. Qdeo video processing delivers a truly immersive viewing experience by rendering quiet natural video free of noise and artifacts for all types of content. For high-quality Blu-ray content, the BDP-95 faithfully reproduces the program just as the director intended; for DVD, the up-converted picture quality bridges the visual gap from your current DVD library to Blu-ray discs; for network streaming and user-encoded content at a variety of formats and quality, the BDP-95 offers enhancement options including video noise reduction, compression artifact reduction, intelligent color, contrast, detail and edge enhancements. More Info
  
• DVD Up-Conversion - Per-pixel motion-adaptive de-interlacing and advanced scaling transforms the standard definition image on DVDs to near high definition video quality. Additional Qdeo video processing options help to deliver a clearer, smoother, and true-to-life picture free of noise and artifacts.
  
• Full HD 1080p Output - The BDP-95 features user selectable video output resolutions, including 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and up to 1080p 50 or 60Hz.
  
• True 24p™ Video - Many Blu-ray Discs are recorded at 24 frames per second, the same frame rate as the original movie's theatrical release. The BDP-95 can faithfully redeliver the original frames using 1080p 24Hz output (compatible display required) for smoother motion and a flicker-free, film-like home theater experience.
  
• Source Direct Mode - For users who wish to use an external video processor, high-end audio/video receiver or display, the BDP-95 offers a "Source Direct" mode. The original audio/video content on the discs is sent out with no additional processing or alteration.
  
• Multiple Zoom Modes - The BDP-95 supports multiple levels of aspect ratio control and image zooming, including a vertical stretch mode for customers with a 2.35:1 CIH (Constant Image Height) display system. A unique subtitle shift feature allows the user to move the subtitle up and down, making it possible to see all subtitle text when using a 2.35:1 CIH display. (Blu-ray discs with BD-Java may prohibit zoom operation.)
  
• Dual HDMI v1.4a Outputs - Two assignable HDMI v1.4a outputs are provided to capitalize on the optimum audio and video settings to all old, new, and future HDMI televisions and receivers. With the option of full audio and video output to 2 displays; or dedicate one HDMI for audio, the other for video, it promotes a high quality video and audio for both signal paths. The BDP-95 supports 3D and Deep Color modes on both HDMI output ports.
  

Most of the information above is available from the official Oppo Website:

http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-95/

The manual can be downloaded from here: http://download.oppodigital.com/BDP95/BDP-...Manual_v1.2.pdf

Links to other reviews:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/universal-p...erformance.html

Comparing the Oppo:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread....30#post20042430

Introduction:

Oppo has emerged from being a small online firm with some value for money DVD players to one which still offers some value for money Hi Definition players but also for being audiophile maestros. And all this in the space of just a few years.

These days, they have left the super cheap model, (well they were never the cheapest) to embrace the giant killing model, where they offer good prices rather than great prices, and instead show that they have added quality audiophile components which offer a great musical listening experience, as well as retaining their traditional excellence in outputting high quality video for both SD DVDs and Blu Ray.

They came of age with the BDP 83, which was a nice piece of equipment for USD 499. And with the 9x series, they now take the game to a higher level, especially with the BDP 95, which is touted as an audiophile’s Blu Ray player that offers an all-in-one device which excels in both audio and video.

Components:

The specs listed above will give you an idea of what goes into the “95” which is quite a long and impressive sheet. At 9kg or so, this baby has heft which will of course impress the sound per pound bunch, but this is backed up when you take the lid off and see the toroidal transformer. That’s something you don’t see even in some amps, so that’s quite welcome.

It may also mean a longer warm up time, but you may not need a fancy power conditioner with the 95.

One of the main highlights of the 95 will be the DACs built in and for those keen on knowing whats under the hood, here is a short write-up on it:

“The critically acclaimed Sabre³² Reference DAC has become the industry’s benchmark for audio digital-to-analog conversion since its introduction in 2009 as the world’s highest performance 32-bit audio DAC. Unlike conventional sigma-delta (Σ∆) DACs, the Sabre³² Reference DAC incorporates innovative patented circuits to deliver spectacular music with an unsurpassed sound stage, with up to 135dB dynamic range and 0.0001% (-120dB) total harmonic distortion, and free from clock jitter common in digital audio systems. The patented circuits in the Sabre³² Reference DAC include the 32-bit HyperStream^TM modulator, capable of 100% modulation and unconditional stability, the Revolver^TM Dynamic Element Matching which ensures the highest performance over an extremely wide audio dynamic range, and a Time Domain Jitter Eliminator to remove the digital jitter that causes distortion.

The Sabre³² Reference DAC supports either 8-channel or stereo conversion from a digital audio input (up to 500kHz sampling rate) in PCM, DSD or SPDIF formats, features click-free soft mute, volume control, de-emphasis, programmable zero detect, per-channel customizable roll-off filter characteristics and consumes less than 100mW.

The BDP-95 Universal Audiophile Blu-ray player uses two ES9018 Sabre³² Reference DAC chips - one for the 7.1-channel output, and another configured in Quad Differential Stereo mode for highest-performance stereo output in balanced or unbalanced formats. The BDP-95 is a significant upgrade from the previous BDP-83 Special Edition Blu-ray player employing the ES9016 Sabre³² Ultra DAC for stereo output and the ES9006 Sabre DAC for 7.1-channel output. “

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/2011...Reference-Audio

**** WARNING ****

For those reading and using this in 220V environments, take note that the 95 comes with a voltage switch and it is set to 110V by default, so if you don’t heed the big orange sticker on the outside, you will have a dead 95 once you plug it in, unless you turn the switch to 220V!

Opening the box:

The packing is solid and those who have purchased the 83 before will be familiar with the attention to detail, the shopping bag holding the actual machine.

Open the machine and set it to 220V with the switch located in the rear and you are all set.

It comes with a CD-rom which you pop into the machine once you switch it on, and it does everything thing else by itself and viola, its DVD Code-Free.

The remote is the same one as the 83, which is illuminated, but not one of the best. The buttons are not as responsive and if you are a frequent user of the forward buttons, a better remote such as those from Logitech will be a good buy.

A HDMI cable, power cord and instructions are all included, and you won’t be too disappointed with how it was packed.

The player:

The 9kg heft shows when you lift it out of the box and you note that the important termainals are all gold-plated, and the panels have a reassuring tactile feel.

Equipment used:

B & W 805s

Musical Fidelity MF 5.5 250w stereo amp

PS Audio power cord for the MF 5.5

Oyaide power cord for the Oppo BDP 95

Anti-cables speaker cables

Oyaide interconnects.

**** note for region-free playback you will need to install or get a mod board ****

Some sellers will have theirs with the mod board done by the time the 95 is available for general release. This mod is much more complex than for the 83. Not for the faint hearted.

Starting up

The 95 comes with a CD-rom to get the DVD code free going and it responds quickly and from memory, as quick as the 83.

Within seconds, the code free fix is done and the CD rom is ejected. Then then allows us to see and hear the CD drawer slide out and the first impressions are good. The drawer comes out smoothly, and is pretty well built for a totally plastic job, although I must say the ones that came with my Marantz 8003 were slightly better. Even so, I would say it is a better one than the 8X series.

The response time for commands and load up time is commendably fast, but the wow factor is now lessened as most modern players now have a quick start mode, and can get you to the start up screen in pretty decent times too.

Nevertheless, you won’t feel too upset with the forward, skip and other functions, except the rather awful tactile feel of the remote.

Edited February 23, 2011 by petetherock

[petetherock]

I will leave the Oppo to warm up for a few days before proper auditions begin, but the initial impressions are ordinary out of the box, albeit not awful. It is connected to a pairing of the Musical Fidelity MF A 5.5 which gives out 250w per channel, and the B &W 805s, which is a slightly warm but revealing speaker that is one of the top for your money under 5k. This pairing was superb for my older Oppo Nuforce Edition 83, so I expect nothing less.

[petetherock]

Initial Audio Impressions:

- deep deep bass

- highs are controlled and fit well with the 805s / MF combo, little sibilance

- the low mids are muddled a bit, and there is a veil covered some female voices, hopefully this gets better with time

- the sound takes time to warm up even in a single listening session, something I found with devices that use toroidal transformers.

The front panel is not easy to use for the elderly, the buttons are touch sensitive and the eject button is almost flush, which may aesthetically pleasing, but not helpful for those with poorer vision.

[DenonCi]

I will leave the Oppo to warm up for a few days before proper auditions begin, but the initial impressions are ordinary out of the box, albeit not awful. It is connected to a pairing of the Musical Fidelity MF A 5.5 which gives out 250w per channel, and the B &W 805s, which is a slightly warm but revealing speaker that is one of the top for your money under 5k. This pairing was superb for my older Oppo Nuforce Edition 83, so I expect nothing less.

I had the A5-5 MF and always liked the warm sound it gives you like a tube amp sound.

[petetherock]

On the third day I had some time for a more extended listening session and the same good points came through, but again the best bits were near the end of the session, when the 95 was nicely warmed up. So this baby needs time to get up to speed.

There is good clarity, detail without being grating on your ears. Its beginning to shape up nicely and I should be able to get a nice listening session at the next weekend.

[petetherock]

It's early days yet, so I won't try to put too many thoughts down first.

For those who move up from basic BR players, this player will impress you to no end. But for those with a good CD player already or the older 83 SE / NE, then you should audition in depth.

The 83 Nuforce was a good music player, so it will be interesting to compare the two.

The sound is quite impressive, and there is a lot of details. But I will need to let the player settle in, as right now the treble, mid and bass, are all solid, but the sonic picture does not gel together like my nicely run-in 83NE.

Let's hope this gets better.

The video chip is quite awesome though, and be it with DVDs or even BR discs, it has brought some of my older DVDs to life in an astounding way.

[Guest monicacochrane]

Thanks for the review. This is what i need since i am planning to buy this device! thanks again

[Rickytick]

It's early days yet, so I won't try to put too many thoughts down first.

For those who move up from basic BR players, this player will impress you to no end. But for those with a good CD player already or the older 83 SE / NE, then you should audition in depth.

The 83 Nuforce was a good music player, so it will be interesting to compare the two.

The sound is quite impressive, and there is a lot of details. But I will need to let the player settle in, as right now the treble, mid and bass, are all solid, but the sonic picture does not gel together like my nicely run-in 83NE.

Let's hope this gets better.

The video chip is quite awesome though, and be it with DVDs or even BR discs, it has brought some of my older DVDs to life in an astounding way.

Hi Pete,

Good, reading your feedback.

[petetherock]

I get asked this alot, and it is also a FAQ or FA D(discussed) topic recently.

95 or 93

IMHO

It's a question you will need to answer -

How is your music to HT ratio?

So in summary:

If you use the Oppo primarily as a BR device for HT, with an occasional dabble in music, and will be mainly using the HDMI as your main connection between the BR player and AV amp, then the 93 is more than enough.

In fact if you don't need the video chip, the 3D etc, a basic BR player from the mainstream brands will do.

However if music plays a significant role, if you have a serious AV amp or better yet, a stereo amp, then it pays to either use the RCA output of the 93, which can be sufficient for the occasional user,

OR

Go the full way and get the 95.

Until we sort out some audio shootouts, we cannot really answer the question as to how much better is the 95. But I would wager that it will be better - in the Right system - and how does it compare to a Audiolab CD player with the same DAC?

Well again a shootout will make the comparison easier.

But consider this, if you are only moderately serious about music, the 95 will offer most of what a decent CD player with the same DAC can offer, but with the convenience of one player.

It also means you wear out the laser more quickly, and that may cause you to lose sleep.

Otherwise, it is the "all-in-one" concept that is appealing to some.

On the other hand, having a seperate CD player for music, allows you to keep the 93, and spend on a really serious CD player, but I would then consider something much higher than just an Audiolab or other brands with a similar DAC to make a significant difference.

Perhaps a Reference Series Marantz, Krell, Mac, Mark Levinson or Wadia?

Otherwise you may find that a mid-level Marantz / NAD / Rotel etc will give you a different sonic signature but not a significantly better sound.

Edited March 2, 2011 by petetherock

[petetherock]

Audio:

The Oppo 95 comes with a nice Rotel toroidal power transformer feeds a full-wave bridge rectifier on the linear power supply. Four audio grade 3300uF/50V ELNA capacitors are used for bulk filtration before feeding a set of positive and negative linear voltage regulators. Another set of 470uF/25V ELNA capacitors are used for post-regulation filtration and current storage.

Now to put this into perspective: some Amps don’t even have that much capacitance!

A Weekend of Listening:

So I get some down time to sit down and listen to this player. Bear in mind, its only been in my system for about 2 weeks at this point, and I don’t really want to run it day and night just to run it in that much faster.

Instead, I let my dad play with it, watch his movies, listen to his CDs etc. Since there is no complaints (I took away his Nuforce Oppo 83), I guess that means the level of satisfaction remains…

I have a collection of discs with drums, which allows me to demo good bass, beats and I enjoy a nice solo instrumental guitar recording (Guitar Works – Mariah’s Watermill). I also keep handy some vocals, ranging from Faye Wong, Jack Cheung, to the Chesky Persuasions Acapella group and finally for large orchestral works, I like the Manuel and the Music of the Mountains, which was recorded in analogue, but offers excellent music separation and a lush vinyl like feel. For a final flourish, I like the solo violinist, to see how the setup sounds with Gavotte en Rondeau / Partita III BWV 1006 - Salvatore Accardo testing the highs in the system. This comes from a SACD from the Hong Kong AV 2010 show.

I let the player warm up a bit, switching it on right when I reach home and I begin in earnest after dinner.

First in are the drums, and the bass does not disappoint. There is very good timing, depth and dimension. The right amount of decay with each beat occurs, and even with my bookshelf 805s, the bass is both audible and palpable.

Guitar Works – Mariah’s Watermill

http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Works-Various...s/dp/B000005OYI

is a piece meant for the quiet evenings, and with the fingerstyle guitar piece, you will hear the etch, the detail of the guitarist’s fingers as he plucks the strings. The reverberations in the room should sound natural, and carry forward in a wave of harmonics. At the same time, the system sound be rather quiet, and if there are other noises, from the system, the transport, or even the fan and the recording, it will be rather obvious.

There were no such noises and the recording was sweet, tight and the highs natural. You can get detail without having to bear with the treble. This is a change from the first few days, when the treble was rather dull.

Moving onto the vocals and the unplugged versions of “Sky” from Faye Wong, plus “Sorry” from Jacky, the bass, is impressively deep, the vocals are rather nice, and clear, with a soundstage that sits nicely between my speakers, and the cohesion is better now than in the beginning when the instruments seem to be merely clear but with no timing and synergy.

In playing the acapella tracks (The Persuasions Sing U2 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm looking For) the soundstage is good, and you can easily make out voices and where each individual singer stands. This is a nice test of separation.

And to follow up on this, the orchestral piece “Spanish Harlem” played by Manuel and the Music of the Mountains offers you a chance to view a sonic landscape, with separation of individual instruments, which come together, and yet offers you the ability to pick up the drums, the strings etc, whilst sitting back as the music journeys from one speaker to the other. You can truly relax to this, and yet, its hard to do anything else but listen as the integration of the whole set of frequencies invites you to pay full attention.

So the SACD version of Gavotte en Rondeau was performed in a quiet but large hall, and even in a stereo system, you can appreciate the size of the hall, whilst deciding if the violin grates or simply offers detail. Thankfully the Oppo belongs to the latter and does a solid job of producing highs in a control yet exuberant fashion, which makes me think the Oppo is quite neutral – my 805s tends to go warm, whilst the MF amp is a more neutral beast.

Now since I had the 83 Nuforce, its hard to not think of that, but I am not ready to do a comparison yet. Suffice to say, it isn’t a massive improvement, and if you have either, you should be quite happy, but I will do a more detailed review and comparison in due course.

Now back to the music….

☺

[petetherock]

An early comparison of the 95, 93 and 83 SE:

http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=90835.0

[petetherock]

Third Week with the Oppo 95 – the sonic signature

There have been some early comparisons between the 83SE and the 95 and one standout point is the more “tube-like” sonic signature of the 95, with a warmer tone than the older 83.

I tried the Oppo 83 NE in a HT based system before the weekend and I remember that it had a lot of detail, and will suit those who listen on the seat of their pants, but for those don’t want a “hot” treble, it is best to avoid using it with a treble happy assembly.

On the other hand, the 95 is more even or actually ventures to the warmer side of neutral and for those who prefer this, it will withstand prolonged listening sessions, and in particular, when I tried my “treble-hot” violin test disc, it was more listenable, and invited me to sit there longer, and finish the whole disc.

As I moved onto the third week of auditioning, the sonic signature is more stable, and you can hear that it is a detailed listen, but non-fatiguing. However, I also note that is not a super giant killer, slaying CD players a few times its price. That seems to be what fanboys in owner threads like to pretend it does, but ultimately it is a high quality Blu Ray Player which does music rather well too.

Using the fancy Sabre DAC chips adds a lot of street cred, especially when CD players costing a lot more are using the same chips. However the sound quality is not only influenced by the chips you put into it, but the other elements matter too, and ultimately, it does a sterling job for the money, but won’t make owners of players costing a lot more too unhappy.

It is still a very credible machine and will keep those who strive to keep their systems tidy with a single player, very happy.

[betty boop]

yeah I found pretty underwhelming quite frankly last oppo I had in my system. I do think theyre over rated . certainly the one I tried out was.

audio wise I preferred my denon 2930 back then, who knows will check out the 95 see what its like.

heres another comment I noticed here on the 83se where didnt necessarily find the bees knees *shrug*

I have read these forum pages in hopes of getting enough information to make a decision to purchase a 4010. I currently have an Oppo 83SE for music and movies, but I recently purchased a Denon 3930 in "as new" condition. In comparing it to the Oppo, the Denon sound just blows it away. I like the sound and features of the Denon for music. Having aquired BR music, I am thinking the 4010 would be my next purchase. I will need some help to decide.

Would any on this forum purchase the 4010 again, over any other BR player?

Of notl, what BR player would you purchase?

I could use some opinions, one way or the other!

Thanks

[petetherock]

Points to note:

So what about fan noise?

Well even in critical listening during quiet passages, I can’t hear any fan noise from about 8 feet. Even if I move closer, I can’t hear a thing.

Remote

This part is pretty sorry. The remote is stiff and rather unresponsive; I guess somewhere Oppo had to cut costs.

IEC socket

Note that the 95 has a three pronged socket, whereas the 93 has a two pronged. Any real difference? Well it may mean the better grounding for the 95 allows a lower noise floor and less hum. But as measurements done by professional reviews have shown, both players have a very low noise floor.

[petetherock]

Just did the firmware update via the net, simple smooth and over in a few minutes. Very impressive.

I realised that it takes about 10-20 minutes to get warmed, even if it is run in, so before you get down to critical listening, switch it on and also your amp too and grab a cup of tea...

[bradp51]

Just did the firmware update via the net, simple smooth and over in a few minutes. Very impressive.

I realised that it takes about 10-20 minutes to get warmed, even if it is run in, so before you get down to critical listening, switch it on and also your amp too and grab a cup of tea...

Thought I would move some of my last post to here. Seems more appropriate.

"The really interesting thing is that I have just fitted the region free kit and now the OPPO 95 is playing everything I throw at it without any region changes. I am not complaining. I have tried region B and Region A and AUS region DVD and so far is playing everything.

On a Region B (australian copy) of Gran Torino it skipped the menu and went straight to movie."

When I have some more time up on it I will post some more thoughts. Not sure what the region selection stuff is doing. It just plays everything so far. Re the Region Free Kit. Needed to undo about 35 screws in total. Make sure your cordless screwdriver is charged. Lucky mine was.

[betty boop]

Thought I would move some of my last post to here. Seems more appropriate.

"The really interesting thing is that I have just fitted the region free kit and now the OPPO 95 is playing everything I throw at it without any region changes. I am not complaining. I have tried region B and Region A and AUS region DVD and so far is playing everything.

On a Region B (australian copy) of Gran Torino it skipped the menu and went straight to movie."

When I have some more time up on it I will post some more thoughts. Not sure what the region selection stuff is doing. It just plays everything so far. Re the Region Free Kit. Needed to undo about 35 screws in total. Make sure your cordless screwdriver is charged. Lucky mine was.

what specific discs you playing brad ? ie title and where bought from. prob want ot be sure theyre actually region locked ? as quite a few discs are region free these days. not heard of any region free kit for bd thats just region free, any so far have required a region selection. dvd though yes should be just region free all the time o selection required. if this kit makes player for bd region free without selection thats really interesting to know

[DenonCi]

All of my 2047 BD Collection are US Disc and about 60% are region free. If it FOX or Disney and newer loingate titles they will be locked.

Edited April 18, 2011 by Musical

[bradp51]

what specific discs you playing brad ? ie title and where bought from. prob want ot be sure theyre actually region locked ? as quite a few discs are region free these days. not heard of any region free kit for bd thats just region free, any so far have required a region selection. dvd though yes should be just region free all the time o selection required. if this kit makes player for bd region free without selection thats really interesting to know

I think you are right Al.

Its a disc issue not with the player or RF KIT.

Just managed to change regions and it is now locking out a Region A disc. Back to playing. Still cannot get my Denon menu up on tv screen to change settings. Must be doing something wrong.

[DenonCi]

You can only have one or the other so you have to keep switching it back and forward to get the right region, well it like that on the 83 maybe they changed it for the 93/95

[betty boop]

I think you are right Al.

Its a disc issue not with the player or RF KIT.

Just managed to change regions and it is now locking out a Region A disc. Back to playing. Still cannot get my Denon menu up on tv screen to change settings. Must be doing something wrong.

have you completely powered down the denon as yet. eg as suggested, ie not standby. actually pulled power on it, or with the (little power button) not standby ?

yeah good chance its just like other rf kits.

[bradp51]

You can only have one or the other so you have to keep switching it back and forward to get the right region, well it like that on the 83 maybe they changed it for the 93/95

Yes thanks Kris understand that. it seems to be working as it should. I am just trying to work out how to get my GUI back on my Denon. Have run out of time now its time to get ready for early work tommorrow.

thanks

[DenonCi]

Have you tried resetting the denon AVR that might work.

[petetherock]

Oppo 95 - is it value for money?

The Oppo pricing for this player firmly distances itself from the budget offerings for both BR players and even CD players.

Yet it should not be seen in this context of being merely a BR player, albeit it a 3D capable one with network capability.

I think in my reviews and early on in this thread, I talked about the reason for existence of this player.

For the cost conscious, there are much cheaper alternatives. If all you need is a BR player, then the Sony S370 is a fine basic 1.3v HDMI player with SACD capability to top it off.

A 3D capable HDMI player will set you back < $500.

Add a CD player of fairly similar standing for < $1500.

But hey add the costs of the two together and the costs come pretty close...

This is meant as an all-in-one do it all solution.

As for price comparisons... well see the B/W model ....

If the price causes you distress especially when compared to US retail prices, there are alternatives. Not everything is similar to the Marantz model of pricing.

So if the price is not right, take your money elsewhere and you will find many other alternatives at various price ranges. For me, the appeal is now, I have a player which plays EVERYTHING (except VCDs) and my dad does not need to learn to turn on 4-5 pieces of equipment in order to watch his shows, listen to his music etc.

YMMV.

[bradp51]

Oppo 95 - is it value for money?

The Oppo pricing for this player firmly distances itself from the budget offerings for both BR players and even CD players.

Yet it should not be seen in this context of being merely a BR player, albeit it a 3D capable one with network capability.

I think in my reviews and early on in this thread, I talked about the reason for existence of this player.

For the cost conscious, there are much cheaper alternatives. If all you need is a BR player, then the Sony S370 is a fine basic 1.3v HDMI player with SACD capability to top it off.

A 3D capable HDMI player will set you back < $500.

Add a CD player of fairly similar standing for < $1500.

But hey add the costs of the two together and the costs come pretty close...

This is meant as an all-in-one do it all solution.

As for price comparisons... well see the B/W model ....

If the price causes you distress especially when compared to US retail prices, there are alternatives. Not everything is similar to the Marantz model of pricing.

So if the price is not right, take your money elsewhere and you will find many other alternatives at various price ranges. For me, the appeal is now, I have a player which plays EVERYTHING (except VCDs) and my dad does not need to learn to turn on 4-5 pieces of equipment in order to watch his shows, listen to his music etc.

YMMV.

I am with you Pete. I bought mine direct from OPPO and fitted the RF kit I brought from here. Just spent some time today mucking around with the AVR and settings so now I can select either the OPPO for Blu ray duty or when I put in a CD it now uses the dedicated analogue outs and the AVR lets the OPPO utilise the Sabre 32 DAC. I still have my Panasonic 3D BD player connected but I am going to move that now to another room which will give me a BD player in both rooms.

I like the sound I am getting from the OPPO and it will only improve with my plans to work on the 2 ch side of my system.

At the end of the day if you are going to use the 2 ch side and you like the OPPO brand and style then maybe the 95 is for you. I have owned Technics, Sharp, Onkyo, Panasonic and Pioneer cd playlers and so far I like the OPPO the best. It is of course the newest with latest technology.

cheers