4k Blu Ray Player Discussion Thread

[DonGreen]

  On 03/12/2022 at 6:24 AM, Snoopy8 said:

Based on this, maybe X700 better value?

 

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Thanks Snoop. Certainly from the reviews looks like much better value for me, especially as I didn't realise it's a slightly more recent model than the x800, and still plays SACD. 

 

Think I might grab one right now at $325.

 

https://store.sony.com.au/player-bluray-ultraHD/UBPX700.html?clickid=UBFzX-VeHz-rUeRQJ0XqVwelUkAxz%3AV%3AYRBcWs0&irgwc=1

 

 

[DonGreen]

After nearly ordering the Sony UBP-X700, I read a few more reviews and was very concerned about the disc transport noise and the build quality in general.

 

Ordered an Oppo UDP-203 from eBay today for a decent discount off the advertised price, so quite happy with that. Hopefully will arrive in time to set it up before Christmas.

 

All the reviews I can find give this model a pretty good report. I know they're a few years old now, but there's nothing wrong with my KI Pearl SACD which is a lot older and still sounds amazing.

[cwt]

  On 12/12/2022 at 7:17 AM, DonGreen said:

After nearly ordering the Sony UBP-X700, I read a few more reviews and was very concerned about the disc transport noise and the build quality in general.

 

Ordered an Oppo UDP-203 from eBay today for a decent discount off the advertised price, so quite happy with that. Hopefully will arrive in time to set it up before Christmas.

 

All the reviews I can find give this model a pretty good report. I know they're a few years old now, but there's nothing wrong with my KI Pearl SACD which is a lot older and still sounds amazing.

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Certainly covers all the disc formats Don ; I was taken aback when I see them going still for prices like +/- 2k on ebay   No doubt the current inflationary times has had an effect . Saw a new one for $1800 though..

Saw one going cheap for 1.3k without a remote but its a bit of a bargain[if it works..] as oppo's have 2 codes via a remote switch and an old series remote would work..

[DonGreen]

Cheers CWT, I saw that new one as well, got if for $1500. Very happy. Cant wait to see what all the fuss is good reviews are about with the Oppo.

 

Am I OK to discuss deals like this on here?

Edited December 13, 2022 by DonGreen
Additional info

[Guest]

  On 12/12/2022 at 7:17 AM, DonGreen said:

... there's nothing wrong with my KI Pearl SACD which is a lot older and still sounds amazing.

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The KI Pearl will beat the Oppo 203 when using analog.  Will be interested to know how well the Oppo 203 performs with SACDs via HDMI, which in turn uses the AVR's DAC.

[DonGreen]

  On 13/12/2022 at 10:27 PM, Snoopy8 said:

 

The KI Pearl will beat the Oppo 203 when using analog.  Will be interested to know how well the Oppo 203 performs with SACDs via HDMI, which in turn uses the AVR's DAC.

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Cheers Snoopy. 

 

Me too. My main use of the Oppo will be old BluRay music discs and the occasional 4k movie. I only have a limited stock of SACDs, but will hook up both the KI Pearl and the Oppo via analogue 2ch and 7.1, and compare. I'm impressed that both the SR6015 and the Oppo have 7.1 analogue connections.

[Guest]

  On 13/12/2022 at 10:33 PM, DonGreen said:

I only have a limited stock of SACDs, 

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I am somewhat surprised you have put such high priority on SACDs for the 4K player, especially when you have the KI Pearl SACD player.

 

In contrast, I have many more SACDs, with a focus on multi channel music.  Given the diminishing number of SACD capable universal players, decided to rip all my SACDs and use the Pana UB9000 going forward. The UB9000 has better audio over the lower models.

 

  On 13/12/2022 at 10:33 PM, DonGreen said:

I'm impressed that both the SR6015 and the Oppo have 7.1 analogue connections.

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Unfortunately, there are not many AVRs and players with that 7.1 capability any more.  I suspect this will disappear...

[cwt]

  On 13/12/2022 at 9:39 PM, DonGreen said:

Cheers CWT, I saw that new one as well, got if for $1500. Very happy. Cant wait to see what all the fuss is good reviews are about with the Oppo.

 

Am I OK to discuss deals like this on here?

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Being an oppo theres always the option if your pre pro or avr needs servicing [and you are running separate power amps someday ] your 5.1 analogue outs will enable your oppo to be a pre pro in a pinch 

 

I dont see a great deal of distinction for one off deals like this when its ok to link other forum classified deals to help fellow members out as happens fairly consistently ..

Maybe not to the extent of organised "group deals" though as issues can arise like participant trust and healthy competition between resellers.. Only takes 1 person to ruin things for many ;say no more  

[DonGreen]

  On 13/12/2022 at 11:12 PM, Snoopy8 said:

I am somewhat surprised you have put such high priority on SACDs for the 4K player, especially when you have the KI Pearl SACD player.

 

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Th KI Pearl will relocate back to the main living area for music there. The only sources for the SR6015 in the music room / theatre will be the Oppo, Technics TT and the Sony A80K.

[Guest DrSK]

I used a 205 essentially as a prepro for my 4.0 set up for many years.

 

Lenehan ML2+R and ML1+R pairs with Electrocompaniet/Metaxas power amps.

 

The Oppos have a feature, like many prepros where it downmixes to account for the speakers you don't have and will include LFE in the down mix.

 

It's other party trick is it will also output 2.0 down mix out the optical or coax while also sending to the analogue line out 7.1 etc.

 

My best result was sending 2.0 digital coax to a Gieseler Audio DAC/Pre for the fronts and taking the analogue out for the rear/surrounds etc. Had to manually trim the rears but was same relative volume settings each time.

 

Set up was certainly better than any movie theatre I've been in. Or any $20k HT Krix/Anthem set ups which is about the upper limit I've heard at mates places.

 

Recently raided the rears though for my home office. Don't watch enough to justify the expense of the rear of the essentially double stereo components to run it.

 

The Oppos ARC was useful too, although getting old and my 103 at least won't work with eARC on newer TVs. Not tried the 205. But the 205 will take multichannel optical input.

Edited December 17, 2022 by DrSK

[blybo]

So my aging Pana 900 (bought in the first batch into Oz) is now regularly freezing, very slow to respond and being generally unfriendly. I'd really prefer to have physical buttons so what is the best option these days? The 9000?

Edited December 21, 2022 by blybo

[Guest]

  On 21/12/2022 at 1:35 AM, blybo said:

So my aging Pana 900 (bought in the first batch into Oz) is now regularly freezing, very slow to respond and being generally unfriendly. I'd really prefer to have physical buttons so what is the best option these days? The 9000?

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Depends on what you are prepared to spend. For most people, the Pana UB820 but if you want the best, the UB9000.

 

The Pana UB820 at current sale price is hard to pass, especially when both UB820 and UB9000 have the same video processing engine.

 

However, the UB9000's better transport, and HDMI, plus overall build does make a  small improvement to video.  But there is a bigger difference in audio via HDMI, especially in multi channel music.  And of course, better analogue stereo output.

 

 

[HLime]

Does anyone know how the Panasonic DP UB820 goes with playing movies from USB? Does it support a number of file formats? Thinking of getting the multi region version or maybe just get a zidoo for a comparable price. Anyone have any opinions?

[Guest]

  On 11/02/2023 at 2:57 AM, HLime said:

Does anyone know how the Panasonic DP UB820 goes with playing movies from USB? Does it support a number of file formats? Thinking of getting the multi region version or maybe just get a zidoo for a comparable price. Anyone have any opinions?

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If USB is primary requirement, you are better off with the Zidoo player by a long way. The Pana is a basic interface with limited formats.

[Guest]

  On 01/12/2022 at 8:53 AM, Snoopy8 said:

Any idea of availablity in Australia and pricing?

 

Their webstore was flagged as suspicious by BitDefender! 

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Details for AU now: https://www.stereonet.com/au/news/theres-a-new-4k-uhd-blu-ray-player-in-town

I've ordered one (stock arrives in June), but we've got a sample on its way to Tony O'Brien to review now.

[Guest]

Magnetar seems the goods!

 

https://www.stereonet.com/au/reviews/magnetar-udp800-universal-blu-ray-disc-player-review

[groovem]

The setup menu looks very similar to the Oppo setup menu.

[cwt]

  On 15/07/2023 at 8:08 AM, groovem said:

The setup menu looks very similar to the Oppo setup menu.

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ive read that oppo has had to cut its inhouse SOC chip development due to the US fabrication bans so it makes sense to outsource what IT it has 

Consistent with the lack of auto tone mapping like a 203 this would be a good match for something like a lumagen with its true source direct out 

[Guest]

  On 14/07/2023 at 11:04 PM, Marc said:

Magnetar seems the goods!

 

https://www.stereonet.com/au/reviews/magnetar-udp800-universal-blu-ray-disc-player-review

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I would not dismiss the Panasonic UB9000.  Its PQ (picture quality) is better than the Oppo 203 (which also loses to Zidoo UHD3000).

 

Yes, the Magnetar UDP800 can do SACD while the Pana UB9000 can only do DSF (ripped SACD). Assuming the Magnetar uses the same HDMI as the Oppo, I would expect that playing DSF on the Pana UB900 to have better SQ than playing SACD on the Magnetar UBP800.  Also, the better HDMI on the Pana means better SQ for audio, especially multi channel music.

 

Lastly, but not least, the regular price around $1,700 makes the Pana UB9000 cheaper.

[cwt]

  On 17/07/2023 at 2:29 AM, Snoopy8 said:

Lastly, but not least, the regular price around $1,700 makes the Pana UB9000 cheaper.

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+S for all those souls who kept their earlier oppo ; 2 transports is less wear and tear than 1 

[Bass13]

Hasn't been any posts in here for a while, looking at replacing my old Oppo myself, with a 4k player, seems like the Panasonic UB9000 is still great bang for buck, since the price has come down, or is there something as good or better for a similar price range...?

 

 

[Guest]

I think the Magnatar is getting popular in HT circles.

https://www.selby.com.au/hot-offers/magnetar-udp-800-universal-blu-ray-disc-player-black.html

 

(Sorry I don't use physical media anymore so can't add personal commentary).

[RCADees]

Just wondering. I have been using a Panasonic DP-UB820 for over a year now. Great picture and happy with it but the exterior is so cheaply made and possibly some of the internals too, such as the transport. Not a big deal but the occasional freeze does happen too.

If looking at longevity and a better product overall to securely back me up with my physical movies in the long term, and if the higher cost is not an issue, is it worth it to get a Panasonic DP-UB9000 ? Thanks.

[Guest]

  On 26/06/2024 at 4:28 AM, RCADees said:

Just wondering. I have been using a Panasonic DP-UB820 for over a year now. Great picture and happy with it but the exterior is so cheaply made and possibly some of the internals too, such as the transport. Not a big deal but the occasional freeze does happen too.

If looking at longevity and a better product overall to securely back me up with my physical movies in the long term, and if the higher cost is not an issue, is it worth it to get a Panasonic DP-UB9000 ? Thanks.

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As a UB9000 owner, yes it is worth it.  The transport is exceptional beats an Oppo 203.  The HDMI is improved, resulting in better SQ, especially for multi channel music. 

 

The UB9000 is my reference and have compared it with Oppo 103, 203 and media players from Zidoo and Dune.  The main limitation is it is clunky as a media player but it was never designed as a universal player. 

[RCADees]

  On 26/06/2024 at 4:45 AM, Snoopy8 said:

As a UB9000 owner, yes it is worth it.  The transport is exceptional beats an Oppo 203.  The HDMI is improved, resulting in better SQ, especially for multi channel music. 

 

The UB9000 is my reference and have compared it with Oppo 103, 203 and media players from Zidoo and Dune.  The main limitation is it is clunky as a media player but it was never designed as a universal player. 

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Thanks Snoopy that is great.

I've read that the UB820 picture wise is like the same of the UB9000, but what is your opinion in relation to picture. I am sure the transport quality may make a difference in big screen perhaps?