From the “for what it’s worth” dept.

From what I’ve researched, the 105 and the 95 have similar Sabre DAC’s. The 205 has a newer (better?) Sabre DAC plus better digital out reclocking than the 105.

I only use my 105 for disc playing (SACD, CD, Blu-ray etc.) I have had zero issues with the OPPO using it in those modes, whether played as analog 5.1 or digital HDMI out.

For me, the biggest questions would be how much the newer Sabre DAC in the 205 improves SQ in analog out, and whether the upgraded reclocking in digital out makes a difference.

Any feedback from those who’ve upgraded from the105 to the 205 appreciated regarding either analog or digital SQ differences.

Thanks and happy listening!

Rick

Hi Rick. Great points. I too haven't had any playback issues with SACD/DC). Admittedly, I need to experiment more (even though I've had the Oppo a year plus) with 4K. I know it "works"

And, since I've never had any other Oppo, I cannot state one way or the other as to any differences between the 205 and 105. That said, I can report many posts I've read on the AVS forum by (purportedly) owners of both. They unequivocally give the nod to the 205 (as being "better"). And yes, I believe the Sabre ESS 9038 has something to do with that. Even the nearly three times more expensive Benchmark DAC 3 uses the Sabre ESS 9028 chip.

Also, to my understanding, the re-clocking that you are speaking of is specific to the HDMI port. Meaning, there is (again, to my understanding) no improvement made there relative to earlier Oppo versions with the analog outputs. But there is improvement via HDMI audio.

Once again, thank you GDHAL, Rick and Charlie.
First, I agree about the "VALUE" statement and although I wish it was not a factor, it just has to be, with my champagne taste and beer pocketbook!!!!

I have owned and enjoyed 2 Oppo players 83 and 95 for years now, and I know they sometimes have to get them right, make FW updates that fix things, but I am fine with that, I think they do a great job.

GDHAL, even discounting the video side of things (where I fear 4K will never really catch on) I just went online once again and looked at the Benchmark DAC3 and they Schiit Yggy, and neither one of them even comes remotely close to what I need, they only play 2 channel. I am a multi-channel man. Got 2 channel covered in spades with my Cowon Plenue M2 DAP and ciems. I get an hour of 2 channel a day when I walk and many times more when I listen in bed beside my lovely darling who does not want to be bothered by my music.
The only multi-channel player that I have found that can play Blu ray concerts and Blu ray audio, SACD, DVD-A, DSD and CDs that is even reasonably in the ball park of what I can afford is the Oppo.
I guess that is just the bottom line for me.
Glad to hear that you think it sounds almost good enough. Add the ability to play Blu ray concerts and movies, and I am sure I have to find a region free 205.
God Bless,
Wayne

GDHAL wrote:
To your specific problem, I recall reading that there is a setting whereby when the Oppo is powered off and then on, it can perform a complete reboot (instead of another setting whereby it does not completely reboot and has been reported to cause issues). This is either a power economy setting of some kind or perhaps even a network setting. But its true that the Oppo has at least two different methods of restart. Sorry I cannot be more specific as I'm typing off the top of my (bald) head.

GDHAL, thanks for the pointers. I couldn't find the restart methods in my 105 manual. But I will run through the system settings to see if something is out of whack. (Maybe I need to use Quick Start.) I've had two main areas where the Oppo hangs: 1) On startup, when it hangs during boot (not as much lately, probably because I've been waiting longer after powering up the TV and DAC), and 2) when I have been pushing optical digital from the TV and then switch to play a Blu-Ray disc. This one happens frequently, and makes me think I should power off the unit before changing to Blu-Rays. Something definitely gets messed up in there.

Charlie

Guys, Kal Rubinson of Stereophile's "Music in the Round" just reviewed the Oppo udp 205. With no mention of the video aspect to speak of, he was talking about its musical abilities. And the fact that it can do what I need, play back multi-channel discs and files.
He said it sounds pretty good, not quite up there with almost $4000 equipment, but for the price it is right there, according to him.
That is what I am looking for. Check out his review.
But getting an all region player seems to be VERY hard in the 205. Am I gonna have to use the 205 to play music and the occasional BD from Amazon and use my old 95 for all other movies? Perhaps.
God Bless,
Wayne

WayneWilmeth wrote: Guys, Kal Rubinson of Stereophile's "Music in the Round" just reviewed the Oppo udp 205. With no mention of the video aspect to speak of, he was talking about its musical abilities. And the fact that it can do what I need, play back multi-channel discs and files.
He said it sounds pretty good, not quite up there with almost $4000 equipment, but for the price it is right there, according to him.
That is what I am looking for. Check out his review.
But getting an all region player seems to be VERY hard in the 205. Am I gonna have to use the 205 to play music and the occasional BD from Amazon and use my old 95 for all other movies? Perhaps.
God Bless,
Wayne

I did read that review. I didn't like the way Rubinson dodged around the gapless play problems that still seem to exist on the 205. This is also the reviewer who claims he can't hear the difference in speaker cables.

That said, I'm sure the 205 will have good sound, especially with the filter choices. I don't think you'll be disappointed there.

That region thing is so stupid. I never have understood why they did that. Too bad you have to deal with it over there.

Charlie