Official OPPO BDP-95 Owner's Thread - Page 226

Would it be too much to ask, which unit replaced the Parasound if any?

I have a marantz sr-7005 and oppo bdp95 if I use the 7.1 analog output to the marantz will there be a benefit ? Will I get the benefit of the sabre DAC or will the marantz re convert the analog signal. Im sure this might have been covered but Im having trouble finding it. Im new at this so bear with me

I have this same pre-pro and it's a great one. And yes, you will keep the superior Oppo DACs if you run it analog out. However, for an amp I have the equally great Sherbourn 7/2100a and it has full XLR and RCA in. The best sound is obtained by bypassing the Marantz and running the Oppo direct to the Sherbourn. As good as the Marantz is that little "something" is lost when run through the pre-pro (even in pure direct mode). The Oppo has full volume control and as long as you watch your volume when you turn on the amp (can't tell setting currently), it's perfect. Here's a trick I use: I DO use the Marantz to run other than the blu-ray material (i.e. PS3, Satellite, Boxee) by running the output of the Marantz via XLR into the Sherbourn. Both connectors are active at once and can be controlled independently.

Oh...and for interconnect cables? Denon supplied some amazing 4' cables for their 5900 monster DVD player a few years back. These are still available for just $10 each and my friend has favorably compared them to cables costing in the $100s. Just call their support line and request them.

Here's another trick I did quite a bit of research on: media playback. This thing plays virtually all formats locally off a USB drive, including some eye-opening ISO formats. What I didn't want to do is shuttle an (active) hard drive from my computer to the Oppo. Since I want to be able to download to the drive (from the computer) and play it back (to the Oppo), I found an enclosure that allows that via a triple-feed USB/E-Sata/Ethernet connection. Do a search on Iocell to find it--it is highly recommended. The one caviat is that only one connector can be active at a single time--so as long as the Oppo is OFF (or USB unplugged) I have a direct ethernet connection at 1 Gig speed to the drive. Once I turn on the Oppo, the USB overrides and I lose the ethernet--but I am able to play the drive content. It really works great as long as you use the USB connector and not e-sata--including seamless play of all the ISO formats!

Incidentally, there has been some talk on here about the "sister" player Cambridge Audio 751BD. As tempting as that one was to try (I love the Wolfson sound), the biggest difference between the two (huge in my opinion) is that currently only the Oppo can play the local ISO formats as described above. For obvious reasons, up to now CA's engineers have been reticent to add this feature...

I do have ONE question for everyone: What AUDIO formats can the Oppo play locally? I've successfully used FLAC and APE, but WAV/WV (WavPack) come off as static or not recognized at all. I know the device cannot recognize ISO in any kind of CD format, so maybe this has something to do with it? Has anyone successfully played WAV/WV format off a USB or does that need to be burned to disc as DTS CD does? What am I missing?

^ Check the FAQ links at the top of the first post of this thread and also the top of the first post of the sticky thread for the 93. You'll find the collected wisdom on supported file formats.
--Bob

That is cool; perhaps I could then live without my hard-drive-containing networked media player (but not easily, because I do like transferring files into it directly from my computers).

I wonder why Iocell playback isn't working via e-sata.

Are these stereo or multi-channel cables?

I run my 95 directly into my mono-block tube amp's and the sound is great.

I have taken it to other peoples places and connected directly to their amp's, and without fail, every time, the sound is better than with a pre-amp, regardless of the brand.

Needless to say the local Oppo dealer is very happy. I have sent him at least three buyers.

[quote=classicrecording;21282091]I run my 95 directly into my mono-block tube amp's and the sound is great.

That's how I'm running my set up. Don't you think Oppo should fix the big increaments in volume to make this kind of set up just about perfect?

Directly, none. Physically, there is a JC-2 BP in the same place on the rack but it is capable of only 2channel bypass.

[quote=luismanrara;21282134]
It would be nice to have a bit more control over the volume, but I can live with it the way it is.

Yes...I was going to mention about the volume control range but the comment was already big enough I actually ticked off the Oppo facebook guy by mentioning a few "ticky-tack" things as needing fixes (such as that very thing). Oh and by telling him the remote needs some work in performance/range--which it most definitely does.

As for e-sata, it does work (and actually is noticeably snappier than USB). The problem is that unlike USB if it is connected at ALL (even with the Oppo off), it will not release the ethernet connection to the PC. They "warned" me about that via Iocell tech support (also very good) since the e-sata connector is the overriding transport.

One more comment on the Cambridge. I'm beginning to think it DOES do the ISO thing just like the Oppo--they just won't admit it. Several recent reviews seem to suggest it. I do miss the Wolfson sound of my Arcam DV139 (which i have back from getting a warranty tray repair unopened ready to sell)--and I'd love to pit the Cambridge and Oppo against each other. I still may do just that since I'm just too curious...and the big "A" has a pretty good return policy

Oh...and the Denon cables (part number Yes...I was going to mention about the volume control range but the comment was already big enough I actually ticked off the Oppo facebook guy by mentioning a few "ticky-tack" things as needing fixes (such as that very thing). Oh and by telling him the remote needs some work in performance/range--which it most definitely does.

As for e-sata, it does work (and actually is noticeably snappier than USB). The problem is that unlike USB if it is connected at ALL (even with the Oppo off), it will not release the ethernet connection to the PC. They "warned" me about that via Iocell tech support (also very good) since the e-sata connector is the overriding transport.

One more comment on the Cambridge. I'm beginning to think it DOES do the ISO thing just like the Oppo--they just won't admit it. Several recent reviews seem to suggest it. I do miss the Wolfson sound of my Arcam DV139 (which i have back from getting a warranty tray repair unopened ready to sell)--and I'd love to pit the Cambridge and Oppo against each other. I still may do just that since I'm just too curious...and the big "A" has a pretty good return policy

Oh...and the Denon cables (part number 2032405008) are just very thick 2-channel red-white audio cables (see pic). I have "sacrificed" my 7-channel setup down to 5-channel just because of the direct analog sound of DVDA/SACD being so good--using 3 of those cables (and my originals were no slouch @ Synergistic Research Alphas).

Quote:
Originally Posted by scottm18

I have this same pre-pro and it's a great one. And yes, you will keep the superior Oppo DACs if you run it analog out. However, for an amp I have the equally great Sherbourn 7/2100a and it has full XLR and RCA in. The best sound is obtained by bypassing the Marantz and running the Oppo direct to the Sherbourn. As good as the Marantz is that little "something" is lost when run through the pre-pro (even in pure direct mode). The Oppo has full volume control and as long as you watch your volume when you turn on the amp (can't tell setting currently), it's perfect. Here's a trick I use: I DO use the Marantz to run other than the blu-ray material (i.e. PS3, Satellite, Boxee) by running the output of the Marantz via XLR into the Sherbourn. Both connectors are active at once and can be controlled independently.


I dont use a seperate amp just the marantz. Walk me through this. I have HDMI going into marantz, analog surround and stereo analog. I how do I make sure the marantz doesnt use the hdmi for any audio and is this what I really want. Or does it not matter because the marantz is going to convert the analog signal anyway ?

Also should I undo all the audessey settings ? Where should I control the volume from ?

All these are very valid, great points. I think I will get the 93. Again thanks to all for the great responses.

Ah...you have the SR7005 (I originally thought you meant the AV7005). Still it's pretty much the same. Run the analog in of the Oppo (5 or 7-channel) into the External Inputs on the Marantz. Then set the Marantz input (using A/D on the remote) to 5.1/7.1 Ch In mode. Finally set the Pure Direct setting on the Marantz (display will blank). You now have the purest possible sound for your setup. You wont be able to use Audyssey or even tone controls in this mode (which messes up the intended sound anyway).

Don't use the HDMI for audio or you defeat the purpose of having the 95 (and the extra $500 spent!). Turn it OFF in the options so you have no temptation to use it.

Make sure you use the dedicated L/R outputs of the Oppo (and set the appropriate option) to take advantage of the state-of-the-art DACs for the two front channels.

Check your receiver's manual, or just poke around in the menu's enough to find it. I would think you would be able to associate the 5/7.1 analog inputs to a specific input. That's how my Onkyo does it anyhow. I have my "Aux1" input set to derive it's audio from the multichannel analog inputs and the video from from one of my HDMI inputs. In this configuration it is impossible to hear audio from any other source without changing to a different input on the receiver.

Yes, pure but not an assurance of best sound.


It is reasonable to assume that the "intended sound" does not include the spurious acoustics of the listening room.


True.


Yes, do not trust yourself to determine which sounds better to you.

Thanks for all your help everyone.

The use of analog outputs is not a simple question and has a lot to do with your speakers, room, AVR performance, and your tastes in music...

I find that my 5507 does not handle PCM well over HDMI.
I tried Audyssey XT and found it did more harm than good.
I have the HTMI, COAX, Optical, XLR, and 5.1 and analog outputs connected and programmed on my remote to switch quickly.

If PCM (CD's, DVD-Audio) sources, there is no compression. The analog outputs are superior. Interestingly enough, the XLR outputs can be processed and bass management applied. I never tried Audyssey, but that may also be possible. The XLR's processed in also sound better than the SAME source via HDMI. This seems to be something peculiar to my AVR.

My advice, let your ears be the judge.

- Rich

Drool!

Yes Kal...you can tell I'm not a fan of Audyssey's magic It's the same reason i don't use an equalizer. I'm lucky enough to have 5 high quality speakers (the classic and still-potent Innovative Audio cabinets/center in the front and AR Phantoms 8.3 on the rear walls) with no sub "needed". Plus my room is completely rectangular with the right combo of wood floors and carpet. But yes, I agree, let your ears do the deciding for you.

People here have mentioned the "broad level" of the volume control as being an annoyance with the Oppo...but I have one even bigger gripe...

My biggest peeve: Raise your hand if you have the Oppo and amp direct-connected and have been burned by the Oppo's insistance on having a loaded disc AUTO PLAY when first turned on (and currently no way to disable). If the amp turned on and the volume is set high on the Oppo you could be in for quite a surprise. If it's set for FIXED (as mine was when I almost turned on my amp), you're in for even bigger surprise (and possibly a hospital visit depending on how powerful your amp is) Have you heard how loud the opening Shout Factory blast is for 'Hall and Oats Live at Troubadour' Blu-Ray? I can't believe there's no way to disable that "feature".

Keep a USB stick inserted. It will go to the Home Menu instead.

-Bill

Auto-play can certainly be disabled, mine is. I would suggest you check your setup menu and turn off Auto-play.

I can leave a CD or SACD in the tray and turn the 95 on and it will not play, and I can put in either as well, and it will not start to play unless I press play.

Bill--your right...that's a great idea.

I have disabled the option--I dont think it will auto-play a CD or SACD, but try having a concert blu-ray disc loaded.

Well if you have left the volume cranked from a previous session instead of turning it down, you will get what you get. I think that would still hold true if you had a pre amp in the mix. AVRs also leave the volume level set at where you had it last, so if you turn on the HDTV box, whatever channel it's on will crank at the previous level.

I turn down my components or have them at a comfortable level at other times so I haven't had an issue.

Actually, a lot of AVR's have a setting that lets you specify the power on volume level to avoid the problem of leaving it set too high by mistake and being greeted with an unpleasant surprise next time you turn the system on.

Few of us are as fortunate as you are. Do you have measurements to confirm your observations?


Nope. I disable AUTO-PLAY from the first day I set up the machine.

Whoops, I stand corrected on the AVR volume control. However, pre amp components and such have no such option. I also have a separate DAC with a volume that also stays at the previous setting.

I see this issue raised so little but perhaps for those who leave their systems at higher volume levels it would be helpful.

Hi All,
I apologize in advance if this was answered earlier in the thread.

My BDP95 is hooked up to a Pioneer elite SC-37 (hdmi 2, m ch analog, stereo RCAs, and XLR out).

The SC-37 in turn is hooked up to my Rotel RMB-1095 multi ch amp. I'm using an rca-xlr cable to go from the receiver to the XLR inputs on the amp.

I typically listen to 2 ch analog audio on "pure direct" on my SC-37.

Today just for kicks I connected the dedicated 2 ch RCAs from my Oppo to the F/R RCAs of the Rotel Amp and...wow..what a fantastic difference in sound! ( XLR input on amp remained connected to receiver)

Now comes the kicker: How do I keep this setup while also ensuring the blu-rays output HDMI audio? When I played a blu-ray, it was still a stereo signal coming out of the direct Oppo-Amp connection. My receiver showed Dolby-HD but only the Oppo volume control/stereo analog signal was active.
In other words, volume control on the receiver had no effect. This was despite changing to an HDMI input on the receiver.

Is there a way I can get the best of both worlds?

Thanks,
KS

All the outputs on the Oppo are active at the same time, so there is no reason why this would not work. I have two friends that have done the same thing, but with different set-up's.

Just make sure your amp has been switched from the RCA to XLR inputs so that it is not getting the signal directly from the Oppo anymore. Then go through your Oppo's set-up and make sure it is not set for stereo mix down.

Also make sure the amp doesn't have any issues with both the RCA and XLR inputs being connected at the same time as that's a problem with some.

Thanks Gsr and CR,
I don't see any switch on the Rotel Amp so it looks like XLR and RCA are active at the same time. Hmm, maybe I will give Rotel a call, as I definitely want to give this my best shot.

Of course I can always buy a BDP93 strictly for blu-ray watching and leave only one or the other on at any time:-).

KS