Only had a short bit of time to listen, first impression is that the sound is gorgeous. Definately cleaner, more detailed, and better soundstage than my AQ Dragonfly Cobalt. And with a tonal character that promises to be quite listenable, no hint of harshness as the DFC can present. Way to soon to give other impressions, such as comparing to the FiiO K9 PRO ESS or my normal Bifrost 2/64 and Lyr3. I just know that this will be my portable of choice.
I like the balanced output, and need to try it with other headphones. All I’ve listened to with it so far are the LCDi4 Audeze with the silver Hart Audio cable. Oh, and Wynton Marsalis can do Louis Armstrong just dandy.
Drives Sennheiser HD 800S and DCA Ether 2s as well as any of my desktop gear (past or present).
I suspect differences would disappear in blind testing, but the portability, form factor and ergonomics induce a state of engagement and relaxation that manifests as greater space, separation, detail and harmonic richness. Interesting.
I have been acquiring SACDs since the beginning of time, so you are welcome to DM me with questions about specific titles as there is a chance that I might own the title.
I’ve used all manner of Oppos over the years with my BDP-205 being my current player. It’s no longer supported by firmware updates but it works for me.
FWIW, for SACDs, I play two channel recordings via the player’s analog outputs and multichannel SACDs via HDMI. All outputs are hot.
Well, it’s early, but I feel fairly confident it’s the best I’ve heard the Verite Closed and Atrium Closed using a SS amp. Exceptional detail and layering - especially transients. Has some definite tube-like qualities i.e. spacious, airy stage with a hint of warmth and some nice density in the lower-midrange. Very fluid and engaging listen without being overly energetic. Love the compact form factor as well. It’s nearly identical in width to the Bifrost 2 (longer, so not “stackable”).
Hey man. Awesome link. I made an account. Between blu ray audio, SACD and SHM-CD’s I’m pushing a good 140+ titles combined. Love it. Hi res physical media is my bag baby. Lol.
Love the C3g tubes in my OTL amp! Incredibly transparent. There’s also the Lorenz C3g which I believe are a little warmer/smoother. Curious to know how you like them when you get the adapters. Mordy shared this article on the C3g tubes which have a super interesting history: C3g info (jacmusic.com)
Ahhhhhhh SO JEALOUS!!! Looks amazing, and your initial take is raising my excitement to the next level…
Mine is supposedly arriving on Thursday. Can’t wait to hear your initial reactions, @robson, and your more seasoned ones, @raindownthunda - and can’t wait to join you guys!
Can’t wait to hear both your impressions as well! Sounds like we need a new thread… btw, I noticed it seems to sound even better after 5-6 hours of playtime. Maybe brain burn in but just an observation.
Mostly listen to headphones but I did connect the Oppo to my theater system this weekend. So now I’ve got 7.1.2. I’ll be curious to see if there’s any difference in a/v quality from the output of the Oppo vs Xbox/PS4 for blue ray playback.
Now I need to get in one of the bluerays you suggested @Nephilim_81.
I did get in the 50th anniversary 5.1 mix of Dark Side of the Moon sacd. I’ll check it out this weekend.
Dark Side of the Moon SACD was one of the first SACDs I bought many “moons” ago. Great place to start. I have the 30th anniversary version. Your 50th might be even more impressive.
Be aware that your Oppo also plays DVD Audio, which is on par with SACD. Virtually extinct now but there are disks out there to include some nicely mastered 5.1 Steely Dans.
Definitely want to hear more when you’ve had some time with it!
