The fact is that 205 it is a step forward. Its audio dedicated stage it is dirent and better than what is in 103 or 203.
Some of us may be too exigent, looking for perfections, and so on, but this device is better than previous, out of the box. It can be improved, and/or it may have wack parts, this is another story... 😉 However, this 205 model it can much more than it provide as it is... And the exigent ones may work out on this...😀
Some of us may be too exigent, looking for perfections, and so on, but this device is better than previous, out of the box. It can be improved, and/or it may have wack parts, this is another story... 😉 However, this 205 model it can much more than it provide as it is... And the exigent ones may work out on this...😀
From 105 with LPM to 205. Improvement?
Is there someone who made this step? Or do we have to wait for Coris' new LPM?
I am not so very interested in video but the more in audio through the (worse?) balanced outputs. Coris' LPM in my 105 was (is) a big improvement. So.....
Rob Borggreve, Netherlands
Is there someone who made this step? Or do we have to wait for Coris' new LPM?
I am not so very interested in video but the more in audio through the (worse?) balanced outputs. Coris' LPM in my 105 was (is) a big improvement. So.....
Rob Borggreve, Netherlands
I mean/meant that the technology first is a step forward. However, there are some design improvements as well, and this is the Oppo itself contribution, beside the new main processor generation, new DAC chip, and so on.
The 205 it use a improved DAC chip. Already the audio outputs dynamics of 205 (out of the box) is much better, than in 105 (DAC - ESS9018). There is a sound which is obvious better, when about fine details, resolution, dynamics, and even a much better sounds scene, than for a 105 (out of the box), The XLR it is somehow characterised by a not so warm and maybe some harshness in it.
The 105 it had not this harsh, but a horrible sound scene (in my appreciation). So, these issues are specific to the design used in a part, and for some hardware components included into the device system, for the other part.
Indeed, I`m myself very excited to know/experience the changes a linear PSU it can bring to this improved as technology product. There are stages which still suffer of one or another issues. Some of these issues it may be minimised by the use of a linear power supply for the digital stage, some not, and it will have to be improved in a particular way. We will see...
Which is indeed a step backwards is the firmware for 205. This is worth than for 105 models. I do not know why, but it just not work for the network interface. Frequent freezing of the entire device when using streaming over network, and the only way to come out of this issue is the on/off button... Bad!!! I never experienced such things with 105....
I`m really disappointed that Oppo chosen to place their original SMPS board in 205 model in a way less expected, and enough different than in 203 model even thought the enough space available. And I am even more disappointed about a fixing bolt planted right into the middle of the board area. This is a reminiscence from the 105 model, it is not used at all in 205, but present/planted into the chassis. Because this stupid (designed) bolt (unnecessary and unused), and because the placement of the all fixing bolts too near to the lateral side, I had to redesign and adjust my already finished LPM boards. Well, now is done, and the production is launched. The last version LPM it will fit (plug and play) indeed for all models now (if Oppo will not do some more chassis changes in the present version...).
The 205 it use a improved DAC chip. Already the audio outputs dynamics of 205 (out of the box) is much better, than in 105 (DAC - ESS9018). There is a sound which is obvious better, when about fine details, resolution, dynamics, and even a much better sounds scene, than for a 105 (out of the box), The XLR it is somehow characterised by a not so warm and maybe some harshness in it.
The 105 it had not this harsh, but a horrible sound scene (in my appreciation). So, these issues are specific to the design used in a part, and for some hardware components included into the device system, for the other part.
Indeed, I`m myself very excited to know/experience the changes a linear PSU it can bring to this improved as technology product. There are stages which still suffer of one or another issues. Some of these issues it may be minimised by the use of a linear power supply for the digital stage, some not, and it will have to be improved in a particular way. We will see...
Which is indeed a step backwards is the firmware for 205. This is worth than for 105 models. I do not know why, but it just not work for the network interface. Frequent freezing of the entire device when using streaming over network, and the only way to come out of this issue is the on/off button... Bad!!! I never experienced such things with 105....
I`m really disappointed that Oppo chosen to place their original SMPS board in 205 model in a way less expected, and enough different than in 203 model even thought the enough space available. And I am even more disappointed about a fixing bolt planted right into the middle of the board area. This is a reminiscence from the 105 model, it is not used at all in 205, but present/planted into the chassis. Because this stupid (designed) bolt (unnecessary and unused), and because the placement of the all fixing bolts too near to the lateral side, I had to redesign and adjust my already finished LPM boards. Well, now is done, and the production is launched. The last version LPM it will fit (plug and play) indeed for all models now (if Oppo will not do some more chassis changes in the present version...).
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Sorry for the wrong word used in a phrase in my above post. Please read: "This is worse than for 105 models"...
OPPO Digital - Support
There is new beta FW for the 205, released 25/5/17. But this is for the US sites. In Australia we have to wait for the the distributor; Interdyn, to load it on there website, the downloading it from the official site won't work!
OPPO via there feedback on the OPPO app via the iPad is extremely responsive. I've reported many issues via this channel and there is usually a response within 24hrs. If there are network issues freezing I suggest you note down the config and emailing via this feedback, because if there is an issue it usually means it will happen to every unit, then if there is enough complaining they usually deal with it on the the next FW release. I've even had a wifi dongle intermittingly go faulty and render the unit unusable. Tracking down to the way the wifi sits in the USB and it must have created a bad USB connection, reporting this to OPPO on there feedback I was asked my address, OPPO California then send a brand new wifi dongle free of charge, didn't even ask for proof of purchase. An ideal response to customer support compared to what I coped with the local distributor; Interdyn in which they were going to charge an hourly rate if they couldn't find anything wrong being intermittent.
This unit has just been release and there are plenty of bugs so please feed it back to OPPO. The 105 I've had for 4yrs has had some serious bugs including an iPad app that crashed on launch. Bugs are also introduced via firmware corrections, I should know, I coped 4 yrs of it!
There is new beta FW for the 205, released 25/5/17. But this is for the US sites. In Australia we have to wait for the the distributor; Interdyn, to load it on there website, the downloading it from the official site won't work!
OPPO via there feedback on the OPPO app via the iPad is extremely responsive. I've reported many issues via this channel and there is usually a response within 24hrs. If there are network issues freezing I suggest you note down the config and emailing via this feedback, because if there is an issue it usually means it will happen to every unit, then if there is enough complaining they usually deal with it on the the next FW release. I've even had a wifi dongle intermittingly go faulty and render the unit unusable. Tracking down to the way the wifi sits in the USB and it must have created a bad USB connection, reporting this to OPPO on there feedback I was asked my address, OPPO California then send a brand new wifi dongle free of charge, didn't even ask for proof of purchase. An ideal response to customer support compared to what I coped with the local distributor; Interdyn in which they were going to charge an hourly rate if they couldn't find anything wrong being intermittent.
This unit has just been release and there are plenty of bugs so please feed it back to OPPO. The 105 I've had for 4yrs has had some serious bugs including an iPad app that crashed on launch. Bugs are also introduced via firmware corrections, I should know, I coped 4 yrs of it!
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Couldn't agree more! Especially when using a combination of the physical remote along with the OPPO app! I had my 205 for just over 10 days and I did have to unplug/plug in the unit almost on a daily basis as it would just freeze!
On the OPPO app, the favorites / playlist doesn't work either...
My favorite or used interface connection is the cabled network. Sometimes USB in. I stream this way from Foobar on PC, to the player, and it worked flawless all the time for 105. Just perfect, with shuffle, random and all the options. Does not work at all on 205 model. There is something about files managing over network or something about memory managing inside the player`s firmware system. I get the "buffering" animation on screen, after few play-backed files, and it is then buffering so endless. Any button I use on remote it freeze the whole device, and then only the power off key remain active (hopefully)... I appreciate this issue as inacceptable. Such software mechanism it should be basic and similar for the all models. Here is something which is not finished written...
Still they removed all the apps, like Netlix etc, to focus on getting the core-functionality working, I guess.
That seems very wise.
That seems very wise.
Hi Eganz1, you are correct, I only use the 2 channel outputs for my audio system; however, just like what you mentioned, I also spin SACD's...
Coris is very correct about the HF polusion on the gnd plane, and the noise completely mess up the I/V stage, IMHO.
Actually, regarding the HF noise on the 2-channel board, I delivered my concern (based on my experience with BDP-95) to Oppo way back... And, they told me the following...
----------------------------------------------
Steve,
We have designed the UDP-205 around the ESS ES9038Pro DACS, which includes isolating components from noise and interference, that many of the components in the player can produce. We have been very happy with the design of the player in this regard, and we hope that you will be to.
Best Regards,
Customer Service
OPPO Digital, Inc.
162 Constitution Dr.
Menlo Park, CA 94025Service@oppodigital.com
Tel: 650-961-1118
Fax: 650-961-1119
----------------------------------------------
Steve,
We have designed the UDP-205 around the ESS ES9038Pro DACS, which includes isolating components from noise and interference, that many of the components in the player can produce. We have been very happy with the design of the player in this regard, and we hope that you will be to.
Best Regards,
Customer Service
OPPO Digital, Inc.
162 Constitution Dr.
Menlo Park, CA 94025Service@oppodigital.com
Tel: 650-961-1118
Fax: 650-961-1119
I added now (on my list) a new improvement for 203 model: the stereo XLR output. The result is quite spectacular. I never thought the AKM4458 it can sounds so well, with so good dynamic. A revelation!
For the first time I could hear the differences in between the digital filters available in the device menu.
I added a modified version of my fully differential output module, based on OPA1632, and powered by ultra low noise regulators for both +/- rails. Then relays mute circuit. Of course the whole power system on audio board is improved, included the DAC chip power system. All the unbalanced original outputs are still working, while the XLR modul it parallel the stereo channels connected directly to the the chip outputs.
For the first time I could hear the differences in between the digital filters available in the device menu.
I added a modified version of my fully differential output module, based on OPA1632, and powered by ultra low noise regulators for both +/- rails. Then relays mute circuit. Of course the whole power system on audio board is improved, included the DAC chip power system. All the unbalanced original outputs are still working, while the XLR modul it parallel the stereo channels connected directly to the the chip outputs.
Hi Coris, I use my Oppos (105D earlier and 101CI now which sounds better) as multichannel AV source/processors so I need all 8 DAC outputs. How do you think which one is better for me to upgrade, 203 or 205? If I will convert all 8 outputs of 203's DAC board to XLR and will do the same with all 8 outputs of 205's multichannel DAC, what will be the difference in sound quality? Of course I need linear power supply for 203.
101 it have a AKM DAC inside. I have to admit that the AKM (used in 203) it sounds very pleasant and well, when the post DAC processing it is do it right. Not the cases with stock Oppo 101 and 203, where the sound stage is meant more as an accessory, and not as a main high quality function (as it was meant by Oppo for 205).
My last appreciation is that a improved audio bord in 203 it can sounds much better than a stock 205. However, the logic says that the Sabre Pro DAC inside the 205, it have to sounds accordingly better, as it is an another quality class DAC chip, than AKM it is. I had not the time yet to proceed to the 205 extended improvements, so I can not say more at the moment.
Also you may know that applying improvements for all 8 channels in 203, and maybe all XLR is just not possible, because the available space does not allow such approach. The audio board should first be designed different, but I`m still be sceptic about the available space inside the actual enclosure. At least there is no place for 16 XLR connectors on back panel...
Almost the same for 205 about XLR approach. One is limited to the use of RCA approach for multi channels. Of course even unbalanced, it will sounds different with the accordingly improvements...
I will tend to say that is more worth to invest and improve an 205, even thought the 203 is surprisingly good on sound with an improved audio board. However, the XLR approach implementing is limited to two channels for 203. Also for 205 as well, but we may keep in mind that the two channels stage in 205 it have a dedicated DAC, as the multi channel stage too.
And yes, the linear PSU is a must or a base one should start with in an improvement process, no matter which device model it may be about.
My last appreciation is that a improved audio bord in 203 it can sounds much better than a stock 205. However, the logic says that the Sabre Pro DAC inside the 205, it have to sounds accordingly better, as it is an another quality class DAC chip, than AKM it is. I had not the time yet to proceed to the 205 extended improvements, so I can not say more at the moment.
Also you may know that applying improvements for all 8 channels in 203, and maybe all XLR is just not possible, because the available space does not allow such approach. The audio board should first be designed different, but I`m still be sceptic about the available space inside the actual enclosure. At least there is no place for 16 XLR connectors on back panel...
Almost the same for 205 about XLR approach. One is limited to the use of RCA approach for multi channels. Of course even unbalanced, it will sounds different with the accordingly improvements...
I will tend to say that is more worth to invest and improve an 205, even thought the 203 is surprisingly good on sound with an improved audio board. However, the XLR approach implementing is limited to two channels for 203. Also for 205 as well, but we may keep in mind that the two channels stage in 205 it have a dedicated DAC, as the multi channel stage too.
And yes, the linear PSU is a must or a base one should start with in an improvement process, no matter which device model it may be about.
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Thank you! Every time is a dilemma for me to tweak Oppo multichannel DAC or to invest in good processor. And it's still not clear which way is the best and what particular processor/receiver will outperform tweaked Oppo direct coupled to 7-channel amp in clarity and sound imaging playing SACDs and movies like Sorrentino's La Grande Bellezza.
How does the volume control go in the AKM DAC? Is it any good?
The Sabre DAC's volume control is great - ESS knew it was a challenge and worked on this seriously and with good results:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYjHKv2_OqQ
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It is decent...
You know, my opinion is not to use the digital volume, no matter there is about ESS chip or AKM, or whatever. I run always on "Fixe" for DAC, adjusting it analogue further into the system.
You know, my opinion is not to use the digital volume, no matter there is about ESS chip or AKM, or whatever. I run always on "Fixe" for DAC, adjusting it analogue further into the system.
We use the one in ES9018 all the time and use upgraded Oppo directly into the power amp all the time. No preamp, no integrated amp, using the Oppo as the preamp. It really is that good. In fact, much better than poor quality analog volume controls. In fact, it is a minor miracle.
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