The Oppo DV-980H is a DVD player. Like all DVD players, it also plays CDs. Unlike almost all DVD players, it also plays SACD discs. The DVD side of things has been covered by other reviewers, I would just like to comment on using this item as a CD/SACD player in a hi-fi system.
I bought the Oppo on the strength of some very good reviews in some classical CD magazines. Unusually, Oppo have used very high quality components in the audio stages of this player (most DVD player manufacturers pay little attention to performance when playing CDs). As soon as I put the first disc in (Mahlers 3rd. Symphony/ Chailly) Mahler: Symphony No.3 it was obvious that this was an excellent audio player. Wide frequency response, wide dynamics, and a natural sound that is so important for classical music. No emphasis on one particular part of the audio spectrum.
I actually hadnt meant to keep on listening, but I did, simply because the sound was so fine. And this was listening via the phono outputs; you can also output the audio via an HDMI connection direct to a receiver/amp with HDMI input and get results that Gramophone magazine said you would normally pay twice this price to get. I havent noticed a great deal of difference myself between CDs and SACDs, but that may be because I cant as yet make use of the HDMI output.
A couple of other things. The front section of the extensive manual is written in Swedish; dont worry, there are clearly written English instructions later on in the manual. For some reason, Oppo, a Californian-based company, distribute their equipment in Europe from their Swedish base. This probably keeps costs down as there is no middle man. (But why on earth dont they advertise? They seem to rely on word-of- mouth advertising). No matter.
The display on the player is limited - it is really designed to show settings, tracks, etc. on a TV screen. I set my player up whilst connected to a TV, then moved it over to the hi-fi, preferring to keep video and audio separate. But thats me. The mains plug is a two-pin Continental one, but Oppo do include an adapter for the U.K., so thats no problem. Standard of construction seems high, as does presentation (the player comes in its own cloth bag, a nice touch).
There are two ways of purchasing, from Oppo direct, or through Amazon. At current Euro/pound exchange rates buying through Amazon is marginally cheaper. Either way, delivery from Sweden is by ParcelForce and takes about 5 working days from ordering.
I had budgeted to spend up to £400 on a new CD player, but found that the DV-980H (at £179) out-performed some Marantz and Denon players I auditioned.
At the current price this is a really excellent buy. And you can play DVDs if you want to!!
Highly recommended.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating:  Date Reviewed: 20Jul2009 |
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