Has the Oppo carried the AV industry?

Hi Schubert,

Very good question, I'm having a hard time realizing this, too. Up until inserting the Oppo, I thought I had stumbled upon an ideal music solution with the combination of a very neutral and revealing class D power amp paired with the VTL with nos Mullard tubes. I've described the excellent synergy of this pairing in some other posts. Since my system is now used about 60% for ht and 40% music, the VTL was a perfect fit with its ht/passthru and my separate ancient Parasound AV2500 preamp/processor. This setup, which took me awhile to figure out, allowed my system to be a very good performer for both music and ht.

I thought I had determined that I needed tubes in my system somewhere to achieve the sound I was wanting (very detailed but with 3 dimensional sound staging and a touch to the warm side of neutral). I thought I needed the tubes to attain this but I now think I was wrong. I've proven to myself that a good performing system can be had through a tube/solid state hybrid AND a completely solid state one. My current thought is that the important factors are having good equipment that is connected well in the most direct manner.

I think connecting the 105 directly to my main amp via Audioquest xlr cables is a factor in my excellent results. It is very apparent that the noise floor has dropped, which does all sorts of good things for the sound performance. Another benefit is utilizing the 105's very good audio circuits and saber dacs as a source component instead of my older Sony DP-s7700 cd/dvd player.

What drove it home for me was listening to one of my favorite cds,Jack Johnson's "In between Dreams", which is mainly vocals and acoustic music with touches of electric guitar that always sounded very harmonically correct and almost euphonic with my prior system. When this cd had the same qualities played back direct through the Oppo, it was a revelation. The VTL wasn't responsible for this, it was in the music and both systems were just very good at capturing these qualities.

Even after realizing the above, however, I'm still reluctant to sell my beloved VTL. As a result, I'm going to place the VTL back in my system (between the 105 and my amp) just to be certain I can get by without it. It's not exactly a fair comparison, though, since the VTL will be another link in the chain and will be connected via rca cables instead of xlrs. I'm just going to choose solely based on sound quality.

Anyway Schubert, I completely understand your skepticism since I felt likewise prior to trying it. I don't think I can overstate how much I'm enjoying the Oppo 105. The hype is true.

Later,
Tim

Avgoround,

I think you should just breakdown and buy an OPPO. Instead of getting aggravated every time you hear or read users praising them, or when reading another gushing review, you could just smile, nod in satisfaction and say "damn right" or "amen" to yourself. Take pride and be glad that you were smart enough to recognize and purchase such a high quality product at such a bargain price.

BTW, I don't even own an OPPO yet but I do know I want one. Buy one and turn your frown around. Take your lemons and make some delicious lemonade. All this praise for all these OPPO models, from both users and reviewers, has to tell you something, right?

On the other hand, though, all this praise could just be a big charade orchestrated to ensure that you got your panties in a bunch. However, I nether confirm nor deny this, as far as you know.

Disclaimer: I may be, or may not be, affiliated with OPPO's Marketing dept. assigned to making sure that Avgoround purchases one of our products. But I think all of my efforts may have been in vain. I apologize if our marketing strategy and tactics were overly aggressive in your case. I just don't understand why you are so resistant to buying one of our fine products.


Thank you,
Tim

Avgoround,

I don't want to misrepresent myself. Sorry, the original intention of my reply was just to pull your leg and yank your chain enough to ensure you got your panties in a bit of a bunch. I was just having a little fun and meant no harm.

However, I was careful to be truthful and not misrepresent myself. In my prior post, I said "I may, or may not be, affiliated with OPPO's Marketing dept." I would love to be able to give you a discount but, unfortunately, I have no affiliation with OPPO.

I do want to congratulate you, though, on coming to your senses and deciding in such a rational manner to gain the numerous inherent benefits obtained by purchasing an OPPO universal player.

Since I'm going to eventually buy an OPPO as well, we can be each other's huckleberries. Soon, you'll be hearing or reading someone singing the praises of OPPO and you'll just be nodding in agreement and smiling. Your panties will also be completely un-bunched and you'll be at peace with the universe.

Enjoy,
Tim

Schubert,

Yes, my friend has a Cambridge universal and it's very obvious comparing the back panel of this to the Oppo 105 that they're almost identical. The front panels are not even close to identical but both look very nice and perform great.

I think there are a few other brands that utilize the Oppo's video and audio tech in their high priced, nicely recased units. I know that Oppo Digital is a U.S. registered company based in Mountain View, Calif. I think this company is just a 'front' for the Chinese Oppo company but am not totally clear on the relationship.

I'd prefer to buy American but I don't think there is a universal player built here that is anywhere near the quality and affordability of the 105. I'm thrilled with the performance of this beauty in all areas: video, 2 channel audio, ease of connectivity with my laptop, JRMC and a NAS for hi-rez computer audio. I'm hooking it up direct from the Oppo's 'Dedicated Stereo' outputs to my main amp via xlr cables for stereo and direct from the Oppo's 'Analog 7.1' outputs to my surround amps via rca cables.

The Oppo even has a feature I wasn't aware of until after setup: it automatically plays back in either stereo or multi-ch depending on inputted signal. This is enabled simply by configuring one setting in the 'Setup' menu. So, my VTL 2.5 preamp and Parasound AV2500 processor were no longer necessary since the 105 functions as both a very good preamp and a very good surround processor. I have a buyer for both components and I'll be selling them both for about the price of the 105 ($1,200). This, in effect, enabled me to make a major upgrade to my system sound wise, as well as enabling me to begin using hi-rez computer files, and I gained a first class bluray/SACD/DVD-A player to boot all for no cost. I am completely pleased with this versatile and high quality machine. It even retains its resale market value. Best component I've bought thus far.

Don't hesitate if you're considering buying an Oppo 103 or 105,
Tim



Thanks,
Tim

Swampypants,

Looks like you've been hitting the Wild Turkey a bit early today; never seen anybody so drunk that they slurred their words while texting. Pace yourself or you're going to find yourself passed out face down in the swamp....again!

I wish I did work for OPPO's Marketing dept. After that marketing campaign I successfully designed and ran on Avgoround, I'd be asking for a raise right about now. I call this one my "Get their panties in a bunch & Close by lunch" strategy (strategy# 8,342B-Panties, known informally as "The Panty Buncher").

BTW, Swamp, I'm currently writing a book based on your life story. It's called "A Speedo, My Rollerblades & Nothing Else: I make this look good".

Remember that time I came down to visit you in What's that Smell. Louisiana? We went down to that dive bar in the swamp you always hang out at-The Pink Croc. You were well over served, swigging on your bottle of Wild Turkey while sitting on old man Flanders' lap. You were so drunk, you sarted wetting your speedo. I was taking a picture of you two at the time. I snapped the picture just as old man Flanders realized what was happening; he looks straight into the camera and you have to see the expression on his face.

You'll be able to check it out because I'm going to put that picture in the book. And, yes, if the book's a hit you'll be receiving some royalty checks. But you're going to need to earn your money. We already have you booked with appearances on Leno, Letterman and the Today Show this fall for the book tour. Please wear your typical attire, speedo, rollerblades and nothing else when you go on. Also, remember, don't wear the same speedo on all 3 shows.

Later Swamp,
Tim

Avgoround,

Did you ever decide to do the right thing and buy an Oppo?

I'm thinking you probably did since you have not posted anything to this thread since 4/30/2013. I'm thinking you're too busy just enjoying the hell out of your new Oppo and loving your single box wonder box.

As I said earlier, I just bought an Oppo 105 and I'm just enjoying the hell out of it, myself. I find myself having the same thoughts and impressions on my 105 that Sonicbeauty has described. The only thing close to negative I would say about this unit is that they're made in China, not here in the U.S. They are sold and supported through an American registered company, Oppo Digital, but I think this is just a 'front' company for the Chinese registered Oppo.

Just in case you haven't come to your senses yet and bought an Oppo and for anyone else considering a purchase, I'll describe what it has brought to my system and why I'm so convinced of its many benefits to any music lover's system.

1. Versatility- The Oppo plays almost any optical disc format: bluray, cd, sacd, dvd-a and cd-rom. It also functions as a limited input preamp and a surround sound processor.
After setup in my system, the 105 allowed me to no longer require the services of my tubed VTL 2.5 preamp or my Parasound AV2500 surround processor. I'm currently planning on selling both units to a friend for about the 105's cost ($1,200). The 105, connected directly from its 'Dedicated Stereo' outputs to my main amp's inputs via xlr cables, has matched the sweetness and dimensionality of my former Sony DP-7700 universal cd/dvd player combined with my Mullard tubed VTL 2.5 preamp. I also sense the noise floor is lower which enhances detail retrieval and perceived dynamic range.

2. Functions as a high quality DAC, Digital Media Player (DMP) and Digital Media Renderer (DMR)- By using my laptop running JRiver Media Center software($50), a Synology single bay NAS with a 2 TB Seagate hard drive($250 total), Seagate Backup Plus 2 TB backup hard drive($95) and the Oppo supplied USB wi-fi dongle, I'm now able to stream my entire 'ripped' cd collection and high-resolution(24/96 and 24/192) music downloads wirelessly to the 105 and, through its excellent Saber dacs and output stage, play them back through my system. The hi-res files sound awesome and even my cds sound better played back this way (lower jitter?). I plan on testing the 105's DSD capabilities in the near future, also.

3. Sound Quality- Whether I'm watching a movie, watching Directv or listening to music, the sound quality is very high and exceded my expectations. The Oppo's setup and configuration settings require a monitor but are very easy to use even without reading the manual. The decoded surround sound is much better than my former, and admittedly much older, Parsound's ability. Once I position my Magnepans out about 4-5ft away from the front wall into the room, the sound quality is stunning. The soundstage presented is wide, deep and 3 dimensional with plenty of detail and a definite 'in the room' realism that I really enjoy. I was concerned some of these qualities would be missing with the VTL(and Mullard tubes)out of the system but it sounds just as sweet when the music calls for it.

4. Simplicity- With my music preamp and surround processor removed from my system, my rack just consists of the Oppo 105 on the top rack with my main amp and 2 surround amps on the shelf below. My NAS and backup drive are located out of sight by my router in my lower level family room. I'm sitting about 12ft away from my system with just my laptop running JRMC. I'm able to view my entire music collection on the laptop and control playback of anything I want to listen to. I almost feel guilty about how convenient my music playback has become.....almost. I'm also able to store and playback my video collection if I want to. We're all aware of how exhausting it can be to get up off our lazy asses and actually put a bluray into the player and trudge all 12ft back to your chair and then, on top of all that, have to press the 'play' button.

5. Picture Quality- the Oppos are also superior video players with built in QDEO video processing. You get a great picture whether watching regular cable/satellite or watching a bluray or DVD disk.

OK, I'll stop there even though I probably left out a few additional features like the headphone amp, internet radio streaming, excellent customer support and service, etc. Anyways, I think you've gathered by now that I'm kind of digging my Oppo 105.

So Avgoround, I hate to tell you this but the hype and praise are all accurate; the Oppos are awesome. Hopefully, you came to your senses and know this firsthand.

Just to be clear, I have no association with Oppo. I'm just I'm just a big fan of excellent a/v quality and value.

Tim

Avgoround,

I wrote this to you back in April:

"I have no affiliation with OPPO.

I do want to congratulate you, though, on coming to your senses and deciding in such a rational manner to gain the numerous inherent benefits obtained by purchasing an OPPO universal player.

Since I'm going to eventually buy an OPPO as well, we can be each other's huckleberries. Soon, you'll be hearing or reading someone singing the praises of OPPO and you'll just be nodding in agreement and smiling. Your panties will also be completely un-bunched and you'll be at peace with the universe.

Enjoy,
Tim"

Just thought you might want to know I meant what I said about Oppo.
I bought an Oppo bdp-105 a few weeks ago and I'm loving it.

Hope you're pleased with yours, too,
Tim

vgoround,

Schubert,

I'm generally a tube lover, too. I recall my dad and I pulling tubes from our tv and bringing a bagful to the local Walgreen's for testing back in the 1960s when I was a kid(I'm 55 now).

That's a lot of tubes in your EE Avant pre. My VTL only uses 4 (2 12au7 and 2 12at7) and a complete set of nos Mullards is a fairly reasonable $200 from Upscale Audio. My initial set was $160 in 2006 and lasted over 6 years running 24/7. This confirmed to me that not switching them on/off daily really does reduce wear and extend tube life. I thought this concept was crazy when I first heard it on A'gon in 2005 but it's true. I replaced my tubes for the 1st time in Jan of this year.

I do not want to get into owning a tube tester and agree that Russian tubes are nothing special except for the low prices.

Dbphd,

I need to apologize to you and everyone reading this thread:

I incorrectly attributed my system's dramatic performance gains to the direct connection of the 105 to my amp via xlr cables. I am sorry if anyone was misled by my prior posts,

I believe the true contributors to my gains were the following:

1. The increased performance of the Oppo 105's audio capabilities compared to my previous Sony cd/dvd player's capabilities.

2. The increased performance of a computer audio system(laptop running JRiver media center software, NAS with 'ripped' cd collection) streaming digital files to the Oppo 105 for digital to analog conversion and playback.

3. The incorporation of hi-res 24 bit/96khz downloaded music files.



Interesting that you found no sound quality advantage with xlr over se connections. After comparing my newly configured system connected via se vs xlr cables, I would agree that, if there is an improvement using the xlrs, it is very slight and nothing I could detect with certainty.

I now believe the 3 most important factors influencing my impressions are my use of a computer system as a music source, the resulting increased playback of hi-res 24/96 FLAC and WAV files and the addition of the Oppo. Duh, right? I didn't treat my new setup scientifically, where only 1 variable is changed at a time to determine effects. I made multiple changes at once; the Oppo, computer as source, hi-res music files and direct to amp xlr connection. These were most likely the cause of my perception of a lowered noise floor and resultant increase in system performance.

Since I couldn't detect any differences, I think I'll go back to the xlr hookup(and sell the VTL) due to simplicity and reduced long term tube expense.


Anyway, happy early Birthday wishes to you, Dbphd. I can say with confidence that you will not regret buying an Oppo 105. I cannot overstate how pleased I am with mine. If you have any interest getting into hi-res computer audio, send me a pm and I'll walk you through the configuration. My cds even sound better 'ripped' to, and played back through, the hard drive. 24 bit/96khz music files are stunning and the best source for music listening I've heard thus far. Convenience and sound quality are the major advantages from my perspective.

FYI: Amazon and Oppo Direct have the lowest prices at $1,199 on the 105 I've seen. However, they don't have free shipping so I bought mine at Crutchfield for $1,219 and free shipping which resulted in an awesome $7 savings over both of them.

Now, please stop telling everbody that I never give you anything for your b-day, ok?

Thanks and hope you enjoy your b-day, Oppo and $7,
Tim

Avgoround,

You sound a little down. My guess is it's just a cyclical thing and you'll get your a/v mojo back soon. I just wanted to respond to a few of your concerns about the Oppo 105:

1. "Let's forget the fact, for the moment, that the Oppo's don't upscale to 4K resolution, and we got new projectors and displays coming out now that DO JUST THAT! (Why would I pay for scaling and processing in the Oppos, when my display is already processing video signals beyond what the oppo can do?)"

If your monitor/projector can support 4k video, the current Oppo 105 can be set to upscale to 4k or it can be set to output 1080i or1080p if you want your projector to do the upscaling.

2. "Then, we get to the near future, where all these players -AND DISCS - go BYE BYE! ..and then we are all at hard-driver storage/media servers anyway.
You can't convince me that we won't all be condensing our disc collections onto Kaleidascape type Terabyte hard-drive units, and servers, pc storage and streaming, etc, anyway, in the not to distant future."

I completely agree with you about the near future reality will be less discs and more downloaded music files of 16 bit/44.1khz or even better 24 bit/96 and 192khz resolution downloads. One of the main reasons I decided to buy the Oppo was exactly for this capability. I'm using the 105 as a DMR/DMP (Digital Media Renderer and Digital Media Player) and wirelessly streaming music from a 2 TB NAS (Network Attached Storage) to the 105. The Oppo receives the wireless signal through its included wireless USB dongle, decodes the digital signal to analog using its excellent saber dacs and outputs the stereo analog l+r signals to my amp via xlr cables. Everything is controlled via JRiver media center software running on my laptop. Ultra convenient and very high sound quality, the future has arrived.

Once I bought the Oppo for $1,219, I was able to take advantage of its computer audio capabilities with a modest $400 outlay for the Synology 2 TB NAS and 2 TB Seagate backup hard drive. My system has never sounded better and I now find myself just concentrating on finding good music for downloading and listening to the music collection I already have.

Yes, I have turned into an Oppo fanboy, but only because the 105 is such a stellar performer at a very reasonable price.

Wihing you the best,
Tim

Albert,

I see you're already familiar with the outstanding performance of the Oppo 105 and have ordered another, adding the Darbee.

I've been on Audiogon for awhile and have always noticed that you have had very nice systems with excellent equipment and speakers. Your decision to incorporate the Oppo-105 into your own system just confirms its excellence.

No, it's not perfect, but it's a great performer in my system. I can honestly say that I consider my 105 the best system upgrade I've ever made in my system.

I replaced an older Sony universal DVD with the Oppo and I'm gradually taking advantage of all its functionality:

1. CD playback improved from good to excellent. I decided to go direct from the 105 to my ClassD Audio 440CS amp via xlr cables and bypass my VTL 2.5 tube preamp. I thought I would miss the very good combo of a tubed preamp with a class D amp for CD music playback. I found that the Oppo, with its very good Saber dacs and analog audio stages, delivered just as sweet a sound but with a quieter background and increased detail.

2. Directv satellite hdtv even looks better on my plasma hdtv. I run an HDMI cable from the small 'client' satellite box to the Oppo's HDMI input and then another from the Oppo's video output to my hdtv's HDMI input. This allows the video signal to take advantage of the Oppo's very good built-in QDEO video processor. The result is excellent picture quality on all HD channels.

3. Surround sound decoding is also handled internally by the Oppo 105. I found I no longer needed my older Parasound AV2500 preamp/processor for decoding duties for my 5.1 HT system

4. Bluray playback not only has DVD pq beat by a mile, but the newer surround sound codecs also has DVD sq beat by a mile.

5. High-Resolution music downloads are able to be played back utilizing the 105's ability to be a DMR and DMP(Digital Media Renderer and Digital Media Player). I now have all my CDs'ripped' as digital media files on my Synology NAS(Network Attached Storage) and playback is controlled via my laptop running JRMC(J River Media Center)software. The 105 is able to receive the digital stream the NAS sends to it wirelessly via its included wi-fi receiver dongle.

I have also downloaded a few hi-res 24 bit/ 96khz music files (Miles Davis-"Kind of Blue" and Carmen Gomes- "1,000 Shades of Blue") to my NAS. They both sound stunningly good with that 'in the room' quality that sounds so right.

There are a few Oppo 105 capabilities I have yet to explore such as 24bit/192khz and DSD music downloads.

I'll be testing these out soon but, in the meantime, I am thrilled with the performance of the Oppo-105 and my system has never sounded better.

FWIW,
Tim

Rgs92,

"Will the Oppo (105)'s digital volume control work if I connect it via the analog outputs to my preamp if I choose this method?"

Yes, the Oppo's digital volume control will adjust both the 'Dedicated Stereo' balanced and unbalanced outputs as well as all the unbalanced surround analog outputs. I'm not sure what kind of preamp or pre/pro your thinking of using, but the Oppo eliminates the need for both in most cases. I no longer use my 2-ch preamp with ht/passthru and my high quality separate surround preamp/processor since inserting the 105 in my system.

If you let me know what type of preamp, I could tell you if you could do the same.

"Does using this digital volume control detract from the sound quality in anyone's experience?"

The Oppo's digital volume control utilizes 32 bits for that exact reason; not affecting the audio signal. In my 1 month experience with the 105, I can verify that the volume control does not detract from the sq using any input and the Oppo 105's sound quality as a preamp is excellent. I found that when my good sounding VTL preamp was included in my system, it did detract from the sq when compared to removing it and connecting the 105's 'Dedicated Stereo' outputs directly to my main amp via xlr cables.

This was a hard decision since I've loved and enjoyed the sq of my VTL, with nos Mullard tubes, in my system for the past 5+ years. But my goal for my system has always been sq 1st so I made the choice as objectively as possible based solely on sq performance. I'm not actually complaining, though, since I now have better sound and sold my VTL and pre/pro for about the same $ I paid for the Oppo.

If you buy the 105, you'll probably be making a tough decision, too.

FWIW,
Tim

Avgoround,

Yes, the Oppo can do all the things you listed but it can also play downloaded music files that have much better fidelity and a wider dynamic range than CDs. And the Oppo will receive and playback music files sent wirelessly to it from the hard drive. I know, it all sounds too fantastic to be true, but it happens in my house everyday.

'In my house', just like the singers and musicians seem to be when I play those hi-resolution files back through that awesome Oppo in my system.

Just buy one, Av, you've resisted long enough.

Hi Albert,

Interesting about the DSD performance. Knowing Oppo, though, there will be incremental improvements with every new model, usually with software updates for previous models. Recording methods may also spur near future improvements in sq performance.

I'm really enjoying music files recorded and played back at 24 bit/96khz, with the critical ingredient seeming to be the recording at 24/96. Rereleasing CD quality recordings on 24/96 is still 16/44.1 sound contained within a bigger file; I cannot discern any sonic improvements.

However, I can clearly notice the reduced noise floor, resulting increase in details and greater dynamic range on 24/96 recordings when compared to CD redbook.

If I can find enough music I enjoy recorded at 24/96, I may need to increase my 2 TB system to one closer to your storage capacity.

I've also had a hard time differentiating sq between 24/96 WAV and FLAC files. But that's allright, since I'm able to get very high resolution AND use less hard drive space for the files, too.

Enjoy,
Tim

Avgoround,

You stated: "here's all im interested in, if it means needing to get ANY Oppo: One, I need to know if its possible to burn my bluray discs onto some hard drive, bit for bit (no loss of audio/video rez), and stream them through the Oppo? Ultimately, I want to get rid of all my Discs (going away anyway...let's be honest) and store them as exact copies, just like I heard some of the Kaleidascapes can do.
If the oppo simply is used as a player for my discs, Im less enthused. I'm sure it plays marginally better than standard $150 Bluray players for sound and vid, but im guessing that has much MUCH more to do with how well my projector and setup is calibrated and engineered, as well as the integrity of my audio system."

I am not currently using my NAS to store and playback video files wirelessly in combination with the Oppo. As I stated before, I am doing this with my entire CD collection and several 24bit/96khz hi-res downloaded music files.

However, it's my understanding that doing the same with video files is also possible with my current setup and I'll probably do this in the near future. My only reluctance is the increased storage usage of video files compared to audio files.

If you come to your senses and buy an Oppo, I think you can be doing the same if you want. I was unsure how to accomplish this at first, so I did a lot of online reading and research on computer audio (www.sounstream.com and www.computeraudiophile.com are 2 good sources of info). I also started a few threads here on Audiogon in the 'Digital' section of the Forums when I wanted questions answered and several fellow members were very helpful.

I now am very glad I did and have enough knowledge and experience to beconfident giving advice, especially with utilizing the Oppo in their setup.

If you're interested in setting up your own computer audio/video system, I'd be glad to assist you if you'd like. Just let me know.

To help you decide, I'll list some requirements you'll need to get started along with prices I paid for them:

1. Home wi-fi system with router that has an R-45 ethernet port(about $30 plus per month in most areas). The higher your internet speed the better but more speed= more $$.

2. Digital Media Renderer and Digital Media Player(DMR, DMP). The Oppo 103($499) and 105($1,199) serve as both providing the same high video quality but the 105 providing better audio quality. Each has a wireless USB dongle included for wireless streaming. Some will say you need to hardwire for best audio/video quality but I found this not to be true for me, at least for audio. I have no signal 'dropouts' and wireless and wired sounded identical on my system.

3. Digital Media Controller(DMC). I used my existing laptop but you could use a desktop or even a tablet. Im not sure of current costs on these.

4. Media center software. There are several options and I found J River Media Center($49) works very well for audio and handles video also but I have not used this capacity yet.

5. Network Attached Storage (NAS) which is the main storage device for all your video and audio files. The NAS is connected to your home wi-fi system via the router using an Ethernet cable with R45 connectors. There are several options with single or multiple bays for various sized hard drives bought separately. I bought a Synology R112j single-bay NAS for $150 and a 2 Terabyte(2 TB) hard drive for $89. Many recommend the use of a multiple bay NAS with multiple hard drives that basically mirror each other and, in case of hd failure, a remaining good drive takes over automatically so there's no down time. This is called a RAID system and the NAS itself is more expensive plus there's the extra cost of multiple hard drives.

I love my music but, in case of hard drive failure, I can get by without it for a short time while I replace the bad hard drive and reload my music files from my backup drive. I think RAID systems are unnecessarily complex and expensive but the choice is yours. I would definitely use a RAID if I was using it for a business but not my A/V files.

6. Backup hard drive. Hard drives do fail and you will need a system to guard against losing your files permanently. You'll therefore require an additional hd to consistently and frequently backup files to that is the same size or larger than your NAS drive. I use a Seagate Backup Plus 2 TB that I bought for $94. The unit is attached to the NAS via a USB cable and is programmed to backup all my files automatically every night while I'm sleeping.

7. Hard drive for NAS. HDs come in various sizes up to about 8 TB and the size you buy depends on how many a/v files you want to store, with prices increasing as size increases. I bought a Seagate Barracuda 2 TB hd for $89 but there are many options. Mine is a regular mechanical, spinning disc hd but there are also newer solid-state hds that are faster, quieter and also more expensive.

Once I had the Oppo, and since I already had a laptop and Wi-Fi with router, I was able to add computer audio to my system for a total cost of just $400. I cannot overstate how versatile and important the Oppo 105 was in attaining my excellent results. All the bluray and other discs it will play, and it taking over as my preamp and 5.1 surround processor and DAC, are just additional advantages.

Ultimately, of course, it's your choice. But, if you do buy one, I'm willing to assist you as much as I can with setup.

I'm no expert yet, but may be soon.

Tim

Hi Avgoround,

If you already have a hi-speed home internet wi-fi network, then just let me know via pm when you get your Oppo, laptop or tablet, J River Media Center software, NAS and backup drives and I'll walk you through it.
Once you 'rip' your audio and video disks to the NAS, you'll be diskless and you can store them away.

Tim