Oppo BDP 95 vs BDP 105...

Admranger,

The 95 does not have the input capability of the 105. I plan to connect DirecTV HD-DVR via HDMI and Mac Mini via USB to a 105. HDMI from the 105 will go to my projector; analog XLR stereo and RCA 7.1 will go to my Cary Cinema 11a as they do with my 95.

db

Admranger, The role of the Cary is minimal with the Oppo 95, but it does process HDMI audio from my Sony XA5400ES.

Video: The Cary has no video processing capability; it just passes video. I'm currently using a DVDO iScan Duo as an HDMI switch, so it's processing video, but when the 95 was connected directly to the projector, the picture quality was at least as good as that from the iScan Duo. When I install a 105, it will do the HDMI switching and the iSan Duo will go.

Audio: The Cary receives stereo and 7.1 analog audio from the 95 that it bypasses, so the 95 is doing the processing, including speaker settings. This setup eliminates HDMI artifacts between the Oppo and Cary. The Cary audio processing is used only with the Sony. Both the Cary and Oppo 95 excel at audio and either yields superb transparent sound with detailed imaging on a well defined stage. I'm guessing the 105 will at least equal the 95 in audio ability.

db

I replaced our 95 with a 105 a few days ago. Both audio and video seem a bit better, but to be fair analog audio and HDMI video cables have been reconnected and an iScan Duo removed from the video path. Audio and video are superb.

There was a lip sync problem with DirecTV HD-DVR through the 105, but a firmware update the first evening fixed that. HBO cannot be viewed because of a program protection issue. Oppo tells me they are working on a firmware fix for that problem. We have a DirecTV whole house setup that networks our four receivers, so HBO recorded on another receiver can be viewed on the receiver connected to the 105 even while recording.

db

Bacardi,

My Cary 11a processor, Proceed HPA 2 & 3 amps, and KEF Reference 107/2 mains and 102 center and surrounds must not comprise a revealing system. I've been comparing the sound of vinyl played using my Thorens TD 124 and SME Series III arm with Ortofon SME 30H cartridge with that of SACDs played on the Oppo 105 in balanced stereo. Specifically, "Jazz at the Pawnshop" and "Time Out" sound remarkably similar whether vinyl or SACD. The Sony XA 5400ES sounds smoother but less detailed. Whatever the failings of the system, it makes it seem as though the bar is right at the end of the room, with vivid soundstage imaging.

db