The OPPO UDP-205 thread

[Boomzilla]

IF (and that's a BIG "if") I like the features of the UDP-205, I'll buy one and then sell my BDP-105.

Existing 105 features that MUST be on the 205 include:

DLNA streaming
Coaxial digital output
Both balanced and unbalanced audio outputs
Bass management

Lose any of those existing features and I'll just keep my 105.

Other features that I'd like to have on the 205 include:

MQA decoding (unlikely at release date, but possible in a future firmware upgrade)
HDR capability
Stereo subwoofer outputs

These "likes" aren't necessarily deal-breakers, but without at least a future promise of MQA from Oppo, I'll probably still skip the 205 and buy an MQA DAC instead (I really want to try MQA).

Although I do have a 4K TV, it automatically up-converts anyway, and I'm satisfied with my picture.

[cawgijoe]

Mar 8, 2017 8:45:07 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

IF (and that's a BIG "if") I like the features of the UDP-205, I'll buy one and then sell my BDP-105.



Although I do have a 4K TV, it automatically up-converts anyway, and I'm satisfied with my picture.

Yes, they all upconvert, but no substitute for the native 4K picture.

[Boomzilla]

I'll have to take your word for it, cawgijoe - I don't trust the demo sets in the store. At least my Samsung is black-calibrated for my room and has been adjusted using the DIY tools on the calibration disc. Sooner or later, I'll get a 4K player & try some native 4K content. But whether I buy the "jack-of-all-trades" Oppo or get an inexpensive Samsung 4K player remains to be seen.

[cawgijoe]

Mar 8, 2017 8:52:53 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

I'll have to take your word for it, cawgijoe - I don't trust the demo sets in the store. At least my Samsung is black-calibrated for my room and has been adjusted using the DIY tools on the calibration disc. Sooner or later, I'll get a 4K player & try some native 4K content. But whether I buy the "jack-of-all-trades" Oppo or get an inexpensive Samsung 4K player remains to be seen.

Boom...does your Samsung come with apps? You can sample 4K from You Tube. It's pretty awesome. Netflix also has shows in 4K that are excellent.

[Boomzilla]

Thanks, amigo - I'll check them out!

[Bonzo]

Mar 8, 2017 8:45:07 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

IF (and that's a BIG "if") I like the features of the UDP-205, I'll buy one and then sell my BDP-105.

Existing 105 features that MUST be on the 205 include:

DLNA streaming
Coaxial digital output
Both balanced and unbalanced audio outputs
Bass management

Lose any of those existing features and I'll just keep my 105.

Other features that I'd like to have on the 205 include:

MQA decoding (unlikely at release date, but possible in a future firmware upgrade)
HDR capability
Stereo subwoofer outputs

These "likes" aren't necessarily deal-breakers, but without at least a future promise of MQA from Oppo, I'll probably still skip the 205 and buy an MQA DAC instead (I really want to try MQA).

Although I do have a 4K TV, it automatically up-converts anyway, and I'm satisfied with my picture.

I agree, with a few extras.....

DLNA streaming
Coaxial digital output (I want all the inputs, including Tos-link)
Both balanced and unbalanced audio outputs
Bass management (and 7.1 volume and location parameters so it can be used as a stand alone without a processor)

- I think HDR is basically a must.
- MQA would be nice, either now of via future firmware.

One thing I want for sure is the option to turn the digital inputs on "automatic." Last I know (don't own one), on the 105 you still have to go into a menu screen to turn on the desired digital input, and do this each and every time you want to use it. If the 205 is to operate more like a true DAC, then it needs to "sense" incoming signals and automatically switch to that function. Of course for people who don't want that, it needs to be a set-up-menu choice of manual or automatic. There should also be a direct "manual" button on the remote control for those times when its necessary.

I'm also interested in whether it "down converts" 4K discs to 1080p for viewing new 4K discs on an older 1080p TV. I read somewhere that all players will do this, but I'm not sure I believe it, that el-cheapo players will have this. Can anyone with the 203 confirm this or not??? Perhaps it's one of the "laws" written into the standards. But if it won't "down convert," then I'm going to have to strongly debate buying this thing, or 4K discs. I'm not switching TV's anytime soon unless the one I have dies prematurely.

[Boomzilla]

Hi Bonzo -

I don't have to switch my 105 between incoming signals. If the DLNA is playing music, the Oppo plays music. If I put a disc in the drive, the drive disc automatically supersedes the DLNA & begins playing. I haven't tried other inputs, but I never have to switch any inputs on my system.

Boom

[Bonzo]

Mar 8, 2017 17:26:55 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

Hi Bonzo -

I don't have to switch my 105 between incoming signals. If the DLNA is playing music, the Oppo plays music. If I put a disc in the drive, the drive disc automatically supersedes the DLNA & begins playing. I haven't tried other inputs, but I never have to switch any inputs on my system.

Boom

Good to know. Thanks. They must have finally added it via a firmware update. I know for sure it was an issue when the players first came out, and for quite some time there after. Last time I asked anyone (I don't recall how long it's been), it was still an issue.

[novisnick]

Mar 8, 2017 15:40:57 GMT -5 cawgijoe said:

Mar 8, 2017 8:52:53 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

I'll have to take your word for it, cawgijoe - I don't trust the demo sets in the store. At least my Samsung is black-calibrated for my room and has been adjusted using the DIY tools on the calibration disc. Sooner or later, I'll get a 4K player & try some native 4K content. But whether I buy the "jack-of-all-trades" Oppo or get an inexpensive Samsung 4K player remains to be seen.

Boom...does your Samsung come with apps? You can sample 4K from You Tube. It's pretty awesome. Netflix also has shows in 4K that are excellent.

This is true, watch 4K YouTube of the sun, it'll blow your mind! Just beautiful!

[LCSeminole]

Mar 8, 2017 17:22:39 GMT -5 Bonzo said:

I'm also interested in whether it "down converts" 4K discs to 1080p for viewing new 4K discs on an older 1080p TV. I read somewhere that all players will do this, but I'm not sure I believe it, that el-cheapo players will have this. Can anyone with the 203 confirm this or not??? Perhaps it's one of the "laws" written into the standards. But if it won't "down convert," then I'm going to have to strongly debate buying this thing, or 4K discs. I'm not switching TV's anytime soon unless the one I have dies prematurely.

Yes, I can confirm this, as this is how I'm using the UDP-203 with a Panasonic ST60 series plasma.

[Bonzo]

Mar 8, 2017 19:06:52 GMT -5 LCSeminole said:

Mar 8, 2017 17:22:39 GMT -5 Bonzo said:

I'm also interested in whether it "down converts" 4K discs to 1080p for viewing new 4K discs on an older 1080p TV. I read somewhere that all players will do this, but I'm not sure I believe it, that el-cheapo players will have this. Can anyone with the 203 confirm this or not??? Perhaps it's one of the "laws" written into the standards. But if it won't "down convert," then I'm going to have to strongly debate buying this thing, or 4K discs. I'm not switching TV's anytime soon unless the one I have dies prematurely.

Yes, I can confirm this, as this is how I'm using the UDP-203 with a Panasonic ST60 series plasma.

Excellent!!! Thank you.

So a 205 is still certainly on my upgrade list. Oppo 205, Emotiva XMC-1 (with Atmos / DTS:X) or XMC-2, ceiling speakers, turntable (TBD), and a killer subwoofer (TBD). Hard to prioritize.

[jmilton]

www.uhdbdinnumbers.com/

Yes it will down convert, but all 4k discs come with a blu-ray version...so why be concerned?

[Bonzo]

Mar 9, 2017 9:49:01 GMT -5 jmilton said:

...but all 4k discs come with a blu-ray version...

Because this is not for certain, especially not in the long run. Many maybe, but certainly not "all." I'd say "some" would be a better word. And as time goes on, it will become less and less. I have many Blu-rays in my collection that did not come with a DVD. I'm 100% certain the same will be with 4K discs.

[Boomzilla]

ME: "That's smooth as a supermodel's butt!"

HER: "How would YOU know how smooth a supermodel's butt is?"

ME: "Some things are WORTH getting slapped for..."


PS: Oppo's website is still citing an April release date for the UDP-205.

[Bonzo]

Mar 23, 2017 7:09:22 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

Oppo's website is still citing an April release date for the UDP-205.

Yeah, and not even a single picture I've seen of the back of the unit (which I'd really like to see). That date's gonna change. Fine by me, I'm in no hurry. I'm still thinking Christmas 2017 might be my time.

[jcz06]

From AVS Forum:

Gents- I wanted to share the latest and greatest I was fortunate to receive from Oppo this morning.


Yaphet,

The UDP-205 will likely be released by the end of April and will retail between $1299 and $1399 when it is released. It will have the latest ESS ES9038Pro DACs and have digital coaxial, optical and Asynchronous USB DAC inputs, a headphone amplifier, multi-channel analog and dedicated stereo analog outputs, stereo XLR output and a single HDMI input for audio and video.

Best Regards,

Customer Service
OPPO Digital, Inc.
162 Constitution Dr.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
[e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

[Boomzilla]

Well, although Oppo's website still says that the UDP-205 release date is coming "end of April," they've also still got their weasel language up saying that the release date is an estimate. Further, they've released:

No emails to those asking to pre-order
No photos of the back of the unit
No specifications
No further information of any sort

So pardon me for being suspicious.

After the shenanigans leading up to this release, I'm thinking that I'll not be in the "pre-order" group after all. I want to see a number of things prior to spending one thin dime:

Will my TV accept the 4K signals direct from the Oppo player?
Will an "all-regions" kludge board be available immediately?
Will the new 205 sound significantly better than the 105?
Will the new 205 support DLNA streaming over Ethernet?
Will the volume control on the 205 be analog or digital?
Will Oppo commit to releasing MQA compatibility in a future firmware update?

Too many unknowns for me to part with a big $K+ without answers.

Boomzilla

[novisnick]

I agree with you Boomzilla , I just can't see laying out REAL money for a 4K player that doesn't bring much to the table.
Lack of an All regions board doesn't bother so much as far as I know. Am I missing something?

Also, a lack of streaming apps such as Tidal, Pandora and others would be a huge plus to help simplify a A/V system. I find that I don't care for adding other devices to get what I want. Cost is pretty much minimal when you het to the bigger dollars Oppo wants for a 205

[RichGuy]

I don't think there will be very much change between the 105 and 205. It's mainly an upgrade to 4 K and a couple of slight changes will come with it.

I just ordered the 203 yesterday to replace my 103, the 203 should be here at the end of the week. The 103 will be for sale if anyone is interested. My display is not 4 K yet but I will be ready when the time comes.

When I originally went with Oppo I thought about the 105 but it simply was taller than I had room for where I wanted to put it. Also there really isn't much that the 105/205 upgrades that I need in my system as I prefer my separate DAC for music listening. I don't think the 105/205 add anything for just hdmi out for HT. I also prefer the look of the 103/203 over the 105, I believe the 205 will retain the 105 look but that's yet to be seen.

[butchgo]

www.axpona.com/exhibitors_detail.asp?ID=20055

Check this out!!!!