Oppo or Panny and ERC

[house72]

Hello Folks

I have a quick question. I have an option to select my christmas gift which will be Oppo BDP83 as one stop solution for CD's as well as Blu-Ray and DVD or else Panny 80 for Blu Ray DVD and ERC1 for CD.

I do not have SACD/DVD Audio but own a big CD collection. Whats you guys choice between the two?

Thanks

[darkvisions]

If you don't have SACD or DVD-Audio I would get the ERC-1 and Panasonic. I know the Panny has gotten some good reviews and the ERC-1 is unbelievable.

I chose the Oppo because of the SACD / DVD-Audio capabilities and upconversion of regular DVD's.

I do know in my system, in my house with my ears the ERC-1 smokes the Oppo in Redbook CD play back.

I don't think you would be unhappy with either.

[house72]

Thanks for your input. I have time till next week to decide and want to see as much opinions. As much as I like the option of Universal Player, I just want to know advantage and disadvantage of going one way or the other.

Cheers

[Animo]

Although none of us have heard it yet, the Oppo Special Edition is touting an upgraded performance level for the entire analog audio section, compared to the standard Oppo. Might even give the ERC a run for it's money. I have the Oppo and the ERC for the same reasons listed above, plus the ERC will also play HDCDs and the Oppo won't.

[checkereddemon]

Animo wrote:
"plus the ERC will also play HDCDs and the Oppo won't. "

That is incorrect. ALL Oppo units decode HDCD.

[jmilton]

My Oppo 980H plays HDCD with ease! ;D

The HDCD lights up in the display.

[dgshtav]

Very difficult without knowing your expectations and other equipment you would be pairing it with.

If you have Reference everything else, then I would be inclined to suggest the Oppo SE for the package that it is.

If you think you currently have (and will do so even in the near/mid-term future) other “weaker” links in the chain, I would not hesitate to recommend the ERC-1. Same for the Blu Ray player. $125 should get you excellent VQ. If you do not have a receiver/pre-pro that decodes HD Audio and you are indeed looking for premium HD audio soundtrack to go with the movies, then maybe ~$200 +/- on a BR player.. Either way, such a combo should net you significantly lower than the Oppo SE. Savings that could be better used elsewhere in your setup!

[house72]

Hey Guys

I cannot see Oppo BDP-83 listed in Harmony 1000 database. Do you guys have any idea on how to get this incorporated?

Cheers

Raj