Oppo UDP-205 Announced

That kind-of defeats the purpose of owning a 205 though, doesn't it? If you aren't going to use the analog outputs, then what's the point of paying more than twice as much for the superior DACs?

 

If you have it connected to internet it should prompt you to download firmware update. There is a recent update which mine (purchased 3 weeks ago) needed. Some CDs are not identified correctly, especially older ones.

 

You have to make sure that the FW update notification is set to on in the 205's menu to receive the updates. I believe it's the default setting but best to double check.

 

I did check but you are right it was set as default.

 

Can you operate the 205 without connecting to a display to use it only for CD/SACD playback (analog output only)?

 

Yes. But if you want to change (deviate from the default) any of the playback preference settings, you'll want to hook up a display temporarily at first to accomplish that through the menu system. You may not need to, though if the defaults work for you.

 

Anyone else receive the verify email link for 205 notification of production page from OPPO today?

 

I got the email verification notice today as well.

 

Yes, I received the email as well.

 

Many 205 reviews mention the possibility of using it basically as a pre-amp. Anyone actually tried this and how does it sound?

 

SACD sounds better with DSD out setting (this appears to affect analogue output not just digital) and I'm not sure if that is a default from memory.

 

Yes, if it's like the 10X player, it will convert to PCM before conversion to analog if SACD output is set to "PCM." This is primarily to allow the use of the player's rudimentary room correction for SACD playback.

 

I also received my email verification. Anyone that bought a 205 from OPPO, was there a sales tax included with sales price?

 

I believe when buying direct from Oppo only California residents pay sales tax.

 

I received the email too and do not know why. I don't remember signing up.

(My memory is becoming unreliable though.)

 

I know the feeling, I think .

 

?????.......Errrr..........NO not at all

As mentioned in my earlier post.......I was regarding multichannel use.

I use the 205's superior XLR stereo analog outputs.

As far as MY personal requirements go.......the actual "point" is achieving highest possible SQ for BOTH multichannel and stereo......

 

Obviously........
But shouldn't all that matter is......... which connection offers the user best multichannel SQ?

 

Ok, that makes more sense.

 

That's happening to bunch of us old geezers.

 

I'm doing the same. I use HDMI for multichannel music and XLR analog for stereo music. Once setting up the audio (DVD-A and Blu-ray Audio) I switch from HDMI (Main) to HDMI (Audio Only) to take advantage of the "high-precision HDMI clock and a special HDMI audio jitter reduction circuit".

I believe you are correct but the HDMI (Audio Only) output of the 205 (see above) has advanced circuitry to significantly reduce jitter.

 

To us middle-aged geezers too.

 

The 105 is capable of this as well.
I've tried this multiple times going back to my first CD player, the Sony CDP-610ES up to the 105.
I've always gone back to using whatever pre-amp I had at the time.
Not that anyone cares but I came to the conclusion a long time ago that a pre-amp\pro is the heart of a system.
While it defies the belief that everything in the audio chain can at best only do the least amount of harm, my experience tells me otherwise.
Trust me, if I thought it sounded better I would give up any convenience & potential cost but that's just me.
Everyone has to decide for themselves

 

FWIW my experience was the opposite of Mongo's!!!

I use my 205 via XLR DIRECT to my active ATC's as it sounds clearly better to me versus using my ($2K) stereo pre.

Variables like the quality of stereo pre used and impedance matching with power amps will play major roles in the outcome.

No real hard and fast answer either way................suck it and see I guess.....

Mongo and I are happy with our arrangements anyway!!!!

 

What is?