If you spend $1200 on an audio/video input device OF COURSE you will get a significant improvement in audio and video output. And be inclined to give the Oppo BDP-105 Darbee five stars. That's not the issue.
The issue is: Is this Oppo WORTH $1200?
Oh Heavens, yes! Best money I ever spent on any a/v device.
I was persuaded by the "most helpful" Amazon review. (I read every one. Twelve hundred bucks is twelve hundred bucks!) Which is comprehensive, knowledgeable and detailed. But I also looked all over the internet for more information. I am not an audiophile. But I have five decades' worth of music and videos and, I think, a discerning ear and eye for quality. - But was not prepared for how impressed I would be once the Oppo was out of the box, wired up, fired up and actually performing.
Set up is very easy for such a sophisticated device. The fancy HDMI cable they provide goes into the HDMI input on the TV and the Video out in the Oppo. The AV1 HDMI input in the amplifier goes into the audio output in the Oppo. That's it!
Assuming your amplifier is properly connected to your speakers you are ready to go. (Their instructions are clear and well written,and if you are into that sort of thing, they offer alternative hook up options and personalized preference tweaking.
-- First thing I tried was the (Darbee processor enhanced) video output. I hardly watch TV but found an old TMC movie running on cable. (plugged from the set top into the back of the Oppo) -- Oppo went blank for a few seconds figuring out what the garbage input was and how to process it and then - unbelievable! There was Frank Sinatra - you could see his makeup and how tacky the stage set was in those old movies. The picture clarity and detail was incredible.
Then I tried running a blu ray movie (Master & Commander - great visuals and sound stage) and was pleased the processing time to boot up is just a few seconds before it begins playing. With 5.1 set up I was on board the Ship.
Then I tried a bunch of classical CD's - vocal, chamber ensemble, orchestral... Sound was excellent, of course.
Of course!
Then I tried my Sennheiser 600's through the Oppo. This was when it began to feel like a religious experience. The Sennheiser is a very good earphone which I've enjoyed for a couple years. But Oppo's headphone outlet is pre-amp'd. So, for the first time I really heard how good these headphones are.
And, finally, I copied a bunch of Herman Walcha Bach organ works from my iTunes to an old thumb drive. An hour ago I plugged in the drive to the front usb port, directed the Oppo to this input, and began playing through the earphones. First chance I'd had to do this.
At my age I'm not really an emotional guy. But I have to admit my eyes got very moist as I heard this sublime music from INSIDE the organ for the first time in 50 years. Sonic elements I never even knew were there!!! And this was via mp3 files!!! Because the Oppo has a bunch of very neat processors, it can fill in some of the lost sonic elements. So I could hear this music at very good reference quality detail and dynamic range. Tomorrow, when no one is around, I'll run this from the Oppo through the amp and speakers. - Thank you Oppo!
I could go on, but I hope you get the picture. If you are thinking about getting this Oppo, spring for the cost of this top of this line model. It is wonderful!
Very impressive
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This Item  OPPO BDP-105D Universal Audiophile 3D Blu-ray Player Darbee Edition (Black) |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $1,899.99 | $318.00 | $196.32 | $4,598.99 | -15% $423.21 List: $497.99 | $249.95 |
| Delivery | Get it May 20 - 29 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it May 9 - 13 | — | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Picture quality | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Remote Control | ||||||
| User interface | ||||||
| Sold By | EnviroCycle | Caresour Official Store | Amazon.com | My Grand Exchange | FlyAviFly Boutique | Amazon.com |
| media type | VCD, DVD, Blu-Ray Disc, CD | Blu-Ray Disc, DVD, MP3 | Blu-Ray Disc, DVD | Blu-Ray Disc, DVD, CD | Blu-Ray Disc | Blu-Ray Disc |
| audio output mode | Stereo | Surround | — | Surround | — | Stereo |
| connector type | HDMI | HDMI, Coaxial | HDMI, USB 2.0 | HDMI | HDMI | HDMI |
| number of channels | 6 | — | 3 | 2 | 7 | 2 |
| connectivity tech | Infrared, USB, HDMI, RCA | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | — | Wireless | HDMI | HDMI |
| analog video format | NTSC | NTSC | NTSC | PAL | NTSC | NTSC |
Reviews with images
Simply the best all around audio product that I have ever purchased.
Simply the best all around audio product that I have ever purchased. It does so much so well. The ESS DACs sound so incredibly detailed, and for lack of a better word, analog. It lets the music come through at it's own pace and air. It handles just about any disc or file you can through at it and makes it sound better than you've ever heard it. I've been a audio professional for many years and this is the best sounding single piece of gear I've ever owned.Can't recommend this player higher.
