Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Restaurant at the End of Universe Hitchhikers - Meridian Equipment Oppo BDP-83 Universal Player with 4x SPDIF Powerbuy!

I got by modded Oppo BPD-83 back from Gary this past Thurs... I haven't had a lot of time with it yet, but I wanted to post my first impressions... more to come later.

1) the quality of the mod is excellent (heavy duty gold connectors, etc...)

2) I confirmed that CD, DVD-A, SACD, DVD (DTS and Dolby multichannel) and Bluray (only Dolby TruHD so far) sources all work flawlessly

3) the sound is fantastic... I need to listen a bunch more, but to my ear I hear no difference between my G98 and the Oppo for CD, DVD-A and DTS playback... there could of course be subtle differences, but that doesn't matter if it sounds right... and it does. SACD is pure and sweet (just the way I like it)... for Dolby TruHD I've only watched/listened to "Batman Begins"... really dynamic sound. I'm going to look for some TruHD music on Bluray... anyone have any good suggestions?

4) upscaling of DVD video is as good or better then the G98

5) Bluray video is terrific, though I'm going to hold back a bit since my set only accepts 1080i/60, so I know I'm not seeing the "real deal".

6) In addition to the MCH digital connection, I connected the Oppo via a normal SPDIF port so that the 2 channel DSP processing modes (such as Trifield) could be applied to 2 channel sources... because there is no COMMS connection to the Oppo the G98 can't 'know' the type of source that is incoming over the multi-channel digital... it assumes 5.1 and only offers the multi-channel DSP modes... no big deal since either path is equally good for 2 channel.


Setup details:

1) Oppo is set to downmix 7.1 to 5.1 (you do this in the analog setup section)

2) Oppo has bass management disabled and the distance settings all set to 0

3) Meridian multi-channel digital port enabled with NO COMMS port (connected via Meridian supplied cables)

4) Meridian digital input with NO COMMS port

5) subs in stereo config, bass crossed over at 58 hz, room correction applied


My Equipment:

Oppo BDP-83, Meridian G98DH

Meridian G68J

Bryston 9BSST

Front speakers - Tannoy TD8, Center - Tannoy Eryis DCC, Surrounds - Tannoy Eryis DC1
Dual Subwoofers (stereo configuration) - Martin Logan Abyss

Cables - Analysis Plus (Oval-IN interconnects between the G68 and the Bryston, Silver Oval for fronts and center, Clear Oval for the surrounds, Sub Oval interconnects for the subs and a Digital Oval cable for the normal SPDIF connection)... power cords are all stock... Meridian supplied digital interconnects for the multi-channel digital hookup...

56" JVC IL-HDA (about 3 years old)

everything plugged into a Furman Elite-15 PFi

Thanks for the post. You know, if the processors get apodizing upgrades, a modded Oppo could render a HD621 completely unnecessary...

sure, I think we can do that. although the PS upgrade is very nice being you get a isolation transformer added inside the unit

thanks

"6) In addition to the MCH digital connection, I connected the Oppo via a normal SPDIF port so that the 2 channel DSP processing modes (such as Trifield) could be applied to 2 channel sources... because there is no COMMS connection to the Oppo the G98 can't 'know' the type of source that is incoming over the multi-channel digital... it assumes 5.1 and only offers the multi-channel DSP modes... no big deal since either path is equally good for 2 channel."

I don't know about the BD83 but on the other Oppos you are better off creating a virtual input that uses the L/R input of the multi-channel MHR input for this. The reason being is that on the other Oppos the stock SPDIF output turns off on SACD playback and/or is downsampled for that and other material.

Shawn

I think you would have the best A/V possible with that setup, can't get any better than that

I will be posting pricing details very soon, just a bit longer

thanks

I wonder if someone could clarify something for me. There is one issue I just can't get my head round. Does the Oppo 83 support playback of uncompressed CD files stored in an external hard drive? Many thanks in advance.

Regards,

Paul

Duh! I've just re-read Gary's spec's and it clearly states .WAV files for uncompressed audio on a hard drive. The FAQ from AVSForum however indiciates that .WAV is not supported and is in need of an update. This player with Gary's mods is a 'must have' in its own right. Uncompressed audio from the hard drive is simply the icing on the cake for me. Sorry guys.

Regards,

Paul

I wonder if the apodizing filter can be implemented purely in software or if Meridian is using some hardware assist in the HD621... even w/o the filter, a modded Oppo is a great solution and a huge bargain in my opinion.

you are correct, sir... the Oppo BDP-83 does indeed refuse to pass SACD over that connection... however, it appears to pass up to 192 khz... in any event, its a moot point since your suggestion is a better solution in all dimensions and I end up with 1 less cable to deal with.

Jssj,
can you take a moment and test something for me...I am wondering if the built in Oppo's volume control is working over the modified 4x SPDI/F connection?
Thanks

yes it does, as far as I know

thanks

.WAV uncompressed CD on USB devices will work perfectly before shipping, it is so nice to have your entire CD collection at your fingertips and in full untouched quality with a nice playback interface

thanks