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!

Try a DTS CD as a base line.

All is well now. When I set it up in my HT I set the Dynamic Range control to off from auto. That woke the BD83 up. Auto is the factory default setting but it sure doesn't seem to let the Oppo do it's thing. I don't really understand it's purpose because it's really compromising the Oppo. Maybe it has something to do with the mod.

Ken

"so I played Reference Recordings Copeland HDCD."

Does the BD-83 have HDCD decoding? If it doesn't you should get wider dynamics on the 980 on HDCP encoded discs. HDCD is basically a dynamic range compressor on the studio side with expansion on the playback/filter side.

Shawn

Good catch Shawn I certainly wouldn't use a HDCD disk for reference comparing players especially to a Meridian player. It looks like BD-83 is supposed to handle HDCD but according to AVS and Oppo early adopter feadback it has issues to be still worked out. Also a processed vs unprocessed HDCD disk will change by 3dB (or is it 6dB, I forget).

I've read the BD83 is spotty decoding HDCD but I also tried a Telarc SACD, Pictures at an Exibition as well as a Mecury Living Presence SACD. FWIW the Oppo display shows HDCD, SACD or whatever is playing. They were all compressed, lacking dynamics. Say what you will but when the Dynamic Range control went away the dynamics were back. Without the subs. There was no Meridian player invloved in this, just a Shawn mooded Oppo 980 and a Gary modded Oppo BD83.

Ken

From the manual concerning dynamic range control...

2. Dynamic Range Control: To set the Dynamic Range Compression (DRC). DRC can smooth out
the sonic peaks and valleys common with wide-range digital audio. Enabling DRC may make low
level audio more audible during low-level listening. Turning off DRC restores the sonic energy
present in the original recording. The available options are:

• Auto - Play at the dynamic range specified by the disc. This option applies to Blu-ray
Discs only. For other disc types no dynamic range compression is applied.
• On - Turn on dynamic range compression.
• Off - Turn off dynamic range compression.


seems like they might have a bit more work to do on this feature... BTW, it wasn't in the initial firmware/manual, so it's a relatively new addition.

Sounds like a simple bug to me. i.e. Auto affects more than Blu-Ray.

turn that crap dynamic range control off, sorry I didn't point this out guys

thanks

just wanted to update everyone, been away a few days do to some family problems, back in action now and getting caught up

-the region free mod is just about ready, really close, will be updating the order page very soon, will post here when I do
-will be starting on the powerbuy orders already submitted early next week
-all pre-powerbuy units will be shipped as of monday next week
-will be addressing the balanced power complaints very soon

thanks

just wanted to let everyone know that I have sourced a toroidal isolation transformer used in the main power supply mod that will allow you to input regular 0v/120v or balanced 60v/60v power, so that issue is solved

as usual, you must let me know if you are going to be inputting 120v or 240v input, that hasn't changed of course, the player will be set for 120v or 220v and balanced or regular power can be used

I was hoping to be able to work this out and I am glad that I could do that for everyone!

thanks guys

PS: all unit shipped to everyone here have this transformer installed

just wanted to let everyone know that HD-SDI is available now

thanks

there are more units out there now so hopefully some more feedback soon, I also just completed the first ultimate analog audio edition, it turned out amazing!

thanks