To Wes Marshall,
I currently have an Anthem D2 processor with an Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player, which I play my music CDs on. I'm considering upgrading my Oppo to the new BDP-103 or BDP-105, and am getting varying opinions on the two Oppos.
Some people tell me that the DACs in my Anthem D2 processor are superior to the DACs in the Oppo BDP-105, and, therefore, I would not gain any advantage in purchasing the BDP-105 over the BDP-103 because I would be using my Anthem DACs anyway. Other people tell me that the Oppo BDP-105's DACs are better than those that are in my Anthem D2 and I would see a considerable audio improvement with the Oppo BDP-105.
Question: Are the Anthem DACs superior to the BDP-105's DACs? And, if not, then I believe I'm just as well purchasing the Oppo BDP-103, because it is my understanding the main difference in these two units is the audio quality.
Thank you,
David Swisher
This is like asking, “Should I drive my Ferrari or my Lamborghini today?” You’ve got really good equipment and with a sharp pair of ears and enough time, I’m sure you could pick out some differences. But they will be subtle.
First, call the folks at Oppo and Anthem and discuss it with them. They are both candid folks who will tell you the truth. I look at the BDP-105 as something I would use with a high-end preamp in a stereo system. If I remember correctly, using the Anthem's analog inputs obviates the Anthem Room Correction (ARC) system and I am so enamored of the improvements wrought by ARC that I wouldn’t consider using anything except a turntable as a pure analog input. So, for me, I’d save the money and get the BDP-103 and use the Anthem’s DACs and ARC.
Really, the best answer is to listen for yourself. Oppo has the most generous return policy around, so they might even be willing (ask first, obviously) to let you buy one of each and return the one you decide against.
One thing is for sure: either way, you’ll have one of the best players ever made. . . . Wes Marshall
