Shortly after widely launching its new Blu-ray player, model BDP-93, Oppo Digital has revealed the details for its upcoming flagship model, number BDP-95. It shares the same playback platform as the BDP-93, but it is designed from the ground up with a different chassis and several audiophile improvements, including SABRE32 Reference audio DACs, a toroidal power supply, a dedicated stereo output, and XLR balanced stereo outputs. It will be available in February 2011.
New features and improvements include:
SABRE32 Reference Audio DAC: the SABRE32 Reference ES9018 from ESS Technology is the world's best performing 32-bit audio DAC solution targeted for high-end consumer applications and professional studio equipment. With the ESS patented 32-bit Hyperstream™ DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the SABRE32 Reference DAC delivers an unprecedented DNR (Dynamic Range) of up to 135dB and THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise) of -120dB, the industry's highest performance level that will satisfy even the most demanding audio enthusiast. The BDP-95 uses two ES9018 DAC chips - one for the 7.1-channel output, and another for the dedicated stereo output.
Toroidal Power Supply - Custom designed and built by Rotel, the toroidal power transformer offers superior inrush current and much lower exterior magnetic field over traditional laminated steel core transformers. The BDP-95's toroidal linear power supply provides a very clean and robust power source to the critical audio components.
Dedicated Stereo Output - The BDP-95 features a dedicated 2-channel analog output with specially optimized ES9018 DAC and output driving stages. Each output is driven by 4 DAC channels stacking together to achieve even greater audio performance.
XLR Balanced Stereo Output - The stereo output offers both XLR balanced and RCA single-ended connectors. The balanced output features a true differential signal path all the way from the DAC to the 3-pin XLR connector. By transmitting a pair of differential signals, the balanced output provides better common-mode noise rejection and improves signal quality.
Front and back panel of the Oppo BDP-95
It is not possible to upgrade a BDP-93 to gain the BDP-95's enhanced audio performance by replacing parts.
List price hasn't been set, but it is rumored to be around $1,000.
This baby is going to cost an arm and a leg, but not as much as the Lexicon version once they change faceplates.
I think it's great that the audiophiles can be kept happy. Personally, I have neither the equipment nor the "golden ears" to appreciate such refinement.
I will be picking this up, probably around the end of Q2 next year. I will really appreciate having the dedicated stereo XLR outputs on the player. my friend has a magazine that already had the 95 listed for $999.99 which sounds about right given the fact that it's an Oppo and how they price it. the improved DAC and power sections are a very nice upgrade for the unit. They also went whole hog with the chasis re-design too! this unit will serve two purposes for me, one, incredible upgrades for video and especially audio capabilities and two, ensures i'm ready should i ever decide i want to go 3D and keep my current 1.3a pre-amp for lossless audio! Great job Oppo, the 95 is gonna be a bigger winner over the 83se because of the true differential XLR output that's included and for the price, nothing else can and probably will come close to it.
I want this . Maybe will wait a bit for the price to get cheaper or might pull the trigger when it is available. The only thing I want it is to get modified so it can be region free Like Oppo 83. Oppo means excellence so no wonder the price is $1,000.
@animetedude
You asked this on the other thread for the 93 and someone pointed out that no, it would never be released as multi region out of the box. I don't think any BD players are. But as with the other Oppos, a region free mod kit will probably be made available. These are amongst the easiest and cheapest players to mod, and once done, can play pretty much anything including PAL and 1080i50 content regardless of region coding.
PeiterTHX, there are quite a few. Google it. And you missed the point here- digital inputs on 95 would be useful to utilize 95's supposedly Hi-End DACs, which at least on paper look superior to those DACs that you find on 95% of receivers and preamps.
I'd love to see positive air pressure added to keep dust out of the unit. Mine failed after 9 months due to what the Oppo folks called "hard dust." Keep in mind that a Pioneer Elite DVD player sat in the same location and worked for six years.
I just got the new BDP 93 and it's everything I could want in a Blu-ray player and DVD upscaler, it beats my PS3 picture quality by a mile, so I am quite happy with it at $499. And it plays 3D Blu-rays beautifully, and this is on a 150" screen!
Anyone who doesn't want to blow an extra $500, the 93 is one awesome player and is available now!
I purchased one of those high quality Denon DVD players a few years back with the DAC'S, ect...and I have to say that the Oppo upscales better and my Denon has the Realta HQV chip, so I won't again be paying thousand dollars for a player anymore.
@chipgallo: Positive air pressure?? Does any consumer audio equipment actually have that? Hard dust? Do you live in a coal mining town?
@giedrys: Your desire for digital inputs gets into the whole issue of where such functions belong - in the Blu-ray player, in the receiver or pre-pro or in the TV. Same is true for networking capability, certain processing, etc. My feeling is that the industry is giving us too many redundant functions that not only requires us to pay multiple times for the same functionality, but causes confusion and failure points in operation. Aside from online data updates, do we really need networking in all three places?
XLRs: If you have a home theatre with long wire runs between the player and pre-pro or receiver, balanced outputs make sense. But in a typical home situation, it's totally not necessary, IMO (as former recording engineer.)
Price: It does seem a bit pricey. Is it worth almost twice the BDP-93? If the audio performance is audibly better, then I'd go for it, but I have to admit that when I upgraded my BDP-83 to the 83SE, I didn't really hear a difference. I've since sold my 83SE and waiting for the new OPPO, temporarily bought a cheap Sony. PQ seems just as good. AQ on Blu-rays out the analog ports actually (and surprisingly) seems better on the Sony. AQ on CDs and SACDs out the analog ports on the Sony is vastly inferior.
ZoetMB -- what I want is the feature set of the BDP-83 and the reliability of the Pioneer Elite. I haven't surveyed consumer audio equipment to determine if any use positive air pressure. I do not live in a coal mining town, but I doubt that Oppo sent my dust out for analysis anyway so the root cause conclusion is dubious. The premature failure of the laser positioning was disappointing in a $500 unit but the warranty repair was performed quickly.
Don't forget:
If you are using HDMI for your audio-connection, this player does not add a whole lot compared to the BDP-93. The main feature of the BDP-95 is the ANALOG audio section, that's about all!
Although I use the analog outputs with both my Blu-ray players (Oppo BDP-83 & 80), I didn't think the upgrade to the SE version was warranted ($400). Now it seems the same holds true for the new models (Double the cost) of an already excellent machine BDP-93. I guess if cost were no object .......... I wonder if there are any plans to release a more affordable version ( like a BDP-90) to replace the model 80. In either case I'll hold on to my present models and hope they continue to support them (unlike the DV-983H which I also own ).
BTW.... It seems the membership here is starting to schew younger ( Smoking crack ? )...... Very informative stuff there
I have to agree about the digital inputs..the 95 should have them. When your selling something with its claim-to-fame being the worlds best DAC allowing other equipment to take advantage of it would be nice. At a $1,000 they should have threw a couple of digital inputs on it.
Having a single (and very capable) device that does Blu/DVDA/SACD is awesome... I've had the BDP-93 for over a month now and it rocks; it is much better than the Pioneer DVD/SACD/DVDA unit it replaced.
The only 'issue' I have with the 93 is that it lacks stereo outputs, my having an older (non-hdmi) amp works great but as everything is going through the 7.1 connections (which the amp treats as strictly passthru) I can't use the surround modes when listening to CD's or stereo DVDs.
Am debating returning my 93 and going for this model... from what I understand the Cirrus Logic DACs in the BDP-93 are the same as those in the BDP-85, however the DACs in the BDP-95 are upgraded from the BDP-85SE...
If you don't use analog audio than there is really no reason to get this over the bdp-93. It is mostly for the "audiophiles" that use analog audio (hence the better dac, xlr, better power supply, etc.). If you use hdmi for audio than stick with the bpd-93 (or bdp-90 as I'm sure that will show up later down the road).
I'd rather have a less expensive no-non-sense player around 200$ that would keep the relocatable sub-titles and great DVD upconversion Oppo is known for. Remove all things analog audio, 3D playback and networking. imho!
You made the comment "they forgot to include digital inputs. Again. In 2011." as though digital inputs in players with high-end DACs are ubiquitous. They are not. Needing to Google them (you couldn't list any?) in order to find them means far from mainstream.
Attitude dictates my rating of comments, not content.
I currently have the 83SE and will be getting one of these to replace it when it comes out. I did the upgrade from the 83 and the difference is not small, it is easily heard.
"In general, why would you use the analog outputs instead of just sending the sound by hdmi? "
Because , I own a very capable pre/pro that doesn't have HDMI inputs yet sounds better than many recent AVR's. And I don't wish to spend more than $ 3000 (conservative) on a new processor (yet ) . That's money I'd rather spend on either a speaker upgrade or more Blu's
Can't balme Oppo for trying to cash in on the 3D market. However, unless you need the audiophile quality analog or balanced XLR outputs, it would be a complete waste of money. There are excellent 3D players which will end up costing a fraction of the BDP-95 and whose blu-ray and 3D performance will be indistinguishable from this new player. My guess is that it will cost at least as much as the BDP-83SE, probably more. This will not lend itself to mass market consideration. However, one could argue that has never been the plan for Oppo. I can definitely say I will nor be buying it. And that's coming from a long-time Oppo fan and customer.
I will be picking this up, probably around the end of Q2 next year. I will really appreciate having the dedicated stereo XLR outputs on the player. my friend has a magazine that already had the 95 listed for $999.99 which sounds about right given the fact that it's an Oppo and how they price it. the improved DAC and power sections are a very nice upgrade for the unit. They also went whole hog with the chasis re-design too! this unit will serve two purposes for me, one, incredible upgrades for video and especially audio capabilities and two, ensures i'm ready should i ever decide i want to go 3D and keep my current 1.3a pre-amp for lossless audio! Great job Oppo, the 95 is gonna be a bigger winner over the 83se because of the true differential XLR output that's included and for the price, nothing else can and probably will come close to it
You're dreaming. Use of XLR outputs will result in minimum improvement over Oppo's audiophile analog unbalanced outputs and then only audible with very high end equipment at best. The benefits will be marginal. You'll see, or more precisely, you'll hear-maybe you won't.
XLRs: If you have a home theatre with long wire runs between the player and pre-pro or receiver, balanced outputs make sense. But in a typical home situation, it's totally not necessary, IMO (as former recording engineer.)
ZoetMB
Exactly. Folks who spend the extra money thinking they will hear major differences in the typical home set up will be sorely disappointed. Of course, like the guy who says the BDP-93 outperforms his PS3 "by a mile" will rationalize their expenditure by claiming to hear significant improvement in sound quality.
Although I use the analog outputs with both my Blu-ray players (Oppo BDP-83 & 80), I didn't think the upgrade to the SE version was warranted ($400). DAngeRuss
There is an audible improvement in sound quality if your receiver is capable. I am not in the minority of persons who have evaluated this upgrade and found significant improvement over the straight 83. However, if you are running it through one the cheaper ones-even if they have the 7.1 analog jacks-you will be disappointed. Whether it is worth the extra $400 depends on how you value the enhanced sound capability. Obviously, to you it's not worth it.
dmwiley: I am the guy who said it beats the PS3 "by a mile", that's MY opinion, the BDP-93 produced a notable better picture on my JVC RS-50 projector than the Playstation 3. In this I did a side by side test on my 150" screen just days ago on over 10 difference source materials, no comparison. I am not alone. Many people over at AVS forums believe that there are some players that now bypass the quality of the PS3 Blu-ray picture. I was not talking about sound at all. And I was not rationalizing my purchase of the the BDP-93, it was with my own tests and several very A/V experienced friends that I came to believe the player was better. Had it been the same, I would have returned it rather than "rationalize" my spending, as you put it.
@ Dmwiley
" There is an audible improvement in sound quality if your receiver is capable. I am not in the minority of persons who have evaluated this upgrade and found significant improvement over the straight 83. However, if you are running it through one the cheaper ones-even if they have the 7.1 analog jacks-you will be disappointed. Whether it is worth the extra $400 depends on how you value the enhanced sound capability. Obviously, to you it's not worth it. "
First and foremost ,I consider myself an audio person, As I listen to music far more than watch movies but as stated earlier, I am running the analog outs to my Pre/Pro (not receiver) and although I have no doubt there would be an improvement in quality, I'm having a hard time wrapping myself (and wallet) around twice the cost for upgraded DAC's and power supplies. Am I getting twice the performance? Hmmmm....... Also since the SE isn't being manufactured anymore the point is moot. (I'm not sure about the NuForce upgrades)
First and foremost ,I consider myself an audio person, As I listen to music far more than watch movies but as stated earlier, I am running the analog outs to my Pre/Pro (not receiver) and although I have no doubt there would be an improvement in quality, I'm having a hard time wrapping myself (and wallet) around twice the cost for upgraded DAC's and power supplies. Am I getting twice the performance? Hmmmm....... Also since the SE isn't being manufactured anymore the point is moot. (I'm not sure about the NuForce upgrades) DangeRuss
Unless you have actually auditioned the SE, your analysis amounts to mere speculation and is worthless. The point is not moot since the SE can still be purchased.
I am the guy who said it beats the PS3 "by a mile", that's MY opinion, ,mntwister
Tell us something we don't know. The problem is hyperbole is generally not helpful in conveying accurate information to persons who might rely on such comments. I realize it is common among the masses and some "professional" reviewers as well. In both cases, it sucks and should be avoided.
OK. Here we go. The article states the 95 is scheduled for release in February 2011. When I last checked, we are now in December 2010. If you are referring to the 93 go here: http://www.oppodigital.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BDP93
@BachToRock - It wouldn't make any sense for them at this point to invest the time and resources to add HD-DVD support.
@giedrys - ender21 is right. When your response is "google it" I have to assume you don't know of any such players by name. They certainly aren't commonplace. Furthermore, with the player supporting Blu-ray, DVD, CD, SACD and DVD-A I have to wonder what other source you want input, your iPod? I'm sure there are some people would use a digital input, but not enough to warrant the added cost.
I'm just speculating, because no one can know what someone else hears, but I doubt seriously there are many people who would be able to hear a difference. It would almost certainly require better than average hearing and better than average equipment. But that doesn't mean buying the 95 would be a waste of money.
All of Aerial Acoustics speakers (a full 7.1 system) have the santos rosewood veneer option (except for the SR3s, which are enclosed in grill cloth cover). It costs extra and doesn't make them sound any better at all. But I reeeeeally like that finish, so it enhances my enjoyment of them.
The sole reason for buying such a product is for the enjoyment you get out of it. If you're happier having a 95 — whatever your reasons are for preferring it — then you didn't waste your money. It doesn't matter if you can hear or see a difference as long as you're happier with it. Some people would be happy with a player housed in a cardboard box if the video and audio were good. That's fine. Others won't be happy unless they have the best specs available, even if they can't hear them. That's fine too.
I feel like I have to comment on this, because a lot of the info that is being said about this product seems kind of inaccurate or is painting a picture that is not complete.
First of all to Whoever said it doesn't have digital inputs, actually it does. First it has "streaming", "wireless", eSATA, and USB. Those are digital inputs and in theory each one of those would actually allow you to either share files with the OPPO, or just connect and external HDD and use the oppo media server. Digital ins like SPDIF or Toslink would be inferior and unnecessary to actually having the files on hand.
Second. the 1000 dollar price tag really isn't that much for a source component that can do this much. Those that are saying the upgrades aren't worth it or just for golden eared audiophiles are missing out on some key issues about the 93 that make the 95 a worthwhile product.
A. The torroidal Power supply is a big deal, Digital power supplies are notoriously noisy and usually are poor for any critical audio or video application. They also cannot reject incoming ac irregularities like a torroidal PS can so their AC that they generate ends up being a fairly broken sine wave or heavily distorted non linear one which in turn effects all of the clocks that depend the 60hz sine wave to function accurately thus these supplies tend to contaminate ac and cause greater amounts of jitter. They also are horrible at delivering transient power which is necessary for coherent, quiet audio presentation. and clean dimensional and quiet video. most equipment is generally no better than its power supply.
B. the Sabre DAC is a very very Good DAC and is in equipment that cost 12x what this one does. It makes sense that this DAC costs more and that it is desirable because it means you can decode all of your movies with a 32 bit DAC with incredibly low noise. There isn't a receiver or Pre-Pro in the world that has a DAC like this so it makes sense that people would want to use it for movies and most people would be able to hear the difference between this DAC and others on a revealing system There would be lower noise and higher dynamic range. I would argue that if you couldn't hear the difference between this DAC and a regular one than you probably cannot hear the difference between Dolby Digital and DTS-MA. Also with an eSATA port you could theoretically play back a 32 bit file through the DAC if the system allowed it.
All of these factors make this a great piece and a great player. Wither fewer and fewer players with linear power supplies this player should be in a great place in the market given its price point and feature set.
Shortly after widely launching its new Blu-ray player, model 
.......... I wonder if there are any plans to release a more affordable version ( like a BDP-90) to replace the model 80. In either case I'll hold on to my present models and hope they continue to support them (unlike the DV-983H which I also own 
).
)...... Very informative stuff there 
) . That's money I'd rather spend on either a speaker upgrade or more Blu's 
