Oppo BDP-95 Review: The Audiophile’s Blu-ray Player
The Oppo BDP-95 is more than just a Blu-ray player; it’s a statement. It’s a declaration that high-fidelity audio and pristine video can coexist within a single, beautifully engineered chassis. This player, now a sought-after classic, was designed for the discerning audiophile and videophile who demand the absolute best. In this comprehensive Oppo BDP-95 review, we will delve into the player’s features, performance, and overall value, examining why it remains a coveted piece of home theater equipment years after its initial release.
Unboxing and Design
The Oppo BDP-95 exudes quality from the moment you open the box. The player itself is substantial, featuring a robust build and a sleek, minimalist design. The front panel is uncluttered, with only a few essential buttons and a clear, easy-to-read display.
Key Design Features:
- Solid Construction: The heavy-gauge steel chassis minimizes vibration and ensures long-lasting durability.
- Clean Front Panel: Minimal buttons and a clear display offer a streamlined user experience.
- Rear Panel Connectivity: A wealth of connections provide flexibility for various audio and video setups.
The rear panel is a testament to the BDP-95’s audiophile aspirations. It boasts a plethora of connections, including balanced XLR outputs, dedicated stereo analog outputs, and multiple HDMI ports. This extensive connectivity allows for seamless integration with high-end audio systems and video displays.
Audio Performance: A Class Apart
The Oppo BDP-95 truly shines in its audio performance. Its audiophile-grade components and meticulous engineering deliver a sound quality that surpasses many dedicated CD players. The player utilizes two ESS Sabre32 Reference DACs, one for the 7.1 channel analog outputs and another dedicated to the stereo outputs. This dual-DAC configuration ensures exceptional dynamic range, clarity, and detail.
ESS Sabre32 Reference DACs
The heart of the BDP-95’s audio prowess lies in its ESS Sabre32 Reference DACs. These DACs are renowned for their exceptional performance and are typically found in high-end audio equipment. They provide a level of detail and transparency that is rarely found in Blu-ray players. The Sabre32 DACs are instrumental in creating a wide soundstage, precise imaging, and a natural, uncolored sound.
Analog Outputs
The BDP-95 offers a wide range of analog outputs, catering to various audio setups. The balanced XLR outputs provide the highest possible signal quality, minimizing noise and interference. The dedicated stereo outputs are ideal for connecting to high-end stereo amplifiers. The 7.1 channel analog outputs allow for immersive surround sound experiences.
Digital Audio Outputs
In addition to its analog outputs, the BDP-95 also features digital audio outputs, including coaxial and optical. These outputs allow you to connect the player to external DACs or AV receivers. The digital outputs support high-resolution audio formats, ensuring that you can enjoy your music in its full glory.
Video Performance: Pristine and Accurate
While the Oppo BDP-95 is renowned for its audio performance, its video capabilities are equally impressive. The player delivers pristine and accurate video reproduction, ensuring that you see movies and TV shows exactly as the director intended. The BDP-95 supports full HD 1080p Blu-ray playback, as well as upscaling of standard-definition DVDs.
Video Processing
The BDP-95 employs advanced video processing technologies to enhance picture quality. It features sophisticated deinterlacing algorithms that eliminate artifacts and provide a smooth, film-like image. The player also offers various picture adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune the image to your liking.
Upscaling
The BDP-95 excels at upscaling standard-definition DVDs to near-HD quality. Its advanced upscaling algorithms intelligently analyze the source material and add detail, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image. This makes your DVD collection look better than ever before.
Connectivity
The Oppo BDP-95 offers a wide range of video connectivity options, including HDMI and component video outputs. The HDMI outputs support the latest HDMI standards, ensuring compatibility with modern TVs and projectors. The component video outputs provide an alternative connection option for older displays.
Features and Functionality
The Oppo BDP-95 is packed with features and functionality, making it a versatile and user-friendly Blu-ray player. In addition to its audio and video capabilities, the player also supports a variety of multimedia formats and offers network streaming capabilities.
Supported Formats
The BDP-95 supports a wide range of multimedia formats, including Blu-ray, DVD, CD, SACD, DVD-Audio, and various audio and video file formats. This versatility allows you to play virtually any disc or file you throw at it.
Network Streaming
The BDP-95 features network streaming capabilities, allowing you to access media files stored on your home network. The player supports DLNA and SMB protocols, making it easy to stream music, videos, and photos from your computer or NAS device.
User Interface
The BDP-95 features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The menus are well-organized and intuitive, making it simple to find the settings and features you are looking for. The player also comes with a remote control that is comfortable to hold and easy to use.
Setting Up the Oppo BDP-95
Setting up the Oppo BDP-95 is a straightforward process, even for those who are not technically inclined. The player comes with a comprehensive user manual that provides clear and concise instructions. Follow these steps to get your BDP-95 up and running:
- Connect the Player to Your TV: Use an HDMI cable to connect the BDP-95 to your TV. If you are using an older TV, you can use component video cables instead.
- Connect the Player to Your Audio System: Use analog or digital audio cables to connect the BDP-95 to your audio system. If you are using balanced XLR outputs, make sure your amplifier supports them.
- Connect the Player to Your Network (Optional): If you want to use the BDP-95’s network streaming capabilities, connect it to your home network using an Ethernet cable.
- Power On the Player: Plug the BDP-95 into a power outlet and turn it on.
- Configure the Player: Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the player’s settings, such as language, video output, and audio output.
Pros and Cons
Like any piece of equipment, the Oppo BDP-95 has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is a summary of its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Exceptional audio performance
- Pristine video quality
- Wide range of supported formats
- Network streaming capabilities
- Solid build quality
Cons:
- Relatively expensive (especially now on the used market)
- No 4K support
- Discontinued model (support may be limited)
Alternatives to the Oppo BDP-95
While the Oppo BDP-95 remains a highly desirable Blu-ray player, there are several alternatives to consider, especially if you are looking for a player with 4K support or a more recent model.
Oppo UDP-205
The Oppo UDP-205 is the BDP-95’s successor and is considered by many to be the ultimate universal disc player. It offers 4K Blu-ray playback, HDR support, and even better audio performance than the BDP-95. However, like the BDP-95, the UDP-205 is no longer in production and can be expensive to acquire on the used market.
Panasonic DP-UB9000
The Panasonic DP-UB9000 is a high-end 4K Blu-ray player that offers excellent picture and sound quality. It features advanced video processing, HDR support, and a robust build quality. While it may not quite match the audio performance of the Oppo players, it is still a top-performing Blu-ray player.
Sony UBP-X1100ES
The Sony UBP-X1100ES is another excellent 4K Blu-ray player that offers a compelling combination of performance and features. It supports Dolby Vision HDR, SACD playback, and high-resolution audio. It’s a solid choice for those looking for a modern player with excellent capabilities.
Is the Oppo BDP-95 Still Worth It?
The question of whether the Oppo BDP-95 is still worth purchasing depends on your needs and priorities. If you are primarily concerned with audio performance and are not particularly interested in 4K Blu-ray playback, the BDP-95 can still be a fantastic choice. Its audiophile-grade components and exceptional sound quality make it a standout performer. However, if you want the latest features, such as 4K support and HDR, you may be better off considering a more recent model.
The Oppo BDP-95 remains a testament to Oppo’s engineering prowess. The player delivered both reference-level audio and video performance during its production run. If you can find one in good condition, the BDP-95 offers a truly exceptional home theater experience. Its legacy as a top-tier Blu-ray player is well-deserved.
