tonight i will compare Oppo DV-970HD vs Jolida JD100

[kolyan2k]

My setup is: Rotel RC-1070, Polk Lsi9s, Outlaw Monoblocks, and Martin Logan Dynamo subwoofer (set to less then 50%)

[Shizelbs]

Should prove to be interesting.

[Early B.]

I'm all ears on this one...

Hey, you'll need to change out the Jolida's stock power cord...








(just kidding)

[hearingimpared]

I can't wait for this one!!!

[kolyan2k]

i'll be short on this one cause me and my buddy have headaches after 2 straight hours of listening and switching. and i must say that both of us are not audiophiles, we just like nice components and nice sound.

well, maybe there is a difference, and MAYBE Jolida is better. is it $1000 better HELL NO, is it $500 better, NO. for 2 hours of listening to Marantz Demo CD and some Jazz neither I nor my buddy could really 100% tell the difference. and on a blind test with the same song playing on both units, out of 6 tries my buddy got 3 wrong.

I really wanted to like Jolida, but i cannot justify the price difference and therefore once and for all i quit comparing CDPs and I will stick with my $150 Oppo and $850 in my pocket.

[Early B.]

i'll be short on this one cause me and my buddy have headaches after 2 straight hours of listening and switching. and i must say that both of us are not audiophiles, we just like nice components and nice sound.

well, maybe there is a difference, and MAYBE Jolida is better. is it $1000 better HELL NO, is it $500 better, NO. for 2 hours of listening to Marantz Demo CD and some Jazz neither I nor my buddy could really 100% tell the difference. and on a blind test with the same song playing on both units, out of 6 tries my buddy got 3 wrong.

I really wanted to like Jolida, but i cannot justify the price difference and therefore once and for all i quit comparing CDPs and I will stick with my $150 Oppo and $850 in my pocket.

Consider it a blessing to not be able to tell much of a difference.

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

I think for me...

Buying the CDP I have was more so to make sure that all my components were on the same playing field. And even now, my CDP is the least expensive component in my system.

However, I will say it is just like any other upgrade, it makes a minimal difference, but its like getting that 1 second on a race car - it can mean win or lose... you just have to decide how much you are willing to spend to get that extra second.

Cool finds man, glad you dig the Oppo. I paid $150.00 for my Cambridge Audio 540D (DVDP) and I would say it can hold its own against my Shanling....

But.. like I said, 1 second. ;)

[RuSsMaN]

Great review :rolleyes:

If you all got headaches from two hours of listening, your problems are probably deeper than a cd player.

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

Be nice to the lad hahhaahha

Jeeeeeeeez

Dont YOU get headaches from your system after 2 hours?????? ;)

[kolyan2k]

Great review :rolleyes:

If you all got headaches from two hours of listening, your problems are probably deeper than a cd player.

...listening to the same cd without relaxing and switching cables back and forth is annoying. i can listen to music all day if its pleasant

[Bill Ayotte]

Great review :rolleyes:

If you all got headaches from two hours of listening, your problems are probably deeper than a cd player.

I would have to agree.....My bedroom setup is just the NAD C320BEE I bought from Doro, a Carver 490t, and the Sansui tuner I bought from Joe, with a set of B&W600i's making noise...I don't have a headache after 5+ hours of listening, much less 2...I am almost considering trying a SVS sub for the HT rig and moving the Sunfire Super Junior to the bedroom just for kicks......I am pretty sure this "hobby" will be the death of me....I already know it is the reason I am single...:D

[kolyan2k]

I would have to agree.....My bedroom setup is just the NAD C320BEE I bought from Doro, a Carver 490t, and the Sansui tuner I bought from Joe, with a set of B&W600i's making noise...I don't have a headache after 5+ hours of listening, much less 2...I am almost considering trying a SVS sub for the HT rig and moving the Sunfire Super Junior to the bedroom just for kicks......I am pretty sure this "hobby" will be the death of me....I already know it is the reason I am single...:D

sorry. word < headaches > should be in quotation marks.

after all, i am listening to music right now. :)

[kolyan2k]

p.s. i am sure most people on this forum and outside of it would want to prove me wrong. but this is just something i did for myself after countless hours of reading reviews about different CDPs and thinking about buying one.

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

We are just giving you a hard time.

Rock on.

[Early B.]

Don't sweat it.

BTW -- what was the associated gear you used for the review -- speakers, amp, preamp, etc.?

[Midnite Mick]

I can get headaches from too much digital edge myself.

For all the great things the Jolida did it still sounded too digital to me. With the upgraded stock cord and ei elite tubes the resolution and dynamics also increased, making it sound more digital, mechanical, and fatiguing. IMO of course.

Don't stop the A/Bing as it can be a lot of fun and interesting.

Thanks,
Mike

[RuSsMaN]

BTW -- what was the associated gear you used for the review -- speakers, amp, preamp, etc.?

Check the first post.

[fatchowmein]

Sweet!

Great review. You've made it easier for me to go buy an Oppo.

Thx!

[hearingimpared]

I've A/B'd the Oppo's DAC against the Oppo's transport w/Timbre DAC and the Timbre DAC kicks daylights out of the Oppo's DAC. So far everyone who has been here and I've run that same test, agrees, maybe not the kicks daylights out of it, but they agree the Timbre DAC sounds much better, more like an analog recording.

[F1nut]

Great review :rolleyes:

If you all got headaches from two hours of listening, your problems are probably deeper than a cd player.

Gold, Jerry, Gold!

[treitz3]

is it $1000 better HELL NO, is it $500 better, NO.
Depends on what you want to achieve.

Headaches/2 hours/deeper/CDP. Yes.

[fredv]

I also have a stock JD-100 and a stock oppo 970. I A/B compared the Oppo against the Jolida and 4 outboard DAC's (DPA Renaissance Bigger Bit, Lite Audio DAC68, AR DAC 1, and Adcom GDA-700) in my 2-ch rigs (all SS, all tubes, or SS/tube mix). The difference was quite obvious. To my ears, the oppo is on par of the Toshiba 4960 which had some rave review of it's 2-ch reproduction, but not quite at the Jolida's level or any of the DAC's. The Oppo is of great value but just isn't my choice for 2-ch listening. So, the oppo remains in the HT to do what it does the best.

[kolyan2k]

Sweet!

Great review. You've made it easier for me to go buy an Oppo.

Thx!

if you are not a serious audiophile, thats the way to go

[NeilGabriel]

i'll be short on this one cause me and my buddy have headaches after 2 straight hours of listening and switching. and i must say that both of us are not audiophiles, we just like nice components and nice sound.

well, maybe there is a difference, and MAYBE Jolida is better. is it $1000 better HELL NO, is it $500 better, NO. for 2 hours of listening to Marantz Demo CD and some Jazz neither I nor my buddy could really 100% tell the difference. and on a blind test with the same song playing on both units, out of 6 tries my buddy got 3 wrong.

I really wanted to like Jolida, but i cannot justify the price difference and therefore once and for all i quit comparing CDPs and I will stick with my $150 Oppo and $850 in my pocket.


The oppo is a dvd player that plays cd's right?

[RuSsMaN]

Yes, it's the latest of the 'budget' players that has gotten some good reviews for CD playback, and a writeup in Stereophile.

[jrlouie]

Consider it a blessing to not be able to tell much of a difference.

I agree. Consider it a blessing. You can utilize the cheaper player and be content knowing you have the player for you.

I too have the Oppo and Jolida and the vocals on the Jolida totally pop out more to me. It kind of gives me that sound like I'm chilling in a small room listening to a band play some tunes. More like the singer is right there in front of me. Considering I got one for $600, the price was worth it to me. I enjoy listening to music more on the Jolida.

[shack]

For all those keeping score....

Oppo - 1
Jolida - 2

[polkatese]

I bought the Oppo 970HD strictly for its video component upconvert hack (since my RPTV has no DVI/HDMI/VGA). And, secondarily, as a backup universal player, in case my other players brick out. I am rather surprise to read how Stereophile raved on the audio quality of this player. I guess I might have to hook it up to check it out myself.

[Early B.]

I am rather surprise to read how Stereophile raved on the audio quality of this player. I guess I might have to hook it up to check it out myself.

Stereophile is full of shit.

[venomclan]

Stereophile is full of shit.


LOL, the problem is that they were using a $9000/ft IC with the Oppo to get that great sound....

Doesen't everyone?

[zombie boy 2000]

And, secondarily, as a backup universal player, in case my other players brick out. I am rather surprise to read how Stereophile raved on the audio quality of this player.

I bought an Oppo for this same reason. Needed a DVD player, and thought it would make a decent backup if I was in transition between CDP's -- which is currently the case. The best I can say for it is that it is "servicable", but not much else. It definitely leaves much to be desired in my set-up and is the major weak link in my system.

As for the Stereophile review... it was praised as an excellent transport and not much else. Even the reviewer couldn't bring himself to trumpet its praises when used as a standalone player.

[Early B.]

As for the Stereophile review... it was praised as an excellent transport and not much else. Even the reviewer couldn't bring himself to trumpet its praises when used as a standalone player.

I'm thinking the transport is the weakest aspect of the Oppo. The flimsy plastic tray, and it takes forever to load a disc.

[zombie boy 2000]

I'm thinking the transport is the weakest aspect of the Oppo. The flimsy plastic tray, and it takes forever to load a disc.

I would have thought that to, but that's precisely what Stereophile singles out as its saving grace. Granted the DAC was probably 25X the cost of the Oppo...
Hearingimpaired has seemed to discovered some success when using it in this fashion.

To be honest, I'm still not sold. That tray defines "flimsy".

[polkatese]

That tray defines "flimsy".

which part of "a-buck-fifty" don't you get it, boy? :p

[zombie boy 2000]

which part of "a-buck-fifty" don't you get it, boy? :p

What can I say? I'd prefer not to load a CD onto a palm frond:D

[Gaara]

I'll throw out my opinion just for good measure.

I compared the OPPO 981 to my Pioneer Elite and preferred the Elite.

I compared the Elite to a NOS DAC and it was a toss up.

I compared the DAC to the 981 and prefered the DAC.

I compared the Jolida JD-100 to the DAC and preferred the Jolida.

I compared the Elite to the Jolida and preferred the Jolida.

So I never actually compared the 981 to the Jolida but it should be

981<NOS DAC=Elite<Jolida

Either way everything I have was better then the OPPO.

Jared

[kolyan2k]

I agree. Consider it a blessing. You can utilize the cheaper player and be content knowing you have the player for you.

I too have the Oppo and Jolida and the vocals on the Jolida totally pop out more to me. It kind of gives me that sound like I'm chilling in a small room listening to a band play some tunes. More like the singer is right there in front of me. Considering I got one for $600, the price was worth it to me. I enjoy listening to music more on the Jolida.

thats what my buddy said. singer in front and music in the back. still was 50% wrong on blind test. and he noticed that only in one song. i would pay 300-400 bucks for such a player with such a small difference.

[hearingimpared]

Yes, it's the latest of the 'budget' players that has gotten some good reviews for CD playback, and a writeup in Stereophile.

. . . and TAS

[hearingimpared]

Stereophile is full of shit.

Let's not go nuts here.

Stereophile said, as a transport with an outboard DAC it was very good. The writer didn't give the CDP, full blown part of it, such great alcalades.

The writer from TAS said, "Despite its few quirks and sonic imperfections, the Oppo DV-970HD is the best low-priced universal player I've heard. it does so much, so well, for so little, that it makes many higher priced players seem like underachievers by comparison. Whether you are a newcomer looking for an excellent starter player or a veteran looking to sample high-resolution formats, the Oppo represents a fine way to get in the game."

I think both accounts are accurate.

I've been working with a couple of other members to help me aquire a really hi-rez CD/SACD player because think I can do better.

In the meantime, my Oppo/Timbre DAC combo delivers the goods. I've been listening to the box set of Led Zepplin, the studio recordings and it sounds really great!!! When I first heard this box set on this rig it sounded like glass breaking, digital glare, shit. However I didn't loose site of the fact that since then, I've added a new digital cable from the Oppo to the Timbre DAC, new really good ICs from the DAC to the preamp, upgraded the tweeters to RD0198s, bi-amp'd the speakers, Dynamated the mid-woofers/PRs basket spokes, and Lord knows what I am leaving out and all those tweaks/upgrades had a cumulative affect.

The Oppo as a full blown CDP is not tolerable for very long. With certain recordings it sounds very, very good but that is due to the recordings. In my opinion, I need to have it paired with my Timbre DAC or else it is just another DVD player. Compared to two different tubed CDPs that I had in my rig, the Oppo beat them and that I believe is only because my preamp and the tubed CDPs had very poor synergy. Those same tubed CDPs are in high end systems as I write this and are being thoroughly enjoyed.

EDIT: I forgot to mention the Marigo 3D stabilizer mat that I use on every CD, SACD, and DVD.

[Gaara]

I got the impression from the review that it was a good transport for both video and audio, which is why it is such a good value. Combine the player for $150 with a good NOS DAC for $150 and you have a great audio and video player for $300.

[ohskigod]

I bought the Oppo a while ago, and remember being pretty impressed with it's redbook CD playback. it was something I did not expect. it blew the doors off my Onkyo DVD player for cd playback and dvd audio.

is it the end all be all? of course not, but you can do far worse for 150.00. Heck, you can do worse for twice to 3 times that price in some instances too.

I never a/b'd it with the Jolida, since the Oppo is in my theater, and the Jolida is in the 2 channel, but Audio gear is funny. While I love my Jolida, the CAL DX-1 cd player I bought from Russman for a benji shipped comes REAL close to it. a skosh rolled off in the highs, but just as detailed as the Jolida.

I'll vouch for the Oppo on a seperate DAC. I listened at Joe's, and there was a significant difference between the Oppo straight and the Oppo running through the DAC. Neither were bad, but through the DAC was quite surprising.

[hearingimpared]

That tray defines "flimsy".

That tray scares the shit out of me when my klutzy 10 year old or my over sized (90 lb) puppy of a dog are in the room and I hit eject!!!:eek: :D

[F1nut]

thats what my buddy said. singer in front and music in the back. still was 50% wrong on blind test. and he noticed that only in one song. i would pay 300-400 bucks for such a player with such a small difference.


I'm sorry, but you're going to have to turn in your Audiophile card.

[dragon1952]

What tubes were in the test Jolida BTW?
Also, just for the record, I'm sure there could be other limiting factors that could prevent the optimum out of either player, i.e. musical material, room dynamics, speaker positioning, interconnects, etc. In other words, in other system environments the result obviously would or could be totally different or more obvious. I know....duh! :rolleyes: Just thought I'd say it anyway.
The only comparisons I've done with my Jolida were against an older H/K 7600HD (nice for it's time) and a Sherwood Newcastle player. In both cases the Jolida blew them away.

[danger boy]

I don't have the Oppo.. but they sure are selling alot of players to audiophiles now because of the reviews.

Why don't they upgrade the flimsy tray and resell it for $199 instead?

[hearingimpared]

I don't have the Oppo.. but they sure are selling alot of players to audiophiles now because of the reviews.

Why don't they upgrade the flimsy tray and resell it for $199 instead?

I wouldn't have bought it if it were $200. Believe it or not the $149.95 price tag made this one of those, "what the hell it's only $150 what's the worse that could happen?" Then I found out that Oppo has fabulous customer service.

For $200 I would have to hear it first before buying it. That is how I came across the Marigo mat. I heard it in Phil's system. We A/B'd it and I was sold.

[Refefer]

LOL, the problem is that they were using a $9000/ft IC with the Oppo to get that great sound....

Doesen't everyone?

Jeez, you mean you dont? :D

[kolyan2k]

got myself DAC-AH M1. will see what that sounds like. at least its only $225 and 30 days money back.

[zombie boy 2000]

That DAC will not work with the Oppo. I've tried that exact combination myself.

[kolyan2k]

That DAC will not work with the Oppo. I've tried that exact combination myself.

why not ?

[zombie boy 2000]

For whatever reason, there are compatability issues. You'll just get white noise. Maybe they've ironed it out by this point... However, I enjoyed it immensely with other CDP/transports. It mated splendidly with a Rotel I had. It even made beautiful music with some beater Pioneer multi-changer I had in the closet.

Your best bet is to contact them.

[kolyan2k]

just called them. and they say it should work just fine
For whatever reason, there are compatability issues. You'll just get white noise. Maybe they've ironed it out by this point... However, I enjoyed it immensely with other CDP/transports. It mated splendidly with a Rotel I had. It even made beautiful music with some beater Pioneer multi-changer I had in the closet.

Your best bet is to contact them.

[zombie boy 2000]

Good deal. Let us know your impressions when you have it up and running:)

[Monster Jam]

I'm sorry, but you're going to have to turn in your Audiophile card.

I don't have an audiophile card. Couldn't afford it. ;)

[kolyan2k]

so i finally got DAC-AH M1. shipping was quick and DAC looks good. it DOES work with Oppo, and i am using optical (no there is no difference between optical and coaxial)

I compared this DAC to OPPO more accurately this time (instant a/b, with Jolida i had to switch cables) so I AM NOT SAYING THAT DAC-AH IS BETTER THEN JOLIDA.

The first thing i noticed is that DAC plays louder and therefore it makes it harder to compare. it does sound a little better, and instrument separation is better. for $225 spent i think its a win. now i wish i could have compared this DAC to Jolida with instant a/b switch, although i am sure that i wouldn't buy Jolida for $950

[WilliamM2]

The first thing i noticed is that DAC plays louder and therefore it makes it harder to compare.

Actually, it makes it prety much impossible to compare. Louder always seems to have more detail.

Any way you could level match them? I have been intersted in getting one of the inexpensive DAC's from Pacific Valve, a direct comparison would be great.

[kolyan2k]

Actually, it makes it prety much impossible to compare. Louder always seems to have more detail.

Any way you could level match them? I have been intersted in getting one of the inexpensive DAC's from Pacific Valve, a direct comparison would be great.

i turned the volume up a bit without the DAC to match the volume.

thats why i say, unlike Jolida, money wise, it's a win:

1. if you don't like it, simply return it (only loose on shipping $20-25 bucks)
2. if you do like it is only $225 (modded. the reqular is $170 i think)

here is another web site for DACs:

http://eshop.diyclub.biz/index.php?cPath=23

[madmax]

If Stereophile says it does something, it does. I think if it doesn't they either move onto another product to review or work with the manufacturer to correct the problem.

On this particular machine they stated several things they thought were exceptional and some it fell short on. I bought mine based on their opinion.

madmax