I can't seem to get my player set up correctly. I followed gonk's set up guide to the letter, and I just got to running the AIX audio setup disc today. When I run the Channel Identification tests, Dolby TrueHD runs fine, except it runs test tones through my left and right surrounds as left rear and right rear, as well as left and right surrounds. (I have a 5.1 system) I have almost zero output from my sub (barely audible). When I run the DTS-HD MA test, I have to turn my volume up to about-11 db (from the default of -35) to even hear the test. This test correctly shows I have a 5.1 system, but still nothing from the sub. I also ran the Dolby Digital and DTS tests and still no output from the sub. I checked all my connections and everything is connected (sub works fine via 2 channel when I want to use it). I went back to the Oppo set up menu and increased the db output for all speakers to 5 and sub to 10. No difference...still no sub output. My bass management switch is set to HPF/LPF, and I even tried it on digital. Any suggestions?

The AIX disc is designed mainly for 7.1, and I've heard that there can be some curious behavior with 5.1 systems. In this case, though, it seems reasonable: it's a 7.1 track, and when that is downmixed to 5.1 the rear surround channels have to go somewhere - the only sensible place is the side surrounds.

The sub output is curious. I assume you have the sub enabled and speakers set to large in the BDP-83. No chance there's a loose cable, is there?

gonk,
Sub cable is tight on both the 970 and the sub. As I mentioned, it's working if I'm listening to cd's in 2 channel and switch from Bypass to HPF/LPF on the 970. I saw another post regarding similar issues with a standard 83, and the poster ended up setting the db output in the Oppo to -6.5 and the sub up to +6.5 and he reported the bass was better. The speakers are set to large in the Oppo and the sub is set to on. I even have it on +10db. I'm still at a loss as to why the DTS-MA HD is so quiet too.

John

Hmmm,
Just re-ran the Channel Config...started again with both Dolby True HD and DTS-MA HD, no sub output. Ran the 96khz/24 bit/5.1 ch/LPCM test...sub now gets a signal and responds! Went through the rest of the menu and returned to Dolby True HD..sub now works with it. It's even working now on DTS-MA HD, but the volume still needs to be cranked to -11 to be even close to the same spl as -35 db on everything else. Still don't get that. BTW, played the audio cuts on the AIX disc...really spectacular on both audio and video.

John

Found out that the set up disc must be the problem. I've run bluray discs in both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA HD and no problems. Even the LFE signal is fine (though just a bit hot, I need to fix that yet) on that material. I'd originally set up the 970's input as coaxial and used the remote to toggle to 7.1 external, but I prefer letting the Oppo do the decoding vs. the 970 on DVD's too as I only have a 5.1 setup, so I've changed that. Works wonderfully so far.

John

Glad to hear that it's working! The BDP-83's analog section (even in stock form) is really quite good, on par with the Model 990, so using the Model 970 as a multichannel analog pre-amp is probably a good approach. Enjoy!

You say the stock BDP-83 is on par with the 990; would that you think that the SE would be overkill for the 990? They've extended the upgrade period for another week, so there's still time.

I also had a problem with the AIX setup disc in 5.1. But when I finally got around to setting up my last two speakers for 7.1 everything came through fine. Out of the 112 blu-ray discs I have only 12 were recorded as 7.1. I'm not sure 7.1 or for that matter 9.1 on the new processors is worth much as an option for room correction. I have been anticipating more 7.1 content but I'm not holding my breath. And yes the music portion of the AIX disc sounds remarkable. But I'm still an old Beatles fan and really enjoy the new remastered versions of their music.

I don't know. I hope to get to spend some time with a BDP-83SE at some point, but haven't had a chance yet. There are two arguments that come to mind in this scenario. First is the argument that the 990's A/D/A conversion may be a bottleneck for really high-end DAC sections (ones that can clearly outstrip the 990's capabilities). Opposite that, however, is the argument that it can't be a bad thing to have a better analog section. I don't know if we've got somebody around here with a 990 who has done the 83-to-83SE upgrade: their first-hand feedback would be the best gauge.
I've also been asking OPPO every once in a while about getting Mediatek to port over the old matrix steering logic that the 980H had. That simple logic wasn't as sophisticated as Pro Logic IIx, but it would expand a 5.1 source into 7.1. OPPO continues to request it from Mediatek, so we may yet see it show up in a future firmware update.

Thanks. Yes, that is true especially for multichannel. For CDs I use the special stereo outputs on the Oppo and bypass on the 990. At least I think it sounds better than just the feed through the 7.1 direct that does the extra A/D/A. The question then is it worth it just for CDs.

I agree, but the short time window for upgrade makes it difficult.

Might ask VA Canuck - based on this thread he has paired a BDP-83SE with a Boston Acoustics AVP7 (which is built on the same Sherwood platform as the Model 990). He's the only person I have found who has this exact pairing, but I don't think he had the stock BDP-83 previously.

I can't tell you if the upgrade is worth it or not but I'll tell you my experience. I had a PS3 connected to my 990 via optical. Like most everyone else, I wanted to hear the new audio formats. I decided to get an OPPO. Since this was a new purchase (not an upgrade like you) I went ahead and got the SE model. Since I was going to have my equipment rack torn apart anyway, I got a Panamax power conditioner too. Long story short, I have the OPPO connected to the 990 via 7.1, stereo, and optical. I used the Outlaw PCA cables for the analogs and a Blue Jeans cable for the optical. I can easily switch back and forth (via the remote) while listening. I have very resolving kevlar cone speakers. I may lose some credibility here, but, the difference between any of the connections is very subtle. I changed the power cables around too during this process but from memory, the difference between the OPPO and the PS3 is very subtle too. To be honest, I was actually a little disappointed there wasn't a bigger (night and day) difference. If you have the money, do the upgrade - you'll never wonder if you should of. If you don't want to spend the money, I personally think the difference is so subtle you're not missing much.

og33, that was me with the issue. You said it, "fixed itself?" Mine seems to as well; after the last FIRMWARE update on the Oppo. I have been WAY too busy to test everything out, but the bass is much punchier and I only have it at +6.5 with the other channels at 0. I think something got fixed, or maybe reset on my unit, with the update.

I actually have the RMA now to get my Oppo upgraded to the SE. Let's hope that doesn't "break" things again! While it is getting serviced, I will have them check out the sub with LFE.

BTW, the opening of Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter) is excellent for checking LFE.. just listen to the thunder.

My guess is you are running into the ADA conversion mentioned above, since the 990 does not have an analog pass-through.

I listen to a lot of vinyl; trust me, no matter how good the DAC is, it will not sound better than direct analog. Keep It Simple is aways better for a signal path.