Has anyone else had an issue with the loader door on their OPPO not wanting to open. I called OPPOO and they gave me an RMA for a free repair.

Yup, had the same thing on my BDP-80 (same as the BDP-83 but without the Anchor Bay video processing built in). I had to tap on the drawer a few times to get it to open. They issued me a Return Authorization number for a free repair.

Well, what do you know? I have the same problem with my BDP-83 so thanks for posting Oppo will fix it at no charge. On the other hand I almost had everyone in the house convinced we "needed" a new BDP-103.

AvFan you don't have to tell them its a free fix until after the new unit arrives.

There must be a place in the house where an orphaned BDP 83 could go to live. I have the first version of the BDP 103 (there is a D variant now) and have been quite happy. On my 51" Samsung plasma Blu Ray disk are stunning. With the OPPO doing the video and the M 975 handling the audio decoding it is a great combo.

It cost $40 to ship it from NC to Ca fully insured via UPS. I told the UPS guy that if they lost it or destroyed it somehow, it wouldn't break my heart as I would just buy the 103D for the extra $100.

OK, a bit off topic....I have an Oppo DV-980H (my BDP-83 replaced it) in the wings for my 2-channel system. Other than SACD I was going to feed the digital output of the 980H into my Cambridge Audio DACMagic and call it good. Well, I guess if the 83's tray issue was enough to get a 103 the "orphaned" 83 could go into the 2-channel rig after the tray was miraculously repaired. I wonder if the 83's 2-channel DAC would sound better than the DACMagic? Thoughts?

I would try it both ways just to do it but the Cambridge DAC should have an edge over the standard OPPO BDP-83. The SE variant of the BDP-83 has some specialized audio processing but even that would be considered out of date at this point.

From what I have read the BDP-83s DACs can hang with the best of its generation. I have not been able to ascertain which flavor of DAC is in the 83 but as long as its bit rate and depth are the same I would not expect much difference.

Of its generation being the key words. Here is an excerpt from a Home Theater Review article from 2009 (the 83's generation)

Performance-wise, I have no criticisms of the Oppo BDP-83, which is an amazing statement, considering the player's low price and ambitious list of performance features. Yes, the audiophile in me would have liked to see the inclusion of better analog audio circuits, but I realize that this player was not designed to be a cost-no-object, reference-grade audio source

The OP did not give the age of his Cambridge Audio DAC but anything newer than 2010 would be an improvement to the analogue out of the BDP-83

Unless the bit depth or rate is significantly better I doubt the OP will hear any difference if the volumes are matched during a comparison.

The BDP-83 use a Cirrus Logic 24 bit 192 khz dac which is highly regarded throughout the industry as an audio wonderment. The HTR reviewer was comparing the OPPO to gear several times its cost. The entire quote goes:

Performance-wise, I have no criticisms of the Oppo BDP-83, which is an amazing statement, considering the player's low price and ambitious list of performance features. Yes, the audiophile in me would have liked to see the inclusion of better analog audio circuits, but I realize that this player was not designed to be a cost-no-object, reference-grade audio source. While preparing this article, I did see that there are options for those seeking such an audiophile player. Companies like Modwright are now offering upgrades, which might be interesting to explore. I have to keep reminding myself that the player is $499 when comparing it to players more than 10 times its retail price tag.

It also goes on to say:

The Oppo BDP-83 is a great player that does a lot and does it really well. This single unit replaces the need for separate high-quality CD, DVD, SACD, DVD-A and Blu-ray players. The BDP-83's analog audio outputs are extremely good, pushing the border of reference grade at an entry-level price. Its multi-channel digital audio outputs are just as good as those of any other player or transport I have had in my system. As for video, the Oppo's performance is phenomenal. Other, more expensive players have equaled the Oppo's video performance in my system, but none have surpassed it. I bought mine and am happy to have it. You might buy one, too, as the cost can easily be justified with the eBaying of any number of SACD, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, HD DVD and/or CD player products in your system. Hell, in this tough economy, you might come out with not just a better Blu-ray and disc player, but a few hundred extra dollars in your pocket.

In looking at the DACMagic the DAC is a wolfson 4782 which is a 24 bit 96 khz dac. The upgraded version the DACMagic plus is 24 bit 192 khz. I see no reason to spend $300 on a separate DAC to play audio when I already have an excellent setup as is.

Wow, thanks for the great information! The 83 does have excellent DACs for two-channel listening and it proves to be an even better value. I have the first generation DACMagic and it is limited to 24/96 and has two inputs (other than a lower resolution USB input). I connect an AirPort Express for casual listening and my MacBook Pro with Audirvana Plus to play 24/96 music either purchased or recorded from my vinyl records. I was going to have a problem with three sources (the 980H too) and only two inputs on the DACMagic.

However, if I used the BDP-83 versus the 980H I wouldn't have to swap out inputs on the DACMagic. Just play CDs and my limited number of SACDs in the BDP-83 connected directly to my integrated amp. Cool! Now the 83's door problem needs to be blown waaaay out of proportion so I can say I NEED to get a BDP-103. And that lines up with my goal of getting a 55" flat 4K OLED and the new Outlaw pre/pro. Oh, its just money!

If you are going OLED 4K you may want to check out the BDP-103D (Darbee) as it enhances the video side too.

I did not realize this was now about you. My apologies. In your particular case and using a home theater receiver you are 100% correct in saying a DAC most likely brings nothing to the party.

In the case of the OP connecting to an integrated amplifier for audio only the circumstances could be quite different.

What integrated amplifier are you going to use? With a modern piece you should not have any issues while vintage gear can be a different story.

Connecting my BDP-103 to a 1970's Yamaha ca-1000 was best accomplished through the AUX input using the volume control of the OPPO to set the level one time only. Remember that your amplifier inputs will have impedance and voltage parameters and you have to try to match those as closely as possible. On the Nelson Pass Adcom unit it wanted to run through the CD input with the volume set to max.

Connecting the BDP-103 via RCA R&L to a pair of tiny tube monoblocks in my office resulted in smoke. Connecting through a Dared SL2000 tube line stage resulted in excellent sound but low output due to input mismatching. Turning up the volume on the OPPO to compensate resulted in noise once the input voltage spec of the Dared had been exceeded.

I doubt you have any issues connecting as you describe just watch the initial output setting of the OPPO's volume. Start low and work your way up slowly.

Its always about me when someone asks for MY thoughts. Is the CA-1000 still in working order? I have a CA-800 I bought in 1977 along with the matching tuner CT-810. Both are awesome machines and still function well. I had all the switches cleaned a few years ago and it made a huge difference.

I don't expect any issues connecting a CD player to my integrated amp. It is Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum that is about four months old. Of course I'll have to check the Rogue's inputs but it should be just fine.

The extra $100 for the 103D might well be worth it. I'll need to verify the upscaling function of the Oppo versus the OLED TV to make a choice. And I wonder what kind of video processing will be in the new Outlaw pre/pro.

I wouldn't expect any problems connecting your gear. I have used my iPod through my Yamaha CA-800 aux input from the headphone jack. It works great but there is some fiddling I have to do with the two volume controls. I will try to connect the Yamaha to the OPPO when it gets back home through the analog outputs and the aux inputs. I don't really expect much trouble.

The CA1000 works great after a bit of work. All of the pots needed and received a good cleaning and lube job as one should expect from a unit of that age. The Class A/B switch is where they have normally gone wrong. If the switch is moved from class A to B while the unit is powered on there is no problem. Switching from B to A (while powered on)normally results in the switch arcing and sticking in the Class A position. Most owners do not notice. The Yamaha specialist over at the AK forums has put together parts lists for the upgrade of the old CA amps. I have the kit but have not yet torn it down for the new parts. At this time I am waiting for my Adcom GFA-565 to come back from Montana so am using the Yamaha to drive the center channel in the living room. When cleaning old Yamaha amps equipped with a coupling switch on the back pay special attention to the switch. The switch corrodes over time degrading performance. The tuner died years ago but was a decent piece as I remember.

I looked at the units from Rogue after selling off some Mac tube gear. I have a pair of early Jolida monoblocks driving a vintage set of Polk Audio Monitor 5jr+ in my office. For CD the Rogue piece and the OPPO should make for a great combo. Be careful with the volume control on the OPPO. I cannot stress this enough. Looking at the manual for your amplifier the input sensitivity is listed at 1.0v RMS. Wandering outside that specification is not a good idea. Start low and work your way up to find a level consistent with a known piece of gear. I would keep your DAC handy and try it both ways. I have the plus version of the DacMagic and find it superior to the DAC in the BDP-103 in pretty much every way. Your Mileage May Vary

Looks like you are putting together an awesome system. Good luck

Thanks for the input everyone. My HT stuff has been pretty static for some time as everything is working fine (well the plasma has some green sparkles that aren't too noticeable) except very recently the BDP's 83 door. Most of my efforts for a few years have been on putting together a stereo. A number of components have come and gone but I'm dialing it in. My speakers are Selah Audio Ottavo. Selah is a small company that does internet direct sales and lots of custom speaker work. My main turntable is a significantly modified AR XB and it is a joy. I had Rogue leave out their solid state phono preamp in the Cronus Magnum and I use a Parks Audo Budgie tube phono preamp. As noted above the DACMagic provides the portal for hi rez digital music on my laptop and for low rez iTunes via an Airport Express. I'd always intended to add a CD player versus solely relying on iTunes for digital playback. If the plasma sparklies get too bad I will have a reason to get the 55" OLED and BDP-103(D?) and have the 83 for the stereo. "It could work!!"

OPPO has sent me the BDP-83 back and it should be here March 3rd. The door has been repaired and tested by them. It has also been cleaned out inside and new factory firmware installed. No cost for the repair and only shipping cost to california. They are covering the shipping back.

Got the 83 back!! OPPO repackaged it so it appeared that it was a 103D at first but it really is my old 83. It looks brand new even has the plastic reapplied to the front end. The disc loader works great just like new again. Total cost was $40 shipping on a 5 year old machine. That's the kind of service that stands out of the crowd.

Isn't Oppo amazing when it comes to customer service!!!!!????
And some people wonder why we spend the big bucks for their product.
Try getting that kind of service from Sony or any of the other major brands.

I absolutely agree. Their customer service and willingness to fix problems to make their products as error free as possible is what keeps me interested in their newer stuff.