I have both a Denon 3910 and an Oppo 980-H.
I use them strictly for Stereo listening (no HT/MC).
I run Axiom M80 speakers with an Outlaw RR2150. The Denon does best the Oppo (CD/SACD/DVD-A) but the difference is subtle - more detail in deepest bass and highest treble - a bit more open soundstage - that being said, the Oppo can be enjoyed for hours on end without ever thinking about switching over to the Denon.
And the Oppo can read any DVD-A I throw at it while the Denon is picky (eg, the Denon will not recognize the Advanced Resolution programs contained on the Talking Heads DVD-A's, etc).
My $.02: At less than $200 the Oppo is a steal.