Reviews

Oppo BDP-105EU Universal Blu-ray Player Review

The OPPO BDP-105EU is designed from the ground up with components optimised for enhanced analogue audio performance. The BDP-105EU features an all-new analogue audio stage powered by two ESS Sabre32 Reference Digital-to-Analogue Converters (DAC), balanced (XLR) & unbalanced (RCA) dedicated stereo outputs, a Toroidal linear power supply, and asynchronous USB DAC input. These high-grade components are housed in a rigidly constructed metal chassis and work together to deliver exceptionally detailed and accurate audio quality, along with reference quality video.

The BDP-105EU is built like a tank, with a beautifully designed and solidly constructed chassis that, in conjunction with its fanless architecture, is near silent in operation. The power consumption might be slightly higher than many other players but it is lightning fast when it comes to loading discs and very responsive. The remote control is another example of Oppo's attention to detail, it's comfortable to hold, intuitively laid out and includes a back light. The rear connections are very comprehensive and include 7.1-channel analogue outputs and a dedicated stereo output that includes XLR balanced connectors, signifying the BDP-105EU's audiophile aspirations. The rigid construction uses toroidal power transformers, which when combined with Sabre32 Reference Audio DACs, results in a performance level that will satisfy even the most demanding audiophile. There is also a USB Asynchronous DAC for use with computers and a headphone amplifier which allows you take full advantage of the Sabre32 DACs when listening through headphones.

Styling/Build/Connectivity

The chassis used for the BDP-105EU is essentially the same as the previous BDP-95EU but like this year's BDP-103EU, Oppo has made minor improvements. The superior build quality, power supply and shielding have been retained, as has the brushed metal design and attractive curved facia. The chassis sits on four large and sturdy feet, designed to reduce vibrations and maintain stability, whilst the entire unit measures 430 x 311 x 123mm and weighs a hefty 7.9kg. The disc drawer is still at the centre and the display is on the left hand side whilst there are some basic controls on the right. The display is well designed, informative and easy to read but if you so wish it can be dimmed or turned off. The buttons for the basic controls have a slightly raised feel to them, making it easier to locate them in a dark room. The drawer mechanism is very quiet and smooth and, thanks to the overall build quality and fanless architecture, the BDP-105EU has an extremely rigid feel and is almost silent in operation.

The Oppo badge on the far left of the facia is also the power button and next to it is a small power status indicator LED. On the front right of the BDP-105EU there is a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI input that is compatible with MHL (Mobile High-definition Link) and a high quality 1/4-inch stereo headphone jack. The overall look of the BDP-105EU is both stylish and solid which results in a contemporary but well-built appearance that can hold its own against any of the other high-end players on the market. This feeling of a high-end player even extends to the well written and informative manual as well as the solid and well-padded packaging; inside which you will find the BDP-105EU itself wrapped in a rather nice bag and a separate box for the player’s accessories. Aside from the remote the other accessories include a high speed HDMI cable, a Wi-Fi dongle, a USB extension cable for locating the dongle away from the player and a detachable kettle style power cable.

The BDP-105EU includes a comprehensive set of high quality connectors at the rear, including two HDMI v1.4a outputs and one HDMI v1.4a input. There is also what Oppo call a 'diagnostic' video output (composite video) but, in keeping with all new BD players, there is no component video output. There are also two USB ports, a LAN port (in case you don’t have a wireless router), a connector for the external IR sensor, a digital audio out using both optical and coaxial and an RS-232C connector for custom installers. The BDP-105EU also includes 7.1 analogue audio outputs via RCA connectors, these are colour coded and are in a straight line at the top rear of the chassis. In addition the BDP-105EU has dedicated stereo audio outputs using both RCA connectors and fully balanced XLR outputs. Finally there are digital audio inputs using optical and coaxial, as well as a USB (Type B) audio input.

Whilst the remote control is quite large, we really like it because the sizeable buttons, intuitive layout and backlight make it very easy to use in the dark. The remote's design and build quality reflects that of the player, as does Oppo’s attention to detail. The remote feels solid and comfortable to hold, the buttons themselves are easy to differentiate by touch and have a nice tactile response when pressing them. The buttons include all the usual controls for playing a disc and navigating menus, along with buttons for engaging the 2D to 3D conversion or bringing up the 3D menu. There is also a Pure Audio button that shuts down the video when listening to music, a button for changing the resolution and one for dimming the front display. There is even a dedicated button for directly accessing Netflix, which has now been added to the player's internet platform.