Oppo UDP-205From real comments

Verdict distilled from 47 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment71%
PROS 71%
CONS 29%

Rank based on 47 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want to use balanced XLR analog outputs straight into power amps for the best possible sound
  • You need a true universal player for SACD, DVD-Audio, CD and 4K UHD Blu-ray in one box
  • You're building a high-end 2-channel or multichannel system and want the Oppo DACs as your preamp

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You mainly use HDMI output to an AV receiver or processor, where the 203 sounds the same for less
  • You want built-in Tidal/Netflix streaming, since the 205 lacks these compared to older Oppo models
  • You're on a tight budget, since the jump from the 203's price is very steep

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Oppo UDP-203
Excellent audio qualityOutstanding picture quality and upscalingUniversal format supportDiscontinued and now costly to obtainHigh price pointFirmware and connectivity glitches
Oppo UDP-203
Excellent audio quality
Outstanding picture quality and upscaling
Universal format support
Discontinued and now costly to obtain
High price point
Firmware and connectivity glitches
2Mid
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
Detailed, impressive sound
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
Detailed, impressive sound
You are here
3Premium
Oppo UDP-205
Excellent analog audio via XLR/DACsStrong resale and ownership satisfactionOutstanding 4K UHD video qualitySteep price premium over UDP-203No benefit if using HDMI-only setupAudible disc-spinning noise
Oppo UDP-205
Excellent analog audio via XLR/DACs
Strong resale and ownership satisfaction
Outstanding 4K UHD video quality
Steep price premium over UDP-203
No benefit if using HDMI-only setup
Audible disc-spinning noise
Best value
4Budget
Audio-Technica AT-LP3
Good sound after cartridge upgradeGreat value for priceUpgradable designHum and connectivity issuesPlasticky build and buttonsAuto-return malfunction
Audio-Technica AT-LP3
Good sound after cartridge upgrade
Great value for price
Upgradable design
Hum and connectivity issues
Plasticky build and buttons
Auto-return malfunction
5Premium
Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2
Bluetooth streaming convenienceAppealing minimalist buildAnalog sound over Bluetooth linkHigh price relative to specsBluetooth compression limitsLow Bluetooth output via headphones
Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2
Bluetooth streaming convenience
Appealing minimalist build
Analog sound over Bluetooth link
High price relative to specs
Bluetooth compression limits
Low Bluetooth output via headphones
6Mid
Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBT
Fully automatic convenienceStrong sound qualityBluetooth aptX Adaptive connectivityAuto-return mechanism malfunctionsCheap-feeling buttons and plasticky buildFactory speed/RPM inaccuracy
Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBT
Fully automatic convenience
Strong sound quality
Bluetooth aptX Adaptive connectivity
Auto-return mechanism malfunctions
Cheap-feeling buttons and plasticky build
Factory speed/RPM inaccuracy
7Premium
Oppo BDP-105D
Excellent build reliabilityHigh-end DAC performancePre-out hiss with active speakersUSB drive not displaying on TV
Oppo BDP-105D
Excellent build reliability
High-end DAC performance
Pre-out hiss with active speakers
USB drive not displaying on TV
8Budget
Sony BDP-S5100
Strong 3D Blu-ray disc playbackGood value for priceMKV playback via Plex workaroundFirmware updates discontinuedLimited USB ripped-DVD supportNo optical or analog audio output
Sony BDP-S5100
Strong 3D Blu-ray disc playback
Good value for price
MKV playback via Plex workaround
Firmware updates discontinued
Limited USB ripped-DVD support
No optical or analog audio output
9Mid
Sony UBP-X800M2
Solid build qualityReliable performance for many long-term usersBroad format and codec supportFreezing on 4K UHD discsNo automatic Dolby Vision detectionOverheating concerns
Sony UBP-X800M2
Solid build quality
Reliable performance for many long-term users
Broad format and codec support
Freezing on 4K UHD discs
No automatic Dolby Vision detection
Overheating concerns
10Budget
Sony BDP-S6700
Excellent 4K UpscalingGreat Value for PriceSACD and 3D Blu-ray SupportBluetooth Connectivity FailuresHardware Defects (Tray, SACD Drive, Power-On)Missing HDMI Cable and Fiber Optic Output
Sony BDP-S6700
Excellent 4K Upscaling
Great Value for Price
SACD and 3D Blu-ray Support
Bluetooth Connectivity Failures
Hardware Defects (Tray, SACD Drive, Power-On)
Missing HDMI Cable and Fiber Optic Output

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The analog audio path is where the UDP-205 truly shines for dedicated listeners. Multiple owners describe running the 205's balanced XLR or single-ended analog outputs directly into power amps, bypassing a preamp entirely, and getting the cleanest sound of their system's life. One user called it worth every penny once you understand the DACs need to feed amps directly rather than going through HDMI to a processor. Another said sound was 25% better than the 203 this way, not just 5%, provided you don't mix balanced and unbalanced connections in a 7-channel setup.

4K UHD video quality and upscaling draw consistent praise. Commenters repeatedly highlight the improved picture quality on UHD Blu-ray discs compared to standard Blu-ray and other players, including a direct comparison against a Panasonic UB900 where the Oppo's shadow gradient and format versatility won out. Owners also value its ability to upscale legacy Blu-ray and even DVD content, and to upconvert signals from older HDMI-in sources like a 400-disc Blu-ray changer, making old libraries look noticeably better.

The steep price jump from the UDP-203 divides buyers. Several commenters flatly state the 205's price increase, sometimes described as $595 to $1,295 or similar regional jumps, isn't justified unless you specifically use the analog XLR outputs into a dedicated amp. Multiple viewers say a reviewer's explanation convinced them to buy the cheaper 203 instead and save hundreds of dollars, since via HDMI alone the two players sound and look identical to many ears.

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