OPPO NuForce (BDP-93) AVSA review - Audio Tweak

HOME THEATRE / UNIVERSAL PLAYERSOppo BDP-93EU Nuforce EditionEven more music magic!PRICE: R14 900SUPPLIED BY: Audio Tweak 021-785-3820/ 083 676-1250WEBSITE: www.audiotweak.co.zaRegular readers may remember that we featured the new generation of Oppo universal players -- theBDP-93EU and the BDP-95EU -- on the cover of AVSA’s June issue.While we compiled that review, we also had a Nuforce Edition version of the BDP-93EU on hand, butthere was simply too much ground to cover, and we decided to put aside the Nuforce model for thisseparate evaluation.At face value, the NF Edition is identical to a bog-standard BDP-93EU, so I won’t bore you with arepeat of the physical description. The only visual difference is the Nuforce Edition nomenclatureapplied to the front fascia.The same goes for the rear panel, where the NF Edition benefits from identical audio and videofacilities, notably the two HDMI 1.4a outputs, as well as a 7.1 analogue output set. The front left/rightchannels serve as stereo outputs if the unit is used in stereo/stereo downmix mode.Since the changes to the NF Edition are focussed primarily on the audio output stage, the player’sconsiderable video talents remain identical to those of the standard Oppo BDP-93EU. As we remarkedin the June review, the Marvell QDEO DE2750 video processor is quite superb, and video quality istherefore right up there with the very best.However, the real differences are on the audio front -- and specifically as far as analogue audio outputis considered. Thus, the standard unit’s Cirrus audio DACs remain in place, and if you rely on theplayer’s HDMI or SPDIF digital outputs for audio transfer, you won’t hear any difference between theNuforce version and the standard Oppo model.However, use the 7.1 analogue output set, and it’s a completely different kettle of fish. And that’sbecause the Nuforce changes are all focussed on the analogue output stage.Those changes consist of a complete re-engineering of the full eight-channel output stage, whichentails the use of on-board, linear processing circuitry to deliver carefully regulated and filtered DCpower to all analogue output sections in the interests of reduced noise and distortion.The output stage has also been designed to obviate the need for any signal-degrading mutingcircuitry, while advanced analogue filters are said to eliminate phase shift in the audible band.

The modification employs high-performance op amps, which Nuforce says contribute a warmer, moreseductive sound. In fact, the company admits that its sonic goal was to emulate the sound of an outputstage equipped with 12AX7 triodes, but in the solid state context. Tube lovers, rejoice!I ran the Nuforce Edition in my home theatre system, where I was able to directly compare theanalogue output performance with the delivery via audio-only HDMI into my Marantz AV receiver.Subsequently, the player also spent some time rubbing shoulders with stereo kit, in the company ofmy Electrocompaniet pre/power and Vivid Audio V1.5 speakers.By the way, for the first part of the review period, I also had a standard BDP-93EU to compare the NFEdition with, and those impressions have been included in this appraisal.So, on to the nitty gritty stuff: there is no doubt that the analogue output of the Nuforce Edition soundsvastly different to the standard model’s. And it also stands to reason that it sounds completely differentto the delivery via HDMI into the Marantz (or via SPDIF, for that matter).As my review of the normal BDP-93EU highlighted, the standard version is already a fine player inmusical terms, offering a smooth and accessible rendering of both stereo and surround material. Ofnote are the spaciously dimensioned staging, the stable and clearly etched imaging, and the excellentattention to both ambient and musical detail.So, how does the Nuforce Edition compare? Well, as the developers indicated, the sound is distinctlytube-like, displaying a warmer tonal signature, with a creamier midrange and smoother, friendliertreble. Textural elements seemed more pronounced, and the overall tonal approach was richer.The differences were most pronounced with female vocals and acoustic instruments: Diana Krall’svocals on the SACD release of ‘The Girl In The Other Room’ gained a presence and fullness that wasnot apparent before, while Anthony Wilson’s guitar sounded more vibrant, with a stronger stagepresence.Indeed, the richer tonal character apart, I also found that the staging had become more markedlythree-dimensional, with more space between the instruments and vocals. Also, the sonic imagewas slightly better defined.There was a sleekness, a finesse and an elegance to the Nuforce Edition’s delivery that willplease committed analogue fans, and certainly made most material very accessible. But those whoprefer a cleaner, edgier sound, with a stronger emphasis on fine upper-frequency detail and etchedrendering may find this player too warm and fuzzy.That’s particularly true of surround sound material, where spatial detail often plays a key role indetermining the coherence and integration of the surround sound stage. I found that the smoother,warmer approach of the Nuforce was better suited to music material, in both stereo and surroundmodes, where the staging focus generally favours the front channels, and the rears and backs aretypically employed for ambience only.However, a densely populated movie soundtrack such as ‘Blackhawk Down’, for instance, placesmore definite demands on the rendering of fine detail across all six channels, and here, the NuforceEdition’s richer tonality tended to get in the way of some of the finer upper-treble information.Of course, this is easily solved by employing SPDIF or HDMI for movie surround soundtracks, and theanalogue outputs for music -- a compromise which provides the best of both worlds.In pure stereo terms, operating in my dedicated stereo system, the Nuforce Edition wasastoundingly good and highly entertaining across a broad spectrum of both CD and SACD-basedmaterial.

The haunting vocals of Madeleine Peyroux, the rousing arena rock of The Kings Of Leon, the fullimpact of a Beethoven symphony -- the Oppo took it all in its stride, and delivered a luscious, allenvelopingand engaging sound that had me up listening until late into the night.In this role, the Nuforce Edition rivals some fancy machinery, at a price that while not exactlycheap, is certainly excellent value, given its breadth of application and capability.The Oppo BDP-93EU Nuforce Edition is not for everyone. Its standard sibling offers a big slice of theperformance for significantly less, while the Nuforce Edition’s specific sonic traits may not suit someears or tastes.However, those seeking a multi-talented player with excellent all-round performance, but a particularpenchant for tube-like warmth and vibrancy on music material, in both stereo and surround modes,are likely to find themselves in entertainment heaven!Deon Schoeman (AVSA Magazine)VITAL STATSDigital conversion Up to 192 kHz, 24-bitAudio DAC Cirrus CS4382AVideo DAC Marvell QDEO DE2750Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0,3 dB)Signal-to-noise ratio >110 dB (A-weighted)Audio outputs 7.1 analogue audio output setVideo outputs Composite RCA, component RCADigital outputs HDMI v1.4 x 2, Toslink optical, RCA coaxialConnectivity USB 2.0, eSATA, Ethernet, Wi-Fi (via USB dongle)Dimensions (WxDxH) 430x311x79 mmWeight4,9 kgVERDICT:This is a universal player for music fans -- and especially tube fans.Rich, detailed and articulated delivery with a definite tube-like quality.