If you are looking for a universal player that could become the heart of your home theater system, you have probably come across the name OPPO. Their UDP-203 model has already earned a reputation as one of the best devices in its class. But what if you need something more? What if you need a device that not only plays well, but does so flawlessly, with a claim to benchmark status?
That's exactly what OPPO's flagship UDP-205 seems to be. This model is not just an evolution, but a quantum leap in quality. The manufacturer has put everything it knows about high-quality audio and video into it, creating a truly universal media center. It reads almost any disc, including Ultra HD Blu-ray, and works masterfully with files from the network.
The main difference between the UDP-205 and its younger brothers is a serious upgrade of the sound section. It features two high-quality DACs, a separate power supply for the audio path, and solid analog outputs. This is no longer just a movie player, but a full-fledged source for music lovers that can compete with separate audio components. Let's see if this “serious contender” lives up to its name in practice.
The OPPO UDP-205 is not just a disc player, but a real step into the world of high-quality home theater. It handles 4K UHD Blu-ray and older DVDs with equal confidence, turning even a modest room into a mini-cinema. Most importantly, its sound and picture are so clear and refined that you can immediately feel the difference: movies come to life, music sounds voluminous, and details become distinct. This is not a trendy gadget — it is a serious device for those who appreciate true quality.
Hyperstream
The key element of any modern audio player is the DAC. And in this respect, the OPPO UDP-205 outperforms even expensive network players and separate DACs. How many devices do you know that are equipped with professional ES9038PRO chips from ESS Sabre, and not just one, but two, separately for stereo and multi-channel outputs? Fans of watching concerts on Blu-ray will probably already like this approach. However, classical stereo enthusiasts will also be pleased: the stereo output has a fully balanced architecture, starting with the DAC itself.
Two professional DACs, balanced stereo output, linear power supply. There's a lot to see here!
In addition to its prestigious role as the flagship of the ESS Sabre line, 32-bit resolution, and eight channels in a single chip, the ES9038PRO DAC is notable for its record-high signal-to-noise ratio (140 dB) and extremely low distortion level (-122 dB). But most importantly, it uses the original Hyperstream digital-to-analog conversion algorithm. A jitter suppression system is integrated into the circuit, and its own noise level is reduced, resulting in increased signal processing depth and conversion accuracy compared to conventional Delta-Sigma circuitry.
Sources
The OPPO UDP-205 has an indecent number of ways to be used as an audio device. It can act as a USB or regular DAC, play CDs, SACDs, and DVD-Audios, has several USB ports for reading files from flash drives and hard drives, and plays files over a network. To top it all off, the device has digital outputs (in case you suddenly want to use an external DAC that is already present in your system).
You can play not only Blu-ray discs, but any discs. Even DVD-Audio, if you still have some in stock.
At this point, it is worth mentioning that the player's built-in DAC has seven digital filter modes, each of which gives the sound specific nuances. Multiply this by the possible number of scenarios in which the built-in DAC will be used, and you will understand the complexity of the situation I found myself in. With the variety of connection and configuration options available, testing the OPPO UDP-205 could take a long time, so I selected the main scenario for using the new product. I think the player will replace the previous source, both disc and digital/network. Therefore, we will take CDs and SACDs as a basis, as well as files from USB and a local network drive. But before we start listening, let's figure out the settings and controls.
Control
If we consider the OPPO UDP-205 as an audio player, its own remote control becomes a rather useless device. This is because it is much more convenient to play files from media connected via a network or USB port using the proprietary application than using a TV and remote control.
The names of the digital filters are picturesque, but not everyone will understand them 
I would add that disabling the video component and using Pure Audio mode, which turns off the device's display, among other things, provides a noticeable improvement in sound quality. The only situation in which the remote control seems appropriate is when listening to CDs or SACDs.
A smartphone can completely replace the player's own remote control and is very convenient when working with files.
The player's sound settings are similar to those found on a conventional Blu-ray player or AV receiver. You can select the size of the speakers, the distance, set the cutoff frequencies for the subwoofer, and so on.
You will need a large and convenient remote control when listening to discs
Among the subtleties, it is worth noting the option to disable volume control from the remote or the app, separate volume control for the headphone output, and the most important feature — the ability to select digital filters. The filter mode can be changed on the fly, making it very convenient to pick up on nuances.
From the first notes
The test system consisted of a Schiit Ragnarok amplifier connected to the player with balanced cables and Sonus Faber Olympica III speakers. As you can see, the level is high, allowing you to fully appreciate the nuances of the source's sound.
Even with a cursory acquaintance with the OPPO UDP-205, it is obvious that the detail, intonation accuracy, dynamics, soundstage, and airiness, as well as many other small details that are only noticeable on high-quality equipment, are what you would expect from a SACD or network player of comparable cost. And yet, this is a universal device for which music playback is just one of many functions!
The design of the OPPO UDP-205 is quite in line with high-end components. Which, incidentally, it is.
Speaking of features, I compared the sound of the same composition when played over the network, from a flash drive, and from a CD. In good conditions, when the local network is not overloaded and the optical disc is not scratched, the difference in sound is balanced somewhere on the verge of self-suggestion. Sometimes it seemed that the same track sounded a little more complete from a flash drive, but I couldn't clearly distinguish one from the other blindly. However, it is quite easy to distinguish DSD or Hi-Res FLAC from regular FLAC or WAV with a resolution of 16 bits/44.1 kHz (or SACD from CD) by ear. This is immediately noticeable in the richness of the timbres, the lightness and freedom of the high frequencies, and the overall feeling of fullness of the sound.
And again, a view from the inside to enjoy the technical perfection. Note the symmetry of the stereo output.
The digital filter modes are also quite noticeable. In one case, the sound seems harsh and abrupt, while in another, it flows smoothly and forms a single whole. The latter is characteristic of phase-line modes—in my opinion, they successfully complement the player's sound signature.
I have already mentioned the knob and grille as cosmetic differences. But there are also fewer connectors: the 3.5 mm jack and Ethernet port have disappeared. Inside, according to the developers, everything is much more interesting: they have redesigned the electronics in an effort to improve the sound. And they redesigned the phase inverter port.
The app itself is very simple. It has three main screens: the first is for selecting sources, the second is for selecting speakers, and the third is for settings. The second screen is primarily reserved for multi-room functionality, but I was only given one speaker to test, so the Addon C10 MK II was the only device listed in the list of available devices. This screen is where you set the parameters for the speakers to work together — identical models can be turned on separately, play the same song on them, or run in stereo pair mode.
The first screen displays icons for all supported streaming services, but in the settings (on the third screen), you can check the boxes next to the ones you use and uncheck the ones you don't need. Bluetooth and line input are also selected here. Large buttons and few settings are the key to a successful app
There aren't many settings: you can rename the speaker, adjust the bass and treble with the equalizer, set an alarm or a sleep timer. The “Speaker Preset” menu item deserves special attention. The name suggests that these are preset equalizer settings, but no — this is where you assign playlists and radio stations to the quick access buttons.
The OPPO UDP-205 creates a realistic soundstage that strictly corresponds to the source material. This is easy to hear if you frequently change tracks (which we do during testing). One moment it's a small recording studio with an unprocessed track fresh from the studio, the next it's a huge concert hall with a symphony orchestra in the pit. This is a clear indication of the high sound quality offered by this device. But at the same time, you realize that audiophiles will find untapped potential in it, so upgrading the UDP-205 in skilled hands is inevitable.
The OPPO UDP-205 is exactly the machine that demanding connoisseurs of quality have been waiting for. It doesn't just play discs, it turns viewing and listening into a real event. This player has so many serious technologies and thoughtful solutions that it can handle any task, even the most difficult ones.
What is particularly impressive is its dual role. With 4K movies, it works as a powerful media center, delivering an incredibly detailed and deep picture. And for music, it becomes a full-fledged Hi-End audio component, capable of revealing the full beauty of lossless formats. In essence, you get two high-end devices in one package.
Of course, such top-of-the-line features come at a price. This is the choice for those who already have a good audio system and a high-resolution TV and want to get the most out of them. For such users, purchasing the OPPO UDP-205 will be a completely justified step.
As a result, OPPO has created more than just an excellent universal player. It has set a new benchmark for the entire segment. This is a device that is not afraid of comparison with expensive separate equipment and gives the owner a serious advantage — uncompromising quality in any format.
