Differences, picture and sound

In terms of drive and decoder board, the two test players match, even the power supply is similar. But then the differences begin.


Small differences


The digital specialist OPPO has installed video processing from DVDO in the BDP-103D, which also integrates the miracle image enhancer Darbee. The on-board conversion of the sound information has remained more or less the same for some type generations and is recognized as good. OPPO provides a 7.1 output that can also be used for pure stereo applications. Quite clear the developers despite the good analogue in the sound but rather from a purely digital linking of the player by HDMI out. The remote control has proved itself in the test thanks to the sensibly arranged, functional illuminated buttons. However, in a purely haptic way it is relatively simple.


Sophisticated scaling for the audio signals


Cambridge is proud to announce that the new 725BD remote control generation will be a completely different experience. The control center is organically designed and stands ergonomically favorable in a table stand ready to handle. The entire surface is velvety soft rubberised and flatters the skin. The tripod is also wrapped in this organic coating. The keys have been re-grouped and offer a number of useful direct functions, which you would otherwise have to enter into the menu. Finally, the buttons are also backlit. As an accessory, you can also order the new handheld for your predecessor.


Image and sound test


Although Cambridge offers in its Azur series the appropriate AV amplifier with HDMI connections, the product managers obviously think of the further use of the picture and also sound high-resolution device also in more conventional stereo systems. At least this is indicated by the elaborately designed Audioboard, which the English have installed into the second circuit board. It has not only a 7.1-channel output, but a second, separate and even more elaborate stereo section.


Image advantages for OPPO


All ten channels are re-clocked after their arrival from the MediaTek decoder chip and converted to full 24-bit and 192-kilohertz sampling rates in the patent-protected Anagram processor, no matter what actual resolution they reach the Audioplatine of the Cambridge Azur >

This makes it easier for the developers to optimize the subsequent digital / analog conversion: The following filtering now only has to be adapted to this one clock frequency. For the sync with DSD bit streams from SACD, you have to set the player in the menu to PCM conversion, which converts the 1-bit stream to 24-bit with 88.2 kilohertz.

As with the OPPO, full signal and bass management is also available for the 7.1 output as well as a control of the output level and the lip sync correction. However, the dedicated stereo output is directly interconnected and always receives its two stereo channels regardless of the output signal - either directly or as a downmix.


Another indication for the audio alignment opposite the OPPO colleague are the two digital audio inputs: one optically as TOSLINK, the second as RCA jack. Not only does HDMI devices benefit from the fine transformation of the sounds into the analog world, but also historical things like an old laserdisc player.


In the cinema listening room built, the two candidates are first in their role as a classic Blu-ray player again with disk cost and HDMI as output signal. On the audio side they differ little and show how good an HDMI source can sound today. The AV preamplifier Marantz AV8801 offers a pleasantly drawn and, as such, a plastic stage image from the CD.


The jazz-album XXL (DVD-Audio) of the Big Phat Band brings a lot of life as a high-resolution multi-channel recording, damsel Gordon Goodwin puts his musicians almost directly into the loudspeakers. A crass dynamic that none of the players seems to slow down. This applies to all media that the drive gets to read in the course of the test, regardless of the number of channels. On the HDMI side there is a stalemate between the players.


There are few advantages for the OPPO. In contrast to the indisputable top image of the Cambridge, it shows subjectively a bit more peace of mind - especially with interlaced signals - and a little more depth and plasticity especially with low-resolution videos, especially with PAL playback via the HDMI input from the satellite receiver. The de-interlacer shows more stable, self-critical tapes never come out of the tread and with sparse dosage image processing the images get more sharpness and plasticity without visible disadvantages.


The ratio of the two subjects did not change even when other sources were fed, whether via USB port directly from the hard drive or over the network. Also, both of the test files always played with correct, native image rate with chapters, subtitles, etc. and navigated fast: JPEG photos up to 16 megapixel resolution as well as videos of all colors from MPG over MKV to TS and M2TS

Also on the audio side both players play in stereo and with some formats in surround everything from MP3 over WMA, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, even Apple's ALAC and some DSD formats of audiophile downloads. One of the disadvantages of the MediaTek chip is that our two test devices can not be overridden: it does not spread gapless (uninterrupted). OPPO has found a workaround in the latest firmware, but this only works with WAV, which is delivered via USB - very practical.


Analog Audio: Benefits for Cambridge


Otherwise you have to combine the individual files with a Joiner program to a large one and create a CUE sheet. Then the big file plays seamlessly and can be navigated as single files thanks to the CUESheets nevertheless


In the last listening session, the analog outputs are used. The circuits of the OPPO have been virtually unchanged for years and accordingly they sound as usual. The balance is balanced and tonal, perhaps a whiff brighter than neutral. Absolutely, there is also no difference in sound between surround and stereo playback with a tiny advantage in stereo due to the lack of bass management.


Conclusion: a duel with two winners


When you plug the cables to the cinch outputs of the Cambridge Azur, you notice immediately: There is still air up. Even the multi-channel output of the Azur 752BD plays much more homogeneously and simply more confidently. The space is larger and deeper, and at the lower end of the frequency spectrum the Englishman succeeds in a little more force and authority.


For a fair comparison is a good stereo recording of Ella Fitzgerald: the freshly available at highresaudio.de Ella And Basie in 24/96 from the server in two-channel sound over the surround and stereo output. In fact, the sound image opens a bit over the cinch duo, and above all the depth of the space wins again. This is a clear indication of better enemy dynamics.


The test duo Cambridge Azur 752BD and OPPO BDP-103D once again makes clear that according to data sheets quasi-identical players have in practice different characters. Depending on the user's preference, one or the other is the better choice.


You want a high-end digital player for any purpose with the best image quality and output the sound via HDMI to your AV amplifier? Then you are right at the OPPO. If you need a universal digital player and D / A converter for your stereo system, and if you're looking for something more refined in terms of workmanship and feel, then Cambridge is the best choice.


Download: Data and measured values ​​


Download: Test results