OPPO Digital just released a new firmware update for their UDP-205 universal disc player, which adds support for MQA encoded digital music files. This firmware update is OPPO’s first step in supporting MQA. OPPO is continuing the work on MQA-CD support, as well as adding MQA decoding for the USB DAC and coaxial/optical inputs.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is a new audio codec designed to reveal the utmost in audio fidelity. Once the software update is installed, owners can select music files using the UDP-205’s “Music” app. The player will be able to identify and decode files encoded with MQA. Listeners can enjoy the full benefit of MQA-encoded music with studio-quality sound.
The OPPO UDP-205 becomes the first MQA-enabled blu-ray player. It utilizes two ES9038PRO DACs, which are the flagship of the ESS Sabre Pro series. Output connectors include a dedicated RCA/XLR pair for stereo, and a 7.1-channel group for surround sound. Additionally, there is an HDMI audio output port with a unique clock jitter reduction circuit. A built-in headphone amplifier offers the users an intimate listening experience. In addition to playing back discs and digital files, the UDP-205 also features a USB DAC, a coaxial and an optical digital audio input, so users can take advantage of the excellent audio performance of the UDP-205 with other sources.
“Delivering reference audio performance has always been the core feature of the OPPO UDP-205 universal player. We are thrilled to work with MQA to incorporate MQA decoding into the player,” said Jason Liao, CTO of OPPO Digital. “Our audiophile customers will enjoy the lifelike and engaging listening experience with the studio master sound quality provided by MQA.”
Added MQA Founder & CTO, Bob Stuart, “We are proud to be partners of OPPO and extremely happy that MQA’s technology has been incorporated into the UDP-205 universal disc player. This is just the start of our cooperation and we’re looking forward to enabling more features on more models across the OPPO range in the future.”
Price and Availability
The OPPO UDP-205 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is available now for $1,299 (released April 2017). The firmware update is offered via free download that can be installed once the player is connected to the Internet.
