Hey David,
I have been off the forum for a while but just read your post and thought I would let you know I am in Brisbane and have a Denon 3808 (I paid $2,900)and M80's you are welcome to have a listen of if you live near by. Not sure where in Aus you are...
I am also looking at getting the Oppo 83 in the near future. I will pay the $1075 from Merlin because I have read a couple of things about it: 1. The hardware mod you can buy will void the warranty and 2. whist there appears to be a crack code - you need to wait for a new code each time the firmware updates. I am no expert but for me - I prefer to pay more and have no hassles.
For what it is worth - I auditioned various models of DALI and B&W speakers(with Denon and NAD amps) - and neither compare to the M80's until you are getting into the models that cost approx $3-4K extra (I did get my M80's from the outlet though).
Anyway let me know if you are near/in Bris-Vegas.
James
