Bdp105 mod question
 

Hello All
I was wondering if anyone modded an existing unit and what the sonic differences were after the mod. I have a BDP105 I am considering to have modded. I would like to know what I could expect. Thanks

Pete.......What would you want a modification to improve? Mods in general are usually good for the original purchaser but often make it very hard to sell the component later, especially when trying to recover some of the cost of the mod plus the pre-owned value of the original component.

I'm in the process of upgrading my gear with Audio Research products. I feel that the Oppo as it is stock will not be as revealing and detailed as the AR cd9 I heard. I was wondering if a tube mod to the Oppo would add any sonic benefit in those areas. Currently I can't swing a cd9 and the preamp/ amp purchase. Not to mention there is no SACD and DSD support with the CD9. So, I guess I will know better when the preamp/ amp update is done.

Pete - I would encourage you to explore pursuing the ModWright modification if you are looking to maintain the features and flexibility of the Oppo 105, which are best in class, while pushing the sound quality to a true high end level. Improvements I have found post-modification include significantly improved soundstage (especially depth) and better placement of instruments in the soundstage, improved dynamics and clarity, and the best part is a smoother and less digital sound vs. the stock Oppo while increasing resolution. I have yet to hear of anyone who has sprung for doing the modification and has regretted it. I consider it to be an even bigger "bang for the buck" than the stock Oppo by itself is considered to be with all of the accolades it has received.

I'm very happy with my Modwright Oppo 105. It serves as basically a single source for my minimalist stereo (Pass INT150, Acoustic Zen Crescendos)

Great to hear your opinions on the tubed Oppo 105. It's so hard pull the trigger when I haven't heard the mod for myself. I use a lot of the features; USB, SACD, DSD from files, HDMI ins etc. I will kick this around as I look at the aesthetics Romulus and the Arc cd9. Thanks, Pete

Modwright frequently shows their Oppo mod at audio shows, where you can directly compare mod vs. stock. Modwright is quite helpful in response to direct inquiries, you might call and ask them about ways to compare mod vs. stock in the future.

Am I correct in assuming that the modification will upgrade the signal path exiting through the analog outputs (both balanced and unbalanced), but will do nothing for the HDMI output, even if you set the Oppo up to send PCM versus the bitstream to the downstream receiver?

Or, will the HDMI out with Oppo DAC engaged actually benefit in some way from this mod as well.

Most likely I would be using XLRs out for 2 channel and RCA's out for MCH (Movies and MCH music), But HDMI would be hooked up for video of course.

Modwright will quickly and accurately answer questions like this, but I believe you are correct, the mod is only to the analog 2-channel outs (both balanced and unbalanced. FWIW, if you are using the analog outs for MCH also, set it up using the 2-channel RCA's as the front L/R for MCH and take advantage of the mod for at least part of MCH as well.

I might be able to help with this as I just went through the upgrade prcess with a BDP-105d. The basic 105 mod is for the 2 channel outputs only, this includes
the balanced & unbalanced outputs. There is no MCH signal on these ports, you would use HDMI, coaxial or optical for MCH, also, per copyright restrictions
SACD audio cannot be sent throught coax or optical, only HDMI.

The basic mod does not touch the MCH side, however, adding the Bybee rail upgrade (2 are possible, 1 for the 2CH dac and 1 for the MCH dac) to the MCH
dac is one. The Audio Magic Pulse Gen upgrade impacts both sides.

If you intend to use the unit as a blu-ray player via HDMI you will not have to turn on the modwrite external power supply as that is only required when 2CH
audio is playing.

Since receiving my modwright player I have replaced the 2 6SN7 stock tubes with Sophia 6SN7's and the power supply rectifier tube with a Phillips
5R4GY (power supply must have the case hole to handle this tube as its larger then the case) both of these have enahanced the performance.

As a comparison I also have in my system a Linn Akurate DS, a very capable streaming device. From all I can tell the Modwright BDP-105d is
just as good, if not better sounding than the Linn.

Modwright will be demoing a 105D at THE Show Newport. The demo sample will also be for sale at a discount.

It WILL be worth your while to search out a well-matched pair of NOS TungSol oval ("round") plate 6SN7's.

2 6SN7 stock tubes with Sophia 6SN7's ditto, those tube are far and away a much better set of tubes, good choice :)

My Sophias are in their boxes in a drawer next to the stock EH's

The Psvane CV-181's Black Bottle's are nice sounding in the tube mod as well. I've used the Sophia's in the three Modwright players I've owned with great results.

A new member to the forum, but a long time Modwright equipment owner. I currently use Sophia's in my 105, and used them in my 95 and 83SE. I also liked the Psvane CV-181's in the tube mod. I like the overall sonic characteristics that the Sophia's give the tube mod.

Just curious how many have tried any of the renowned NOS 6SN7's, like the TungSol oval plates or the Sylvania black base 6SN7W's? I thought the Sophias were outstanding until I tried the TungSol, now I can't imagine goign back (although of course I may have to some day)

http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/6sn7_vt.htm

I have tried the Sylvania Black base that I borrowed from a friend, and I did enjoy the sound. For myself, I wanted a new production tube that I could use that provided good sound and reliability.

Many (most?) tube aficionados would say good sound and reliability are more likely to be found in a good NOS tube than a new production tube; food for thought.

My Sophia's have been rock solid for almost four years of daily use, so I don't have any complaints. I would agree that a lot of new production tubes are terrible, but I would not put the Sophia's in that camp. I don't think Dan would recommend them if he thought they were junk. Just my two cents.

Ditto, the Sophia's and there are other tubes from the same manufacture that are even better, but the get way $$$ costly. They sound and work great.

Who said they were junk? I have them and like them, but there are noticeably better sounding tubes available. The Sophias are the best currently manufactured tubes I have heard.

So where did you find the Tungsol 6SN7's? They look pretty hard to find.

Keep checking the major tube stores (Tube World, Brent Jessee, TC Tubes, vacuumtubes.com, etc) and eBay (although I'd only buy a tube like this with a 100% satisfaction guarantee). It took me about 5-6 wks, during which time I was quite happy with the Sophias.