Hi Dan,

You're right. The Response Audio RAM Signature CD25 (the ModWright/Music Hall CD-25) was only $1,400 which is about 2 and 1/3 the price of the stock CD-25 ($600) while the ModWright Oppo 105 is triple the price of the stock 105. I think the fact that the current tube mod also includes a separately housed power supply contributes to the additional cost.

I'm not trying to be an apologist for ModWright. I'm sure there are fine players out there, especially on the used market, for the same cost. My point was simply that while not a small investment, the all-in cost of the unit would be competitive with similarly priced players at the very least. It always boils down to system synergy and individual taste so there's no hard and fast rules.

There is a used ayre dx5 that I would consider

ayre dx-5, kxr, mxr, Vandersteen 5A, marantz 8801, Vandersteen vcc-5, Vandersteen vsm sig

-- I know one person (his name's Jim, and I'm not sure if he's a member here) who loves his Oppo BDP-105 tubed modded by ModWright with separate power supply (he also already rolled the tubes), and said that it beats the sound of his two previous hi-end players; one of which was $17,000! :eek:

I would love to share the link, but I can't. ...I'll ask him if he would love to join here and share his experiences. :)

And just to correct any confusion from my post. I have not heard the modwright, I was merely making commentary on the subject of "beating out players that cost more" as a general over use in the industry

I love it, and would be keeping it indefinitely if the 105 did not include the digital inputs. I am limited on space, so a separate external DAC does not appeal to me right now, plus I know how good the analog output of the tube analog stage that ModWright provides sounds. From what I understand, the 105 will be a step forward over the 95, and I will know that for certain when I do a direct comparison for myself between the two players in the near future.

Now THAT's one comparison I would love to hear! A used DX5 is still in the 5 range though but it looks so nice. One advantage the 105 would still have is a better processor; thus, faster load times to menu and all.


I also feel the Modwright mods, while excellent, is a bit pricey; especially when one adds the Bybee rails and Audio Magic options too. Like over $3K just for mods!

---- 6moons audio reviews: ModWright's OPPO 105 mod

______________

* Jim, that guy I know, with his ModWright Oppo; tubed, with the separate outboard power supply (Audio Magic 9.0 - 9.9), the Bybee Music Rails, upgraded (rolled) tubes (PSVANE and NOS tubes; Philip s.), said that he prefers it over his previous Wadia ($18,000), and his previous Burmester ($32,000). ...His total cost: $3,500-4,000

** John Curl, yes the famous amplifier's designer man himself, said (on the Oppo BDP-105), that it is the best player of its type that he has ever heard, including Headphone listening and SACD.

-> And Hedwig, just above, can confirm what I just said as being accurate (without providing direct links).

Modwright Oppo 105
 

Writing is not one of my strengths but below is an email I sent to Dan tonight in regard to my new Modwright Oppo BDP-105. I received it yesterday and absolutely love it. I sold my PS Audio PerfectWave DAC II to help fund my Modwright 105. I liked the PS and although it was very close in sound quality to my Modwright BDP-95, more often than not I would find myself playing the Modwright 95. Oppo stepped it up a notch too with the 105. A much faster player in every way and better build. When someone said Dan hit this one out of the ballpark, I completely agree. I think the key is finding the right tubes and the sound is almost unreal. I first played Diana Krall's Abandoned Masquerade and I swear it gave me goose bumps!

Component level electronic repair is what I do. I disassembled my Modwright BDP-95. The mod layout and soldering work was excellent. The sound quality and craftsmanship, coupled with top notch support I experienced with my Modwright 95 was reasons I went for the Modwright 105 and 'BOY HOUDY' am I extremely glad I did. I am sure there are others but out of all of the places I have dealt with, there are only two I rate an A+ for customer support, steller sound and quality. Those two are ModWright and Decware.


Hi Dan,

I don't have much time but I wanted to let you know my initial thoughts on my new unit. In short, I LOVE it!!!!!!! It is everything you said and much more. The menu is much faster than my 95. From scrolling music or the time it takes to play is super fast. Using Jriver on my home server and an app called JRemote, I can control my music playing and volume, all from my iPad without the need for the TV to be on! I have not heard sources that cost $20,000. However when people are reporting your 105 mod sounds better, I have no doubt. The noise floor is lower. The bass is the most powerful I have ever heard in my system. The midrange is to die for. Even female voices that had exaggerated sibilance from tracks I had previously played hundreds of times, is much reduced and in some cases gone. I am always trying to upgrade and tweak my audio system in search for more better Hi-Fi. As a result this has become a very expensive hobby. With your 105 mod and the right tubes, I really believe my search is over. From Kristin, who was very nice and helpful, to your technician who has been a pleasure to deal with and went beyond assisting me with my slew of questions, and all of the times you helped me over the years, Modwright gets an A+ for customer support in my book. I could go on and on about my Oppo 105 mod but the bottom line is that this unit sounds so good it must be Holly Grail of audio sources. Thanks!

Roy.......Nice write up, and thanks for the cc of your email to Dan. Your enthusiasm for the modified BDP-105 says it all.

+1 - thanks Roy for your input to this thread and for sharing your impressions and feedback regarding your new ModWright Oppo 105. Given that you already owned the 95 also, and are that pleased with the upgrade to your new 105, I am even more excited for my expected March 29th ship date for my 105!! :music: