ModWright: Oppo 95 vs Sony XA-5400ES mods for 2 channel SQ ...
 

Do they sound similar for 2 channel audio or is one clearly better? My main reason for asking is because the Oppo 95 is still current but the Sony XA-5400ES has been discontinued.

Xa5400es was selling on eBay for $1399 a few days ago. They had a bunch new. Check eBay from time to time. It's a good player even stock form.

I have a Sony XA-5400es I was thinking about modding, then I saw all the Oppo 95 articles and got to thinking.....

I don't know if I would put money into mods because computer audio servers and DACs are getting very very good for the same or less money.

That's been my concern as well.

Joe - one is not clearly better in sound quality - there are minor differences due to different DACs and internal design, but overall they are both excellent. The ModWright Sony has actually been reviewed more often (I've posted a few of the links to reviews here on AA) and just as positive as the Oppo from what I have seen. Given that you already have your Sony 5400ES, I would go ahead with it if you want to have ModWright perform the modifications.


Mike -you bring up a very relevant point here, as this is an area that is rapidly evolving. I would make the call here based on how many SACDs you have, as you aren't going to listen to them at a high level otherwise (with a few extremely high $$ exceptions).

I am not aware of a DAC that will touch the SQ of the ModWright modifications on the Sony or the Oppo for anywhere near the cost. Another point is that the digital input mod is much closer to being finalized and working on the Sony, while the Oppo due to its additional complexity and grounding scheme is still causing Dan headaches (although he is working hard on it and will get it working).

That is my input Joe - I have full confidence that you would be very pleased with the results if you decide to move forward with your Sony.

Joe...do you have a lot of SACDs?

Hi Cyril,

No I don't have a lot of SACDs, but I don't to limit my purchases of them. I am looking at the ModWright for a warmer more organic (read forgiving) presentation of the music to match up with the Burmester system. The 111 is off the radar for a while and I am looking at the ModWright along with the AMR CD-77.1 or CD-777 plus a few others.

Off topic, but I think a C.E.C. transport is very smooth sounding. I had one at one time and I regret selling it till this day. Perhaps a C.E.C. transport and a DAC?

But which DAC is the question :yes: