Thinking of the Oppo 105 with Modwright mods
 

The whole package will be 3500.00. I have heard this Modified Oppo competes with players in the 7 to 10k range. If that is the case it's a great deal. I've never heard one before so I'm a little skeptical. I currently have a Gamut Cd player but it's 12 years old and I don't how long will it last. My other alternative was to buy a used player for 3500.00 that retailed new for 7k. The only problem with that is I could have service Issues. If I did buy the modified Oppo and didn't like it is it a easy sale. Or is it a small niche in the market that is hard to sell.

What I would love (burn) to know (from expert music listeners) is the difference in sound quality (SACD and CD)
from the Oppo BDP-105 tubed modded (from ModWright), and the Esoteric K-03 CD/SACD player.
...And few other hi-end CD/SACD players in the 5 to 10K range.

* Strictly as a CD/SACD player (stereo), for music playback only. ...Nothing else, no Blu-ray/DVD playback,
no DAC feature, no headphone listening, ... no nothing else.

That's what I'm talking about!

taters.......I have heard a lot of things, but that doesn't necessarily make them so. What can I say. You pay your money and you take your chances. If you buy the modded BDP-105 and don't like it, you will definitely be selling to a niche market and most likely taking a hit to unload it. Make sure it's what you really think it is and a player you will want to keep. Then you won't have to worry about selling it as a used, modded disc spinner.

My thoughts are that if you can afford the $10k player, and the rest of your system is up to the level where you can clearly appreciate the differences, and that the extra $$ couldn't be spent better elsewhere (speakers, room treatments, or music), then you should buy it. Modified players are a niche market, no question about it. You might take close to a $1k hit if you bought a ModWright 105 and decided to sell it. That would be painful, no doubt. Of course, you would take at least that much of a hit if not more on the $10k player if you turned around and sold it - percentage wise it might be less, but dollars wise it will probably be more.

As far as the performance goes, I suggest finding a way to audition one personally if at all possible. Feedback from actual owners goes a long way as well, which is why as the result of Dan's, Ivan's and others reviews that the Esoteric players are so popular here at AA now. I am not aware of any actual owners of a ModWright 105 here (if there are any lurking, they should speak up). I might be the first one here in a couple of weeks, and I will certainly share my impressions. I am confident that they will be as I expect them to be. Also, if you search around you will find at least one other forum member here took a chance on a ModWright Sony 5400ES, and has spoken very clearly that it does indeed compare at the level of the other 5 figure players that he owns, and he is quite pleased with his decision to purchase it. :yes:

But don't we also read review after review of people saying this $7,000 player competes with players in the $15,000 category and this $3500 player competes with those in the $7000 range. So either all players sound the same after all or that's a very over used term. Perhaps it competes with a player in the next price gap but maybe that said player should have been priced lower.

How do you like your bdp-95?

Since I can't hear it first it's a bit of a crap shoot. I agree you can't always go by reviews.

taters,

This is an apples to oranges comparison to an extent but does bear somewhat on your question. I own a stock BDP-95 and just on sonic terms, quite satisfied with it. It does many things right and I could, and do, live quite happily with it. I also have a 10 year old Music Hall CD-25 that was given the then current ModWright tube modification and there are certain areas where the CD-25 sounds, to me, superior to the BDP-95. There is an analogue quality to the ModWright player that as good the the Oppo player sounds, it still lacks.

Something to bear in mind is that the ModWright 105 will allow its user to further tailor its sound by rolling in different current production and vintage tubes. I can affect the sound of the CD-25 by not only changing from a Tung-Sol 5687 to say, a Raytheon 5687, but also from changing to a GE 7044 or an Amperex 7119. You'd be in a similar situation, if you wished, with the ModWright 105.

From what I've read, the Oppo 105 improves, in its stock form, on the 95 and I can only imagine how much better it'd sound once it received the ModWright tube modifications. Whether this would be as satisfying to you as a used Esoteric or Ayre player, for example, is not something I can speak to. But, based on my limited experience, I somehow doubt you'd be disappointed with the ModWright 105.

Joe.......What I find startling about the ModWright 105 modification is the nearly triple increase in price over a stock BDP-105. He takes a $1200.00 universal player, modifies it and tacks on an additional $2300.00.

Thinking about that, if the ModWright modification to your Music Hall CD-25 had tripled it's price, I wonder if you would have still been willing to make that purchase 10 years ago. In my mind, Dan's uptick in price for his work on the BDP-105 is substantial, especially when you consider he has no investment in the design or build of the BDP-105 beyond his circuit mods. My comments are not to be construed as a knock on Dan's work or talent as an audio engineer and designer. It is simply my impression of the cost of the player after his modification.

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:

Jeff.......I'll be looking forward to the 95 vs:105 shootout review. :yes:

+1, subscribed!

Congrats, Roy!

Can you clarify that the modded 105 will require two power cables now? One for the MW 9.0/9.9 PS and one for the unit's oem PS?

Also, have you replaced any of the tubes yet? If so, what have you chosen?

Hope you don't mind me asking so many questions.

Cheers.

I've not researched this yet at all, but a quick question from the bleachers. Why the mod? For music or video? Is this going to be your ultimate DAC? SACD player? All around? In short, what aspect of this multi-talented player are you emphasizing with the upgrade.

I'm about to buy one (stock). So this is a serious question. Plus, I might be going for a tour soon.

John - the focus of the upgrade is 2-channel audio. For me, it will serve as the DAC for my modified SB Touch, as well as a universal disc player for BD, SACD, DVD-A, and CD.

Tell me more about the tour you might be going on...

And to answer Hedwig's first question, you do need two power cords - one for the player and one for the separate external power supply.

My back is good enough now that I'm up for a road trip, so will contact the folks at ModWright and schedule a visit.

-- Yes, ModWright's all 'bout the Sound, the quality of it, the sweetness to our ears. :)

Preview from 6moons.com
6moons audio reviews: ModWright's OPPO 105 mod

-- ...Also on page 2 (post #17). ;)

I haven't done the Mod, but here are two things that I have done to my Oppo 105 that have made a huge difference

1) Power cord
2) Putting 4 Stillpoint Ultra SS's feet under it.

#2 was significant. Both for optical disc playback and also for USB attached storage.

Quick notes to share a few observations:

1. DVD / CD output audio level is somewhat lower than playing flacs from my home network. I don’t recall this with my 95.

2. The ModWright 105 has a MUCH lower noise floor.

3. Semi-microphonic tubes that would not work in my ModWright 95, work much better in the 105. Tapping on the 95 chassis was almost always heard through my speakers. Tapping on my 105 is hardly heard through my speakers.

4. Did I mention that the ModWright BDP-105 outputs a sound that is absolutely freaking BEAUTIFUL!!

Thanks for the update Roy! I should have mine by the end of next week...

Will you please describe #2 in more detail? Any impression for video?

You bet! By the way... please disregard my comment to do with network vs. disk level differences. I don't know for sure that is the case because I was not using Jriver before and have not had time to tinker with it much.

Your Goddess will be arriving next week! :banana::music::banana:

Looks like Friday is the day, assuming I can be around (or have my dad hang out for me) to sign for the package...getting excited! :yes:

Cool!

Now, if the factory would answer my request for the best time to come for a tour! Instead of an email, I'll give them a call.

Edit: I changed the above sentence. I was a little harsh before. Unnecessarily.

Arrival!
 

My ModWright Oppo BDP-105 arrived yesterday as expected. I set it up last night and have started the break in process. I will post detailed impressions in a few days, but to sum it up in one word - WOW!!! I have really had a hard time tearing myself away from listening to my system... :music:

Great!
 

---- :D ...As long that you're still aware of all the good looking women out there, outside your music listening room. :D

Very good news, indeed! Isn't it wonderful when all the anticipation is rewarded! Congratulations, Jeff.

Thanks John! More to come, but I will say right now that all of the praise this unit has received from its owners is absolutely justified, and then some...:yes:

Good point Bob - although for me right now my wife is out of town until tomorrow, so I am trying to take advantage of my time to speed up the break in process and make the most of it! :music: