Thinking of the Oppo 105 with Modwright mods

[JJinID]

Originally Posted by RoyMercer

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!!

1. I'm noticing this also Roy, same with the coaxial digital inputs vs. streaming and locally attached USB drive.

2. Agree. Also nice to not have the fan noise from the 95. I am having some low level hum/buzz type of noise coming from inside the new PS 9.9, however. Dan is looking into this - seems like root cause might be a transformer utilized for the tube regulation portion of the unit.

3. I have not noticed this (yet) but maybe don't have microphonic tubes. I will say that the 105 is a more solid player in terms of build and heft.

4. Agree 100%!! I'm planning to do a lot more break in this weekend before I give a full review, but so far I'm beyond thrilled! I was going to do the break in with the stock tubes, but just had to see how my upgraded Sophia 6SN7s and Mullard rectifier sounded in the unit. AMAZING!!

[Sonic]

Trying to decide if I should take the plunge with the ModWright 105 or an Ayre DX-5. I'm reading so many good things about the Mod-105 though (actually both). The Krell e555 sneaked up on me with some serious specs. I dunno

[dvican]

has anyone tried the mod-105 directly to amps? i am using the unmodified 105 directly to my ncores now and like it very much (much better than running it through my cary slp98), but am wondering if the moded version would still work in that setup? i know Dan doesn't recommend it, so i worry now - would it make the sound noticeably bad, or just not as good as it could be..?

[JJinID]

Originally Posted by dvican

has anyone tried the mod-105 directly to amps? i am using the unmodified 105 directly to my ncores now and like it very much (much better than running it through my cary slp98), but am wondering if the moded version would still work in that setup? i know Dan doesn't recommend it, so i worry now - would it make the sound noticeably bad, or just not as good as it could be..?

First of all, welcome dvican!

I have tried mine directly to my MC501s, and it sounds very good, but not quite as good as with the LS100 preamp in the chain. It wouldn't be noticeably bad, but perhaps not realizing the full potential. I think it is really dependent on your amps and their input impedance/sensitivity.

[Masterlu]

dvican... Welcome!

[dvican]

thank you for the welcomes. i'm glad to hear the direct connection is not out of the question - i love the simplicity of the system, but do miss a touch of glass. the ncores have pretty high input sensitivity with gain around 26db i believe. keeping my fingers crossed for a good match...

[Francis]

Hi, just pass the 200hrs mark on my modwright 105. Sounds really great already. Was wondering how the sound will change if I switch the tubes to the Sophia's ones?

[JJinID]

Originally Posted by Francis

Hi, just pass the 200hrs mark on my modwright 105. Sounds really great already. Was wondering how the sound will change if I switch the tubes to the Sophia's ones?

More dynamic, faster, bigger soundstage, and increased detail!

[Francis]

Originally Posted by JJinID

More dynamic, faster, bigger soundstage, and increased detail!

In other words..its a must have! Paired it with a arc vsi60 and a jeff rowland continuum 500. The mw105 seems to prefer the mosfet vsi60.

[chessman]

Francis, welcome aboard!