Thread: ModWright Oppo BDP-105

This makes me wish I had waited for the Oppo 105 with Dan's updates. Congratulations Jeff.

Jeff - I've heard that ModWright Oppo 95 and its wonderful. I'm thinking of doing it to my Oppo 95 which is audio duties only.

Mike

This is great Jeff; thanx a bunch for sharing. ...I'll be following with great interest.

I'm intrigued about Oppo 105. I know this is a stupid question but how does it compare to the McIntosh 861 and 871 or other models? It will be used only as a 2 channel player for CDs and sacd's.

Dave

I think that the Esoteric K-03 CD/SACD player (less Blu-ray/DVD playback capability, and multichannel surround sound), sounds better than the Oppo BDP-105, but not sure though in its modified tubed form. ..The ModWright 105 might just beat the Esoteric K-03 from stereo SACDs and CDs listening.

* One guy I know, Jim, said that it sounds better (Modwright 105) than his previous two high end digital playback machines; one at $18,000 (Wadia) and the other at $32,000 (Burmester)! ...Let me find that link and I'll post it right here.

Jeff...glad you are over the moon with Dan's mods on the 105. If I remember correctly you also did the mods on the BDP-95. How do the two compare? Is pricing for the mods on the 105 similar to what it was on the 95? Thx

Originally Posted by NorthStar

I think that the Esoteric K-03 CD/SACD player (less Blu-ray/DVD playback capability, and multichannel surround sound), sounds better than the Oppo BDP-105, but not sure though in its modified tubed form. ..The ModWright 105 might just beat the Esoteric K-03 from stereo SACDs and CDs listening.

* One guy I know, Jim, said that it sounds better (Modwright 105) than his previous two high end digital playback machines; one at $18,000 and the other at $30,000! ...Let me find that link and I'll post it right here.

Bob...thanks my friend.

Dave

1. http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showth...l=1#post179728 ... => Post #191

2. http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showth...l=1#post179984 ... => Post #200

3. http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showth...l=1#post180810 ... => Check the two links from post #221

Thanks Bob!

Originally Posted by joeinid

Thanks Bob!

Hey Joe, I started that thread over there a while ago, and I must have 45% of all the posts in it lol.
...Plus all the pro reviews (links) are there. ...On the 105, and also the 103. ...Plus much much more ....

Thing is, only very few members are participating (lower level of interest), so it feels real lonely sometimes.

I also have a mega thread on all the top A/V receiver models from the year 2010-11-12 and 2013.
...All the best ones (top guns, flagships, top tiers), with specs, reviews and all that jazz; but roughly 70% of all the posts are mine!
- I just need more communication in my life, but A/V Receivers are not it! ...At least from the places I usually frequent now.

* But this thread right here is about the ModWright Oppo 105; so I hope more people will eventually show their interest, and perhaps Dan himself from ModWright will show up as well.

And we're not even a hundred members yet; so we'll have to get some more (I already started with some invitations).
...One day at a time; and me I'm much more into quality over quantity. BUT! If many means many quality people (real people, not invented ones), then I'm all in because it means vast forests of pure oxygen for all the planet. ...Nature preservation, reinvestment, and humanity recycling.

Bob

Thank you for your dedication in sharing your vast knowledge. We want an open, information sharing forum.

Sounds like a real fair proposition Joe, as audiophiles are always in search of better sound, new music, and down-to-earth and honest prices reflecting real tangibility from designers living in normal houses, and having a normal life.

We'll all do our best I'm sure.

Originally Posted by NorthStar

1. http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showth...l=1#post179728 ... => Post #191

2. http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showth...l=1#post179984 ... => Post #200

3. http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showth...l=1#post180810 ... => Check the two links from post #221

Bob...thanks for the link

Dave

Instead of starting another thread, I decided to stay within the coffins of the Oppo ModWright BD players.
...And eventually with comparisons between the 103 and 105, both modded and from their original state.

* Modded 103 with tons of internal pictures (very detailed) - French review (just use your 'Translate' feature from your Goggle toolbar):

=> http://www.homecinema-fr.com/forum/t...t30034404.html

________________

* Oppo 103 Mods and Linear Power Supply Updates for 103/105! ...By Dan Wright

=> http://www.modwright.com/blog/

I'm getting closer to 100 hours on my ModWright Oppo 105 now. I let it run all day, and it seems to be balancing and smoothing out very nicely!

I will be parting with my ModWright 95 on Monday, so I will get that plugged back in tomorrow and report back on the differences I hear in my system between the two players.

That is truly awesome from you Jeff!

Hi Jeff

I am happy the modified 105 is sounding great. I am actually going to get one at some point because I love my modified Sony 5400. My only wish and I think the modwright oppo takes care of is a fully functional digital input. Please keep up with your updates. I really look forward to reading them.

Originally Posted by joeinid

Hi Jeff

I am happy the modified 105 is sounding great. I am actually going to get one at some point because I love my modified Sony 5400. My only wish and I think the modwright oppo takes care of is a fully functional digital input. Please keep up with your updates. I really look forward to reading them.

Thank you Joe! The digital input on the 105 is indeed fully functional, the only limitation is that coaxial and optical are limited to a max of 96/24 whereas the USB will do full 192/24. Also the latest firmware allows DSD decoding, but only via a locally attached USB drive at this point. I intend to test that out this week and see how it sounds.

I've been doing my comparison of the modified 95 vs. 105 this morning, which I will write up shortly.

I've spent the past couple of hours performing a direct comparison of my two ModWright modified Oppo players. I haven't had the 95 in my system for the past couple of weeks, so I knew it would be interesting to plug it back in and see what differences I hear. To level the playing field as much as possible, I inserted the stock Electro-Harmonix 6SN7 tubes into both units. Same WW SE cables for both units. The only advantage for the 105 is that it is plugged into the new PS 9.9 power supply, which is what it comes with, while the 95 is plugged into the 9.0 PS. There is one other difference between the two players - I added the option of the Audio Magic Pulse Gen ZX, which my 95 does not have. Both units do have the optional Bybee Music Rails added to the 2-channel DAC.

The sound of both players is excellent, and I could have easily lived with the 95 permanently if not for the lack of digital input. In terms of tone, the 95 is a just a tad warmer and darker sounding. The 105 is brighter, more open and resolved sounding, while also being more quiet with a blacker background. Soundstage width is similar for both units, but the 105 definitely wins on soundstage depth. You are sitting a bit closer to the stage with the 105, and instruments are more distinct and occupy their own space more clearly. The increased resolution and micro-detail are especially noticeable with the texture of acoustic instruments, and the clarity and richness of the female voice is amazing. The 105 is also a bit more dynamic and extended sounding. Bass goes deeper with more impact with the 105, and the cymbals are just a bit crisper and real sounding. The 105 also wins on overall build quality of the stock unit, which I believe carries over to the performance as well.

I knew from the first time I turned on the 105 that it was a different sounding player, and I loved what I was hearing. The differences I describe above are not subtle - they are very real. That being said, the 95 still sounds great. It is very cohesive and smooth sounding. I am wondering if I still need a bit more break in with the 105, as it is not quite as smooth as the 95 (yet).

That is where things stand for now. As I mentioned, today will be my last day with the 95. It is a fantastic sounding player, and I highly recommend it. The 105 does take the sound to another level though, and it is my belief that it competes with the best of digital that is available at any price. I love being able to run my modified SB Touch into the coaxial digital input as well - music streaming has never sounded better! I am now finished for the foreseeable future in terms of digital source components - the ModWright Oppo 105 is the best and strongest link now in my system!

Hi Jeff.....sounds like the 105 is working out nice for you and has found a new home within your system! have you settled on the LS-100 pre and have you considered pairing up any of Dan's amps with his pre?

Thanks Jeff,

If my ModWright Sony had the digital input, I could see myself living with that unit for a long time. Dan makes amazing gear and now you've done it to me again. The ModWright Oppo 105 w/ new power supply is something I really need to get. Thanks for the great write-up.

Awesome!

Kristin was great on the phone and makes the ordering process a breeze.

Originally Posted by A/V Solutions

Hi Jeff.....sounds like the 105 is working out nice for you and has found a new home within your system! have you settled on the LS-100 pre and have you considered pairing up any of Dan's amps with his pre?

Hi Jeff - thanks and you should try to seek out the ModWright 105 to hear sometime, especially in context of the DAC shootout you and the guys were a part of. I have a feeling it would fare quite well!

I have the LS100 on extended loan from Dan - it sounds terrific and I would keep it on that basis, but I have a couple of items in mind for my next preamp so the LS100 as is won't be here forever. I will share more on that when I have permission. Once that is done I will definitely be seeing how the synergy of the ModWright amps matches up in my current setup.

Originally Posted by JJinID

Hi Jeff - thanks and you should try to seek out the ModWright 105 to hear sometime, especially in context of the DAC shootout you and the guys were a part of. I have a feeling it would fare quite well!

I have the LS100 on extended loan from Dan - it sounds terrific and I would keep it on that basis, but I have a couple of items in mind for my next preamp so the LS100 as is won't be here forever. I will share more on that when I have permission. Once that is done I will definitely be seeing how the synergy of the ModWright amps matches up in my current setup.

Thanks Jeff.....Will look into the 105, let us know what direction you end up going. Happy Listening!

Originally Posted by joeinid

Thanks Jeff,

If my ModWright Sony had the digital input, I could see myself living with that unit for a long time. Dan makes amazing gear and now you've done it to me again. The ModWright Oppo 105 w/ new power supply is something I really need to get. Thanks for the great write-up.

Thank you Joe - and let me know when you are ready to pull the trigger!

Originally Posted by TubeBias

Glad to read all the great reviews on the Modwrights.I have been in contact with Dan and Kristin and told them i would decide by this week if and when i'm sending mine in.
I guess i have made my decision.I'll be scheduling with her tomorrow.
More tubes!
It just doesn't get any better.

Mike - nice to have you here, and I believe you will be very pleased with your decision. Keep us posted!

Originally Posted by A/V Solutions

Thanks Jeff.....Will look into the 105, let us know what direction you end up going. Happy Listening!

Will do Jeff - preamp news/direction will be sometime around this summer. I look forward to being able to share what's coming! In the meantime, my system has never sounded better. I owe part of that to you, and a TT upgrade will likely be in the not too far off future for me as well!

Thank you Jeff for your mini comparison between two greats; the older, and the newer (more happily featured too).

I like listening to what I'm reading.

Originally Posted by NorthStar

Thank you Jeff for your mini comparison between two greats; the older, and the newer (more happily featured too).

I like listening to what I'm reading.

Thanks Bob! I hope you are able to find a way to hear one sometime. The value/return on investment is through the roof with the ModWright modifications. I know many people flinch (or worse) at spending $3k for modifying a $1.2k machine, however that always seems to change for those who actually listen to one!

Originally Posted by JJinID

Thanks Bob! I hope you are able to find a way to hear one sometime. The value/return on investment is through the roof with the ModWright modifications. I know many people flinch (or worse) at spending $3k for modifying a $1.2k machine, however that always seems to change for those who actually listen to one!

Ain't that the truth!

Originally Posted by TubeBias

I notice you say 3K in mods.Did you go with the Bybee rails also?
And is there a difference between the Truth umb and a Signature Truth Umb.
I did not see it on the website.The "signature" that is.
Thanks.

The standard mod cost is $2300 - if you add the Bybee music rail and Pulse Gen ZX options it pushes the cost to almost $3k. The Signature Truth umbillical is standard now for the 105 mod.

* ModWright Instruments | OPPO BDP-105 Modifications

* ModWright Instruments | Oppo BDP-95 Vs. BDP-105: The Results!

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

Originally Posted by TubeBias

Thanks.I'm going with the Bybee rails but need to research the pulse gen whatever thing.Not familiar with it.

Audio Magic :: Xstream

Just the name is magic by itself.

Originally Posted by TubeBias

400 bucks worth of magic?
You have this in yours JJ?

I do have this in my ModWright Oppo 105, along with the Bybee Music Rail on the DAC power supply. I did not opt for the Pulse Gen ZX on my MW 95, but decided to go full out on the 105 and make it the best player possible. It is hard to know for sure if it was worth the additional $400 or not - I will say that I do hear a blacker and more quiet background with the 105, so it's likely that the ZX is contributing to that.

Originally Posted by TubeBias

i'm gonna get it WTH? It's only money.

Exactly. I love my ModWright Sony and plan on adding this to the stable as well. Dan's mods are awesome!

Originally Posted by TubeBias

I spoke with Kristin this morning but she was on the road so she's calling me later.I really use this for the 2CH as i'm focused on music with a movie every couple months maybe.I doubt i will go Bybee on the MCH for the $225.Haven't decided.It would be more for resale than anything and i dont plan to sell for quite awhile.

Awesome - I look forward to your impressions once you receive it. Be sure to tell Kristin I said "hi"!

There are some new pictures just posted to the ModWright web site of the modified 105:

ModWright Instruments | Photos

Originally Posted by TubeBias

Yep sure will.Nice pics.Can't wait to get moving on this now.

- - - Updated - - -

We have ignition.
Got the mod with Bybee rail on the 2CH and the 400 dollar magic box.
I also went with a new 105 instead of taking mine out and shipping.Just drop shipped from Oppo.When I get it I will run a week or so comparing and then sell it.
I also have a Marantz Ltd Ed 15S2 SACD that really sings so I want to hear how they shake out in comparison.
Now we wait!

I look forward to your comparison between stock and modified along with your Marantz!

Hi i have no doubt what so ever that a Modwright Oppo BDP-105 must be very very good, but a $2,500.00 mod on a $1,000.00 unit for ME no thank you , maybe if it was my primary source i would think different, but it isn't it is just a backup for my main source if anything should go wrong, for that reason i will leave it just the way it is, it's a great backup for $ 1,000.00 but for $3,500.00 it should be you're main source unless of course you can afford it.