Modwright Oppo UDP-205

[Melbguy1]

Hi folks, now that Dan Wright has posted specs for his UDP-205 mods, I'm curious to ask if any members have had the mod done, how it stacks up to the previous BDP-105 mods (and/or other high end sacd players you have heard/owned) & whether you went for upgraded tubes?

My current Vitus SCD-025 Mk2 is a great rbcd player, and easily in the top two or three single box rbcd players in the world. But it obviously lacks sacd. And since I was already planning on upgrading my Oppo BDP-103 to the UDP-205, I thought why not go the extra mile & turn it into a serious sacd player as well?

According to Dan, the UDP-205 mods are "more resolving and dynamic than our past Oppo mods" and "among the best mod sound that we have ever produced", so count me curious .

Cheers :thumbsup:

Stock BDP-105 image for reference

 

[Rnrmf]

I had the Modwright 105D with just about every option.
I didn't keep it for more than a few weeks after trying different tube options.
It wasn't for me. I actually can't wrap my head around who it's for.
Maybe it just didn't suit my system. But the stock 105D was revelatory by comparison. I still have the stock 105D, 2 years later.

My lesson learned was this: If you want a higher performing component, buy a better component, don't mod a cheaper one.

 

[Melbguy1]

Interesting Rnrmf, cheers. Another thing which i'm weighing up is that in Australia we have to factor in extra shipping costs & and roughly an extra 20-25%% cost due to the exchange rate. And at the rate Oppo bring out new players, this model will only have a relatively short lifecycle before it is superceded. No question Dan does great work, but you'd have to take all that into account before pulling the trigger.

 

[Rnrmf]

I still had my Oppo BDP95 when I got the Modwright. That's what compelled me to sell the Modwright and get a stock 105D.
I had the benefit of comparison.

 

[rbbert]

It's worth noting that one still has the ability to listen to the "stock" Oppo through the multi-channel analog outputs, the Modwright mod leaves the multi-channel outs unchanged.

I have a 95, Modwright 105 and Modwright 205. IMO, the stock 205 is a better machine than the stock 105, although it does lack some features of the 105D (Darbee, HDCD and built-in apps for streaming services). It is smoother mechanically and sounds just a hair better, especially on SACD and hi-res PCM (I haven't yet tried DSD 128 or 256).

Like the 105 Mod, the 205 Mod has a significantly different sonic character than the stock 205. Compared to the 105 Mod, the stereo image is taller and deeper, about the same width. The bass seems better defined. Depending on the tubes rolled in, the highs can be more "shimmery" with very slightly more "air" around individual instruments. It is also quieter.

The 6DJ8/6922/7308 family of tubes has a wealth of great-sounding (and potentially expensive) NOS tubes available.

In the US, I don't think there are any universal players near the Modwright's price that sound as good, but individual sonic preferences might prefer a different player. If one only wants SACD/CD (no Bluray, DVD-Audio, or the high resolution capabilities of the USB/streaming/Ethernet DAC), there are other viable or perhaps preferred choices.

 

[Melbguy1]

Rob, thanks for your sharing your experience and insight into the stock vs modded 105D & 205 players, as well as tube options. Plenty to think about; mainly what is my higher priority, bluray/dvd's or SACD? Is SACD enough of a priority to buy a dedicated SACD player, or could I live without a high end SACD spinner altogether? I think what I need is a stock Oppo, Accuphase DP-720 & keep my Vitus SCD-025 Mk2 for rbcd. Donations? :lol:

 

[Disbeliever]

If you read the UDP-205 Universal Sensation review in headphone.guru, you will wonder why anyone would want to Modwright the 205. The review is the complete opposite of Modwright claim that the 205 is a bit cold & clinical etc