Is the Oppo-105 with Modwright modifications

Sstalwar, there are a number of things that I think explain the sonic differences between the Modwright and Exemplar mods of the Oppo. Foremost I think is the tube used in the amplifier output. The Modwright uses the 6SN7 tube and the Exemplar a Soviet tube derived from the 6922 family of tubes that is quite better than anything I heard in earlier versions of the Exemplar and clearly superior to the old 6SN7. This accounts for the tubier fat sound of the Modwright.

Second is the tube power supply of the Modwright versus the solid state ps of the Exemplar. This too adds to the slowness of the Modwright.

Finally the Exemplar costs $4750 versus $3695 for the Modwright if you buy an Oppo at the cheapest price I've seen. This allows for the more expensive tube, better caps, and FineMet beads to significantly lower the noise level on the Exemplar

If you have further questions, just look up Norm on audioasylum and ask.

I had been using an EVS modded Oppo 83SE for a few years, and was very pleased with the sound. I recently got upgraditis (of a sort), and bought an Oppo 105D. I set aside the 83SE and used the 105 for awhile. I generally enjoyed the sound, finding it neutral, detailed and dynamic; but on some music the treble was harsh, bright and glaring.

I had the 83 in my workplace system, which is significantly more humble than my home stereo, so the sound improved, but was nothing special. Soon after I got the 105, I upgraded my amplification and speakers. So the 105 has been in two different systems in my home.

I just sent my 105D to The Upgrade Company for his SE mods. I thought I'd try a different flavour. So I returned the 83SE to my home system in the interim. To my delight, the 83SE sounded better than the stock 105D in every area of sonic reproduction. In some cases, a lot better. This is a helluva nice-sounding player. I will be very happy if the Upgrade Company 105D is superior to the EVS-modded 83SE.

The long-winded point that I am attempting to make here is that, in my case, a Ric Shultz modified early Oppo player sounds way better than their stock newest creation.

I like TUC's work...I can definitely say his modd'd 83 is far better than the 95 I now own. (the only reason I got it is because after a number of years the modd'd 83 broke and I was concerned that shipping it, fixing it, etc with TUC) would end up being a waste if the darn thing broke again. So I got a demo 95 stock locally for a huge discount (less than shipping/repairs of the 83).

Compared to 83 TUC...well, for me, the 95 did not compare well. Fortunately, i use the Oppo 95 for video only...and even on video, i use the digital out to my DAC.

Melville,

Good luck with your mods...please post when your unit comes back...i bet its amazing!

I have played a few different CDs and SACDs on the TUC upgraded 105, and it does sound better, and certainly different than what I remember of the stock unit. At this point, however, it does not sound better than my EVS modded
Oppo 83. In all fairness, the 83 is fully burned-in (a couple of years of play). The TUC 105 is specified to improve all the way up to 600 hours. I will keep you posted.