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Separate DAC or continue using the Oppo UDP-205

Hello,

  I have all my music on a hard drive in FLAC.
I am a using Sonos Connect, Optically connected to the Oppo. From the Oppo (RCA'S out) to a Primaluna Dialogue     Preamp. The Amps are 2 Primaluna HP's. Martin Logan Theos speakers. I have rolled mostly all the tubes, and absolutely love the sound. Family and friends also love the sound.

 My question is, Should I continue going through the Oppo, or should I get a separate DAC? Nothing to crazy in price.
I have seen these things go for thousands, and thats fine if you can swing it. I was thinking around a $1000.
But, would it change the sound or would it pretty much be the same? In other words, is the Oppo that good at what it does?

 Since we are always tweaking our systems to make them sound better, I thought I would ask all of you first, before calling the salesman. I also have thought about  getting a turntable. But I gave away all my albums many years ago.
Buying a turntable, buying albums, taking care of all that stuff. Not really what I had in mind. I would like to keep it fun, and simple.

  Thanks
loganfan
chazzzy007
540 posts
 
Congrats @loganfan!
I think you'll find the DAC in the 205 is quite capable and the better tubes you roll into the unit will help reveal that. Good luck finding the right combo for your tastes.
markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
370 posts
 
Please post the results of your experience and a short review when you get your modded 205 back.Thanks
loganfan OP
29 posts
 
Hello,
I have rolled in a Matsushita 5AR4, (waiting on a Mullard 5AR4) and 2 Mullard 6922 gold pins.
It sounds absolutely amazing. And the workmanship on the 205 looks great. 
 Where the 205 seemed a little harsh sounding before the mod ,with my Martin Logan Theos, that is all gone now. It sounds smooth, and the harshness is gone. I think it was a great move, Couldn't be happier. 

Thanks
chazzzy007
540 posts
 
It's amazing how Dan @ Modwright takes a competent DAC and analog section, and transforms it into something really special. I listen to music for hours at a time now... Lolz :)


robert864
13 posts
 
Here is what I know about Digital as heard in my own system:

The ModWright OPPO 205 sound MUCH worse than a Wadia 781i.  I had hoped to replace the Wadia to reduce the number of components in my system but CD's and SACD"s sound so much better on the Wadia even with top-notch NOS tubes in the Oppo/ModWright.

The Luxman D-06 fed by A Small Green Computer Server with 10TB SSD's, into a SONORE Optical Rendu SE sounds obviously better than the Wadia. When the Luxman was fed by a MacBook Pro, it sounded about the same as the Wadia.

The Luxman D-06 has better micro dynamics than the DCS Debussy, but is not fatiguing.  The Debussy sounded too "smoothed over."
The Schitt "Yiggy" is a good dac, but not as good as the Luxman..  A used Luxman is $2500.

The SGC server and the Sonore Optical Rendu Signature are a fabulous combination.  The total cost with all available upgrades  was about $9000 with 10 TB SSD.   They have many less expensive options.   I do not know if Aurender, Innous or Antipodes sound better, but this was a massive improvement over my MacBook Pro.
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