Benchmark Dac3

@lancelock - I've pondered a Modwright update. My issues with doing so are (a) Oppo warranty is voided (b) I am without my Oppo for over a month and likely months (c) the top of line modification is around $2500, the cost of a new DAC (seperate component) in my budget price category (d) there is always a possibility of poor workmanship (unintentional) that causes the sound to be worse (e) the oppo is so outstanding for video, why "chance" anything with the audio? and (f) the Oppo overall (sound, video, features, etc.) is so good, I'm inclined to think "Why fix it if it ain't broke"?

@dlcockrum - good questions. I would characterise my system as "accurate" (i.e. no emphasis of any particular frequencies with respect to other frequencies, and a faitful reproduction of the source content). My DAC upgrade desires is only because I have an all digital system, so I'm merely chasing "perfection" (i.e. bit perfect conversion) in a technical/science regard so the result would be (presumably) that my system sounds just a bit *less* digital. In a sense, even a theoretical improvement and not necessarily heard (by me) could be welcome. Somewhat insane, perhaps :)

Honestly, my system (Oppo UDP-205 >> Musical Fidelity M6si >> Golden Ear Triton Reference) sounds great. There is an overall synergy between those components that even if just by happenstance produces remarkable results. It can (and has) wow those with much more expensive gear than I have and better/discerning hearing than I as well. Nevertheless, like many of us on the forum who have the good fortune to be able to afford monetarily this hobby and love music, the passion and desire for "better" - whatever that means - may never be completely satiated.

*it's an obsession but it's pleasing*

http://halr.x10.mx/AV.jpg

Frankly, gdhal, your concerns about ModWright mods to your 205 are unfounded. Turnaround time is a couple weeks, workmanship is first rate, and Dan stands behind his work. Dan’s mod designs promote slow aging of the tubes, so even that is of minimal concern.

If your main goal is to eliminate the digital sound character (more than likely also being completely SS is a contributor) of your system, there is likely no better solution as the tube output section and tube power supply included in the mod will get that done and replace it with a natural, sumptuous, and extremely involving sound that you may not have yet even imagined.

No matter how good my other digital front end is now or may get, my MW5400ES will remain my digital source of choice when I wish to simply experience music.

BTW, if you decide to stay with an external DAC approach, the MW Elyse I just spent time with as a loaner from a friend would be a top choice IMO. Among the best build quality of any component I have had in my system and the sound quality is surreal. Great deals to be found for mint used ones right now.

Dave

@dlcockrum 

Thanks Dave. You're given me something (tubes) to consider. 

@gdhal

It ultimately depends on your setup and what works for your amp and speakers. I compared both the DAC2 and Gustard to Audioresearch DAC 8. In the end it was too hard to pick a winner. The sound was excellent from all sources - not possible to call a clear winner. Differences were not significant enough to worry about. If anything the Audioresearch seemed slightly more dynamic.

As for DAC3, all I can say is it works for my setup and is the best I have heard from digital. Blacks are very black and clarity of individual instruments is better than I have heard in the past - a huge step up from DAC2. I have not compared DAC3 with Gustard or Audioresearch but from my comments you can gather the DAC3 is significantly better versus DAC2.

Good luck in your search - I don’t think you can be disappointed with any of the latest DACs.

If that is true (ahem...) and all "recent" DACs sound pretty much the same, then buy the cheapest one.

Perhaps a hearing test is in order...

Dave