Oppo Vs Esoteric

Hi @atacgene

Thanks for your clarification.

Even an upgraded LPM wouldn’t necessarily have a noticeable effect on video. I’ve read from users who have purchased their own do-it-yourself modification, and have never read back that there was any video improvement. I’m writing of this one on particular http://www.oppomod.com/.

And yes, there certainly are others besides modwright that can and do perform modifications to the Oppo. While I never heard/read of ASI, I can call one to your attention here: http://www.oppovinculum.com/News.html

Note what they write about potential video upgrade:

"...we honestly prefer not to promise great improvements in the image for all users..."

Conversely, note what they write about potential audio upgrade:

"...we believe that we can guarantee that the majority of users with high-quality audio equipment will appreciate a clear improvement...

So they went from no promises (video) to guarantees (audio).

Additionally, a change of power supply *could have a negative effect*. For example, it could change the refresh rate, which might be discernible by the front LEDs being to bright, dim, or fluctuate in intensity. 

@atacgene,

Just for kicks I removed my PS Audio DS DAC and replaced it with the Modwright Oppo 205 from my HT. I’m a bit surprised but I prefer the Modwright Oppo over the DS DAC. There is more dynamic impact and just as much detail with the Oppo. So the Modwright mods are well worth it for 2 channel listening.

Oppo vs Esoteric ... I mean, it’s just not a fair fight.  

Oppo vs Esoteric ... I mean, it’s just not a fair fight.

Presumably, there are many who would agree. And again presumably, it's for this reason (or at least one reason) that Oppo owners seek to "modify" the stock unit. But they are two different animals. As the OP correctly points out the Oppo is a jack-of-all-trade whereas the Esoteric is master of one. And depending on what the fair fight is predicated on, the Oppo could very well come out on top :)

I really like my Oppo 205 and I’m not surprised about others comparison with Esoterics entry level players , K07 & K05 .
Having owned Esoteric K03 I can say there’s a leap of overall refinement of sound quality over these entry level players from Esoteric , the K03 mid level and top end players are much different players.
Ive never listen to or watched video performance of the $2,500 ModWright version of the 205 however I really enhanced my own 205 video with Symposium Roller Blocks 2plus and purchase of WireWorld platinum starlite HDMI Cable .