Oppo 105 D vs. DAC-transport combination.

melm,

It is good to know the road goes even further. I certainly know my discovery is not an isolated incident; after all, there are some rather incredible units out there as in separate's in transport / DAC combos. I am just happy to know the future of Redbook CD playback is bright.

Convenience is nice as I have certainly dabbled in that arena, whether it be from my MacBook Pro or iPad or iPhone, or even the Oppo app. But I also found myself getting lost in the quantity of it all; there is so much to listen to. When I started going back to my CD's I hadn't listened to in a while, I was simply blown away at how good CD's could sound. I feel like I am rediscovering my music collection for the very first time.

I have a handful of audiophile recordings, some of which I play to remind myself how good my system really is. But then when I return to the music I really like to listen to, most of which are not audiophile grade, I am still floored at how awesome the music sounds; it send chills up my spine. I have shared my experience with an audiophile buddy of mine & he stated he is so glad he kept his DVD-A10. He is now interested in obtaining a DAC. His main system is a vinyl rig with Tube amplification. But like me, he has a decent CD library.

I can't wait to see the grin on his face when he finally is able to listen to CD's again.

@rvpiano

You should sell your Oppo 105, Cyrus CD transport & Schiit DAC and look for a used Modwright Oppo 205 (fully modded) in used after markets. I believed I saw one here few months ago. The Modwright mod only affects stereo analog audio output stage (XLR & RCA). It is a tube based mod. Includes total redesign of the Oppo 205’s 2ch analog output stage that encompasses a replacement of standard stereo op-amps with a discrete class A analog output stage. Also comes with an external tube based PSU (power supply unit) and rectifier that feeds power to the Oppo’s stereo analog audio output circuitry only. Dan Modwright also did further dampening of the disc transport mechanism.

This is the best mod that Dan Modwright has ever done. Dan based this Oppo 205 mod on his own Elyse DAC’s analog audio output stage. This Modwright DAC retails for $8k. Of course both units use different DAC chips, implementation & configuration and clock etc.
However, Dan himself admitted that the clocking and implementation of the latest Sabre Pro DAC in the Oppo 205 is already pretty good.

This fully modded Modwright Oppo 205 will elevate the Oppo 205 stereo analog audio performance to near reference quality player sonically and will crush your Cyrus transport + Schiit DAC. 
The Modwright Oppo 205 is a huge step up sonically than a stock 205. They aren't in the same league at all.
Fyi, a stock Oppo 205 sounds better than a stock 105, actually quite a bit better especially when played back through a highly resolving setup and system. 

I wrote that post back in August.  Since then, I’ve made several major changes to my system.  And the Cyrus/Schitt combo sounds wonderful, and much better than the Oppo 105 by itself, as it should.

   @glupson.   
Sorry I missed your post a few weeks ago, but I couldn’t agree with you more.  I currently play my SACDS by outputting the DSD layer from my Oppo 105 over HDMI into a Bryston DAC3 in 2 channel, and it’s superb.  Comparison with lps?
Puh-leeze.  I have to start learning to restrain myself when someone says lps are more holographic, or whatever.  With my SACDs I frequently feel as if the musicians are in the same space.  With vinyl I feel that they are embedded in wax and simultaneously drowning in a bowl of Rice Krispies.

melm

  I use an Oppo 105 and I disagree that it sounds inferior to the same discs burned to a HD.  When I listen to those same discs burned to my NAS, using the Network function of the Oppo, and switch from disc to NAS, at best, the NAS sounds equal to disc playback, and frequently the NAS sounds just a bit worse.
i won’t be throwing out my CDs now after I burn them.  Ymmv

Great dissertation Tim. Some will still enjoy the "quaintness" of vinyl, some the convenience and preciseness of digital, and others will be happy with the stream. Understanding the character of each format will help determine which to follow and why.