Oppo 105 D vs. DAC-transport combination.

@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.

@rvpiano

No doubt that your Cyrus/Schiit combo sounded better than a stock Oppo 105.
A stock Oppo 105 is ok and somewhat unlistentable when playing standard resolution materials eg CD especially bad recording CD. The stock 205 is quite a bit better than the stock 105 actually and is more listenable or acceptable than the stock 105. Now the Modwright Oppo 205 even sounded significantly better than the Modwright Oppo 105. Modwright mod on the 205 is lot more extensive and comprehensive compared to that of the Modwright mod on the 105, which includes a replacement of a stock stereo op-amp with a discrete class A stereo analog audio output stages on the Modwright 205 only. It also includes a total comprehensive redesign that results in true differential or fully balanced design stereo analog output stages on the fully modded Modwright Oppo 205 only. When you use a really good quality power cord and XLR analog interconnects on the Modwright Oppo 205 you will have yourself a full enjoyment of your favorite 2ch music source playbacks.

But if you are happy with the Cyrus/Schiit combo that’s what matters. But I was just saying that there are room for sonic improvements of your 2ch music playbacks when you go with a fully modded Modwright Oppo 205 compared to the Cyrus/Schiit combo. Plus you can also use the Modwright Oppo 205 for your AV playbacks eg bluray, 4k UHD bluray disc playbacks via HDMI to your either AV processor or receiver. And you won’t even need your 105 anymore.
Fyi, the audio & video performances over HDMI is better on the 205 compared to that of the 105 when playing regular bluray movie discs. I have the 205 now but was previously using the 105 before.