Oppo 105 D vs. DAC-transport combination.

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.

eric

Replacing the stock power supply with a liner power module (china, huge toroid + incoming wiring harness) takes the 105 to a much richer level

Have you tried using the 105 outs to the Schiit dac? 

Also you choice of power crd and connectors between the trans and adc are likely nt up to the components