Looking At CD Players

     I’m not going to state the Oppo 105 is one of the best CD/SACD players mainly because I haven’t listened to enough hi-end players to know. OTOH, I believe I’ve never felt the need to upgrade to another player because its such a high quality performer on both.
     I also think it’s unfair to compare the multi-talented Oppo 105 player to much more expensive players that are only capable of playing CDs. The Oppo 105 is a high quality universal player that can playback CD, SACD, DVD-A and CD-ROM audio discs as well as up to 1080p DVD and Bluray video discs. It has separate audio and video circuit boards, a built-in QDEO up-sampling video processor, has both fully balanced XLR and unbalanced line-level RCA outputs and utilizes 7 high quality and expensive ESS Saber dac chips.
     I’ve used my 105 as a limited preamp, 5.1 surround sound processor, a stand alone hi-res 32 bit dac for up to 192 KHz WAV files, a music server/player with an attached NAS controlled by a wireless laptop, a music streamer, a high quality headphone amp as well as a CD/SACD/DVD-A audio disc player and a 1080p DVD and Bluray video disc player, all purchased brand new about 6-7 yrs ago for $1,200.
     Sure, you could likely find a much more expensive CD or SACD only player that may marginally outperform the Oppo 105 in sound quality but it certainly won’t be this versatile with the exception of a Modwright modded unit which I’ve, unfortunately, never heard.
     I’d suggest you either have your 105 modded or buy a NAS with a laptop or iPad to control everything, hook all components to your wi-fi and enjoy the ultra convenience and excellent sound quality of having your entire music collection accessible in the form of a digital computer audio system. Take advantage of 21st century technology and enjoy the convenience and high resolution sound quality of a modern jukebox.


Tim

Dedicated CD players are designed to do one thing.  The Bryston BCD-3 (correct alphabet salad) is very good indeed.  Several long threads on Audio Circle.  For me, the Luxman D-05u bests it, as it should, because it costs more.  And yes, I own both, one in primary system and one in secondary.  I never had the opportunity to hear the Mohican.  The two upper-end Marantz models are the other major plays.  Still, there are more dedicated CD players out there than you might initially think, and because of stiff competition, they're all going to be pretty good, many excellent.

My opinion would be to looked for a good condition Electrocompaniet I think the model is called 1 UP or something like that.  Very musical and a good tech can upgrade some parts inside.  The Luxman is another good choice.  Heard most of the above players which to me are good but I would prefer the Electro or Luxman.  Happy Listening.

Not sure why you would want to replace your Oppo BD 105?
I love my Oppo BD 105 and keeping it! I'm running balanced outs from the Oppo into my ARC LS15 Pre Amp But in the interst of me getting into Hi rez Streaming, and taking my music quality up a level, I just purchased the Exogal Comet DAC Plus and I'm going to add the Zen Mini MK III streamer that can also rip CD's to an enternal HD

Since you have the Comet Plus you can run the Oppo into the Aux input on the Comet Plus (RCA) and eliminate the ARC preamp entirely, since the Comet Plus has a preamp built in and has RCA and balanced outputs. I would also try a digital output from the Oppo into one of the Comet Plus digital inputs to use its DAC section.

Brian Walsh

I upgraded the OEM power supply and IEC to my 105. Check them out on Ebay. I posted the links i(about a week ago) n my thread Life with Ric Schultz EVS 1200