oppo 105d straightup

Gotta comment on Cdrc's blast at the ModWright modifications. I know the OP doesn't want to modify the 105 and that's fine. But the Modwright tubed output and separate tubed power supply takes this good machine to a different and much better sounding level. Too, dealing with Modwright has been a pleasure. My Oppo developed a problem -- an Oppo problem, not ModWright's -- that required a new faceplate and ModWright handled the whole thing painlessly. I couldn't be more pleased with the Oppo/ModWright experience.

Some very interesting answers guys...thanks so much.

Will have to say that dealing with dan has always been a painless experience...when it comes to have to deal with customer service...modwright will treat you right...as well as oppo from modwrights high admiration of that company.

I assume we are talking about CD and network music playback. I had the '95 and I found it competent as a CD player and sonically adequate on the network (But DLNA sucks). I did preferred my Squeezebox Touch / DAC setup for network and my old Simaudio Moon Nova for CD. Consequently I eschewed the 105 for a 103 when I upgraded.

Edit - I would add that I would probably put my money into a good DAC and use a 103 as input through the digital coax than get a modded unit. This takes into consideration the fast developments in video technology. You will always be able to use a good DAC. Old video equipment is to the landfill.

How about buying a Berkeley Alpha Dac for Cd? They're getting cheap.

Late to the question, but I am pretty happy with the 2 channel audio performance of my 105D without mods. I'm using it mostly as a dac fed by macmini / audirvana+ / Schitt Wyrd/ AQ Carbon USBs playing redbook and all formats of high rez including native DSD. The rest of my system(i.e. posted as "Silence of the Lamms") is fairly high end, though certainly not as expensive or trendy as many systems here.

After hearing the Oppo compared to many dacs up to $4k, the only one that I wish I could add to the system is the Schitt Audio Yggdrasil at $2300.

My understanding is that the Oppo is not truly balanced and thus the XLR outs shouldn't be offering any improvement vs. the RCA analog outs. Granted, the inputs of your linestage might make a difference. In my rig, which includes fully balanced linestage and balanced monoblock amps with balanced input, there is no difference between Oppo outputs XLR vs. RCA. YMMV. Cheers,
Spencer