OPPO 105; how to beat it and at what price?

Thanks for the comments. I will be using as two channel audio only. I spin 2 channel SACD and CD only. I am trying to educate myself on the alternative of a computer based server. Seems like many pros to this approach in sound and convenience. Also seems to be the future. I can say that in my new system SACD has never sounded better vs CD thus high res formats are very appealing.

Ricevs, Can you mod Musical Fidelity X-LPS phono to balanced in/out?

" .... I will be using as two channel audio only. I spin 2 channel SACD and CD only ..."

IMO go look at a quality hi-end 2 channel unit assuming the budget permits it -- e.g. REGA ISIS valve, NAIM, DCS, SIMAUDIO ... there are many great hi-end players out there that also have USB inputs to permit the use of their hi-end internal DAC for plug-in digital media playback, in addition to their world class disc playback.

Any one of these will significantly best the OPPO or Cambridge and other like players. I had the CAMBRIDGE before I moved up to the ARCAM BDP and it does its great job for Multi-channel music on Blu-Ray.

The performance level in 2 channel with my hi-end CDP is a quantum leap better; and it resides as the cd and digital source player reserved strictly for 2 channel. The improvement over an OPPO/CAMBRIDGE/ARCAM/U PICK 'EM multi-channel player is not subtle.

I have used most architectures under the sun to play 2 channel SACD:

Sony XA 5400 into SSO - digital over HDMI
Sony XA 5400 into preamp analog
Marantz ud9400 into preamp
Marantz ud9400 into Trinnov processer with D/A conversion
Moddel Oppo with digital out into Trinnov processor
Ripped SACD played from server with Dirac DRC directly into DACs

A top notch player with analog out (like modded Oppo) will sound just fine. You will get better results with an Oppo with vanity digital board into a top notch DAC.

I have an Oppo 93 with Vanity board and linear powersupply. The vanity board does reclocking and proprietary DSD->PCM conversion at 176/24, which will cream the onboard conversion available on the standard (or modded) Oppo.

Another option. Send your Oppo 105 to Dan Wright (Modwright) for his $2500 mod which includes an outboard tubed power supply and tubed (6SN7) output among many other improvements. I further treated mine to NOS rectifier and output tubes. Couldn't be happier. And dealing with Modwright was a real pleasure.