Hi and thank you all for your feedback.
First of all, it will NOT be as late as June before we have the tube mod for the 105. If they release the unit by year's end as anticipated, it will not take long to get the tube mod worked out for the 105. We will start with the existing mod board for the 95 and adapt the overall layout to allow for installation in the 105. From there, I have some ideas for improving both the power supply and tube circuit. Because of how they have split the outputs from the multi-DAC Saber module, I will have to work out the best way to do this.
We also already have a discrete circuit design that could be adapated to the this unit and would be at a lesser cost than the tube mod.
I will of course entertain both options. I just need to get my hands on a 105.
RE the 103, point is well made! Given the $700 price difference, if we were to produce a $500-$700 mod for the 103, it would HAVE to outperform the 105.
A possible misconception here also, is that the Crystal Semi DAC used in the 103 is an 'inferior' product. To be honest, Crystal has produced EXCEPTIONAL DACs for quite some time, and the analog stage for the 103 was redesigned by a sharp designer that I know and have worked with. I don't like the fact that the 103 uses only a switched mode power supply. THAT is a weak point, in my opinion.
I will investigate both and see what we can do!
Perhaps I should bring in a 103 and start there! Anyone interested in having us take a look at their 103? In return, you would receive a VERY good discount on the new mod developed.
Thanks,
Dan Wright
360.247.6688
modwright@yahoo.com