OK, so I have had a chance to listen to the tube-proto mod Oppo 95 and a stock Oppo.
Both on redbook CD and DVD-A, via RCA outs only so far.
Same cabling used and same system.
We happened to have a pair of KWA 150 Signature Edition's running in mono to my Daedalus Ulysses.
Preamp was LS 100.
Using same cables, compared a stock Oppo-95 to the tube-modified proto Oppo 95.
What jumps right out at me is the increased soundstage depth and width.
Secondly, the low-level information and aural cues are simply much more apparent with the modified unit.
Detail and resolution excel with the modified unit, over stock, and stock is GOOD!
The key differences are resolution, micro-detail/dynamics, decay and a natural 'ease' to the music.
What I am hearing is typical of what we hear with the Sony XA-5400ES and other mods, vs. stock players:
The lack of feedback (inherent in op-amp based analog stages) and the clean and simplified signal path of our 6SN7 tube-based circuit with tube rectified external power supply, simply lets the music through.
Tomorrow I will compare the Opp-95 w/tube mods to the tube-modified XA-5400 heat-to-head.
Both mods use virtually identical tube circuit and identical tube-rectified and SS regulated external PS 9.0.
This a more sophisticated tube circuit than was used in the BDP-83SE. The Sony 5400ES tube circuit is a PERFECT fit in the excemplary Oppo BDP-95!
Tomorrow we will also begin contacting people who have been waiting and asking about this mod. Kristin has at least 30 contacts to follow up with initially. We already have a handful of units in the shop. The calendar will begin filling up tomorrow!
We will be offering a 10% discount to the first to schedule BDP-95 tube mods.
Tube Mod price for Oppo BDP-95 has been set: $1750 + shipping ($1995 w/MWI 'Truth' umbilical)
Thanks!
Dan W.
360.247.6688