[talk2me]

I have and results are not good.  I would recommend using a preamp.

Thanks,

Dan

Maybe you could mod a new volume control!

[modwright]

Have tried it and it is not an ideal solution.

Thanks,

Dan

[MellowVelo]

I have and results are not good.  I would recommend using a preamp.

Thanks,

Dan

Hi Dan,

Would you mind elaborating a bit? I'm just curious because I've also read plenty of posts on other forums where people sing praises about direct connection to an amp. Thanks!

[roscoeiii]

Hi Dan,

Would you mind elaborating a bit? I'm just curious because I've also read plenty of posts on other forums where people sing praises about direct connection to an amp. Thanks!

MellowVelo,
Yes there is a contingent of audiophiles who make this argument or argue for passive preamps of one sort or another. But opinions, systems and audio preferences differ. This topic is always a big can of worms but I am interested in hearing Dan's take. For me, an active pre is key to getting the sound I want, though it isn't always cheap to get an active pre with the level of detail a passive or no pre can provide. Actives IME have dynamics and an oomph to them that the passives I have tried can't match.

[talk2me]

MellowVelo,
Yes there is a contingent of audiophiles who make this argument or argue for passive preamps of one sort or another. But opinions, systems and audio preferences differ. This topic is always a big can of worms but I am interested in hearing Dan's take. For me, an active pre is key to getting the sound I want, though it isn't always cheap to get an active pre with the level of detail a passive or no pre can provide. Actives IME have dynamics and an oomph to them that the passives I have tried can't match.

Very true. I am keeping an active pre, and I only am using it for my 105 and cable.

[modwright]

OK, a couple of things:

First of all, digital attenuators decrease volume by dropping bits.  This is a 32-bit DAC, so you would not expect much music resolution to be lost, but there is always going to be some IMHO.

The other issue has to do with impedance matching and current buffering, whenever you are talking about passive attenuators in lieu of active preamps.  My feeling is that the BEST and CLEANEST passive attenuator will NEVER sound better than a GOOD active gain stage.  Admittedly, a poor active gain stage will add unwanted noise, distortion, etc.  A good active gain stage, my preference is for tubes, will give you good impedance matching and current buffering, which seems to 'flesh out' the sound, as compared to a passive attenuator.

Just my $0.02!

Thanks,

Dan W.

[MellowVelo]

OK, a couple of things:

First of all, digital attenuators decrease volume by dropping bits.  This is a 32-bit DAC, so you would not expect much music resolution to be lost, but there is always going to be some IMHO.

The other issue has to do with impedance matching and current buffering, whenever you are talking about passive attenuators in lieu of active preamps.  My feeling is that the BEST and CLEANEST passive attenuator will NEVER sound better than a GOOD active gain stage.  Admittedly, a poor active gain stage will add unwanted noise, distortion, etc.  A good active gain stage, my preference is for tubes, will give you good impedance matching and current buffering, which seems to 'flesh out' the sound, as compared to a passive attenuator.

Just my $0.02!

Thanks,

Dan W.

Thanks, Dan, for taking the time to answer my question! 

[modwright]

No problem!

Dan

[Freo-1]

Dan, what is the status of the 105 SS mod?   I recently picked up a 105, and I must say, it is VERY good stock.   In fact, it is so good, that after comparing the multi channel out to my Modwright Oppo BD83SE, went ahead and sold the 83.  I compared the multi channel out from the 95 to the 105, and the 105 does sound better, no question.
 
I have the Modwright BDP-95 tube unit for my two channel playback, and absolutely love it.  It really shines with NOS Sylvaina 5692 tubes, and a Bendix 5V4 rectifier.  So, I know the tube mod makes a huge difference.  However, I wonder if the 105 has gotten to the point that the SS mod may not be worth the cost of admission?  I can see where the 103 would be a good candidate for the upgrade, but the 105 already sounds like it is as good as it can be via the SS out.
 
Lastly, what is the difference with the 105 tube PS when connected to a modded 95?

[talk2me]

Dan, what is the status of the 105 SS mod?   I recently picked up a 105, and I must say, it is VERY good stock.   In fact, it is so good, that after comparing the multi channel out to my Modwright Oppo BD83SE, went ahead and sold the 83.  I compared the multi channel out from the 95 to the 105, and the 105 does sound better, no question.
 
I have the Modwright BDP-95 tube unit for my two channel playback, and absolutely love it.  It really shines with NOS Sylvaina 5692 tubes, and a Bendix 5V4 rectifier.  So, I know the tube mod makes a huge difference.  However, I wonder if the 105 has gotten to the point that the SS mod may not be worth the cost of admission?  I can see where the 103 would be a good candidate for the upgrade, but the 105 already sounds like it is as good as it can be via the SS out.
 
Lastly, what is the difference with the 105 tube PS when connected to a modded 95?

I am sure Oppo had some price restraints when designing their products, no matter how good they sound/look. Modding just takes to another level.

[Freo-1]

I'm not one to blindly believe that a mod will "always" improve the sound.  Oppo did a bang up job on this audio board, and it's an improvement over the 95 stock on multi channel, no question.  Their web site indicates they had some outside help with the audio boards this go around, and it shows sonically.  Just the fact that they split out the audio boards I think has caused some improvement.
 
If one is going after tube sonics, then yes, then the mod takes it to another level in the improvement arena.  I'm not so sure about the solid state mods causing all that much of an improvement (with this player), especially one that essentially doubles the price of the player.  The mods did help out the older players, such as the 83. 

As stated earlier, as much as I enjoyed the modded 83, the stock 105 is even better (than the modified 83) via the analog out (2 or multi channel).
 
As Papa Pass says: "Make it as simple as possible, but no simpler than it needs to be".

[modwright]

First of all, you are right, the stock 105 is very good!  Our tube mods make it significantly better, by replacing all of the op-amps and Stereo SS circuitry with our own tube analog stage and its own dedicated supply. We also improve the stock supplies that power the DACs.

In the case of the 103, while the design is good, the SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) is very lacking and the parts quality is poor.  In the case of the 105, they used GOOD op-amps and decoupling caps as well as providing a good linear, regulated audio power supply.

The biggest part of the SS mod for both the 103 and 105, will be to replace the SMPS with a linear supply of our own design.  In the case of the 105, the SMPS still powers all video circuitry as well as drive, servo, focus and voltage relating to the CD drive itself.  I exptect SIGNIFICANT improvement in this regard for the 103, as the SMPS powers the ENTIRE unit.  In the case of the 105, it will lower jitter levels by improving power to the driver and focus/servo circuits.  It may also power the digital input board - have not verified this yet.

One of the reasons that we have not produced a SS mod for the 105 is, quite frankly, because I agree with you.  Good parts were used and a good supply for audio was also used.  I first want to complete the LPS for both units and assess the advantages of this ALONE in the 105.  From there, I will see what else we can do for a SS mod.

It may turn out, that for the SS mod, the 103 is the better choice!

Thanks,

Dan

[Freo-1]

Thanks Dan, for an honest and straight answer.  I will be very curious to see how you go with the 105.

As for the 95, can you explain what sonic benefit would be gained by the upgraded tube PS?  I can tell you that the 95 with the existing PS sounds fantastic with the Bendix 5V4 rectifier and 5692 tubes!

[modwright]

Hi, the advantage to the new tube supply, for the Oppo 95, is the use of tube voltage regulators instead of SS voltage regulators.  I find that the soundstage is MUCH broader and deeper and the presentation more 3-Dimensional.  That is the biggest difference in the new power supply and it really DOES make a big difference.

Thanks,

Dan

[talk2me]

I'm not one to blindly believe that a mod will "always" improve the sound.  Oppo did a bang up job on this audio board, and it's an improvement over the 95 stock on multi channel, no question.  Their web site indicates they had some outside help with the audio boards this go around, and it shows sonically.  Just the fact that they split out the audio boards I think has caused some improvement.
 
If one is going after tube sonics, then yes, then the mod takes it to another level in the improvement arena.  I'm not so sure about the solid state mods causing all that much of an improvement (with this player), especially one that essentially doubles the price of the player.  The mods did help out the older players, such as the 83. 

As stated earlier, as much as I enjoyed the modded 83, the stock 105 is even better (than the modified 83) via the analog out (2 or multi channel).
 
As Papa Pass says: "Make it as simple as possible, but no simpler than it needs to be".

You misunderstand me. Blindly? Hardly. After much thought and design, mods can be very, very beneficial. Improving caps, power supplies as an example. And I am not just talking about Oppo.

[talk2me]

Dan, just saw your updated 105 website. Your caps make me all warm and fuzzy inside, in a good way!

[Freo-1]

You misunderstand me. Blindly? Hardly. After much thought and design, mods can be very, very beneficial. Improving caps, power supplies as an example. And I am not just talking about Oppo.

The statement was in strict reference to the BDP 105, nothing more.  Do not read into it. 

The 105 is already so good, it is questionable if any mod (that is reasonably enough priced) would improve performance enough to justify the cost and effort. That is what was meant by "blindly" accepting a mod (in the SS arena) wold help with the 105.   
For the tube mod, yes, no question.

[talk2me]

The statement was in strict reference to the BDP 105, nothing more.  Do not read into it. 

The 105 is already so good, it is questionable if any mod (that is reasonably enough priced) would improve performance enough to justify the cost and effort. That is what was meant by "blindly" accepting a mod (in the SS arena) wold help with the 105.   
For the tube mod, yes, no question.

As a university BA graduate, I tend to read into things. I can respect your point of view in regards to not knowing about the benefits of mods, in regrades to cost vs. benefit factors. IMHO, some companies listen more to their bean counters and not to their designers.

[Freo-1]

As a university BA graduate, I tend to read into things. I can respect your point of view in regards to not knowing about the benefits of mods, in regrades to cost vs. benefit factors. IMHO, some companies listen more to their bean counters and not to their designers.

No worries, mate!  I can relate to your perspective.   
Dan and the team perform outstanding work.  I am very happy with the tube mod on the BDP-95. 

[talk2me]

No worries, mate!  I can relate to your perspective.   
Dan and the team perform outstanding work.  I am very happy with the tube mod on the BDP-95.

Cheers! Good to hear.