ModWright Modified Oppo BDP-83!

modwright · « **Reply #100 on:** 26 Oct 2009, 10:48 pm »

Incidentally, units are now shipping out of our factory at a fast pace. We were a bit slow getting out of the gate, but that is only because I wanted them to be RIGHT. I apologize to those who initially waited longer than expected.

Dan W.

Chris_B · « **Reply #101 on:** 6 Nov 2009, 05:34 pm »

Apparently Oppo is getting ready to release a special edition BDP-83SE. It will be interesting to see what audio improvements are built into the player in addition to the new DAC. More details are supposed to come out in a few weeks.

Dan - do you have any background on the new DACs?

Artp · « **Reply #102 on:** 6 Nov 2009, 06:14 pm »

Oh boy! This is good news and bad news, My Oppo is sitting at Dan's right now awaiting mods. I sure hope these new DAC's can be installed after the fact. I would imagine that they would make a positive improvement or Oppo would never have bothered.

modwright · « **Reply #103 on:** 6 Nov 2009, 07:14 pm »

Hi guys, I have only just become aware of this new version of the Oppo myself.

First of all, the new DAC CANNOT be retrofit into the old units. Sorry, but this is like taking a Ford and replacing its engine with a Chevy's.

I don't know the release date of the 'new' version of the Oppo, nor the price.

I also don't know how much difference the DAC upgrade will make.

Our mods will still be available for the new units, as soon as I see what the differences are and the prices for our mods will be the same.

If you have a unit here and have questions about this, please don't hesitate to call.

Thanks,

Dan W.

Chris_B · « **Reply #104 on:** 6 Nov 2009, 09:01 pm »

Thanks Dan. Do you have any familiarity with that DAC? Hopefully it will make a nice improvement for audio on the stock player. I'm very happy to hear that that you are working on the Oppo player. I'll hopefully get one of the new SE Oppo's soon after they are released and will talk with you about getting it moded.

Take care,

Chris

fennario · « **Reply #105 on:** 9 Nov 2009, 08:05 pm »

Here's Oppo's description of its $299 upgrade to the original unit:

http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-83SE/blu-ray-BDP-83SE-UpgradeOption.aspx

It does sound like it would undo, at least in part, much of the Modwright mod.

Jon L · « **Reply #106 on:** 9 Nov 2009, 09:46 pm »

Quote from: modwright on 6 Nov 2009, 07:14 pm

Hi guys, I have only just become aware of this new version of the Oppo myself.

It's amazing the pace of model changes in the digital world. ModWright is just shipping the modded older OPPO, then now there is the SE version.

On the positive note, the Sabre32 version should really be something else to base a mod on. Sabre32 platform + ModWright discrete output =

modwright · « **Reply #107 on:** 10 Nov 2009, 12:17 am »

The SABRE DAC is a good DAC. So is the Crystal DAC that is used in the stock unit.

We will modify the new SE units also and the mods offerings and price will be the same.

I have reviewed both Oppo's site and Nuforces. Obviously Oppo does have an upgrade program for units purchased prior to Nov. 9 and NuForce has their own version.

Based on Nurforces description, they are charging an additional $400 to upgrade op-amps and a few components. This si worthwhile, but NOT the same as the complete re-engineering and replacement of the analog stage that we provide with our OWN analog power supply, as well as clock upgrade and stock PS improvements.

I just wanted to be clear what I know and that we are offering mods for both SE and regular BDP-83 units.

Thanks,

Dan Wright

klao · « **Reply #108 on:** 10 Nov 2009, 05:22 pm »

Does Systematiq Corporation provides region-free units of this special edition for your international customers? Thanks.

Phil A · « **Reply #109 on:** 11 Nov 2009, 09:35 pm »

I just got my regular BDP-83 modded unit back. Thanks, Dan. I've only listened to a few things and not done any comparisons (to my Marantz DV9600 or Bryston BCD-1) but it sounds really good. I'll probably grab something to eat and spend tonight getting some break in time.

klao · « **Reply #110 on:** 12 Nov 2009, 04:03 pm »

Eagerly awaiting your review to compare the MWI modified BPD-83 vs Bryston BCD-1, Phil. Thanks in advance. I'm thinking of having just one universal player for both music and movies.

Phil A · « **Reply #111 on:** 13 Nov 2009, 12:48 am »

Quote from: klao on 12 Nov 2009, 04:03 pm

Eagerly awaiting your review to compare the MWI modified BPD-83 vs Bryston BCD-1, Phil. Thanks in advance. I'm thinking of having just one universal player for both music and movies.

I'll be listening and breaking it in lots this weekend. I have a Marantz DV9600 right above it for SACD and DVD-A. I'm also seeing if I can get one of my friends over the following weekend (otherwise it may have to wait for a bit due to my schedule) to bring over a stock BDP-83. I also may get my friend up the road to bring over his Sony XA-9000ES too. I likely won't do much in the way of comparison for about a week.

Phil A · « **Reply #112 on:** 13 Nov 2009, 03:24 am »

I spent more than a couple of hours listening. I decided to try an A/B vs. the Marantz DV9600. In my opinion not even close. I got up 4 times to double check I was playing the SACD layer on the Marantz and realized the last time I got up check it was a single layer SACD!

ted_b · « **Reply #113 on:** 13 Nov 2009, 03:58 am »

Nice Phil! That's a great SACD player for the Modwright Oppo to handily beat (and like the Marantz it plays DVD-Audio..unlike it, oh...it plays Blu Ray!!

).

I'll have the Oppo SE version inhouse on Monday, and will compare it to the standard Oppo I've had here for a week (both with 30 day returns). Once I decide which one I'll go with it will be off to Dan's.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #114 on:** 13 Nov 2009, 04:26 am »

look forward to your thoughts ted.

golfugh · « **Reply #115 on:** 13 Nov 2009, 02:51 pm »

Ted
Looking forward to the comparison!
Mark

ncblue · « **Reply #116 on:** 13 Nov 2009, 08:30 pm »

I received my Modwright Oppo on Monday and have been breaking it in 24/7 for a few days.
First impressions with cd are very good. Vocals are very present in the mix and slightly forward, def not laid back. Overall pace is very good and it has passed all my funk and blues test. Stevie Ray Vaughans guitar tone is spot on and it can keep up with Buddy Guys "I smell a rat"(just enough bite too). Drums and cymbals took a while to show up, but after a few days they are kickin in!
With SACD much of the same, but with a slightly smoother overall impression. Bob Dylan "Blood on the Tracks" sounds fantastic. Soundstage is wide and depth is as good as the recording dictates. Telarcs that I have are very spacious and ambient.
WOW! Neil Young on Bluray "Live at Massy Hall" He is right in front of me! Some of the most realistic sound I have ever heard. Why cant they release the Beatles catalog on Bluray?!
Movies sound great too. All and all, I am very happy so far.

Nat

Chris_B · « **Reply #117 on:** 14 Nov 2009, 12:28 am »

We knew the Modwright BDP-83's were good

. Now how about about the Modwright BDP-83SE

? I am still a little skeptical that the Dan modified SE will be much better than a Dan mod'd base 83. The initial reports on the new DAC will be very interesting indeed.

cwt108 · « **Reply #118 on:** 21 Nov 2009, 11:42 pm »

So anyone has the chance to compare standard and special edition yet. I am confident that modwirght modification will be necesary to bring out the best sonic. However, I do not know tha it is worth $400 to get the special edition. Any feedback?

roscoeiii · « **Reply #119 on:** 22 Nov 2009, 01:36 am »

No feedback on the SE Oppo specifically. But the ESS Sabre chip is getting a lot of good press. It is used in the Peachtree Nova, which was just named Stereophile's Best of the Year. And the reviews on the Peachtree generally center on the DAC section being the most impressive part of that unit. Following all things Sabre with a close eye. And Oppo is now added to that list, with Dan's mods being very much in the forefront of that thought process.