BDP-83SE Mods Available and Details!

mclsound · « **Reply #20 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 02:05 pm »

My appologies,I am not out to start a war,he just makes no sense purchasing TUC mods recently,covering it up and then protecting the one guy who slams Dan and his work.I had my issues for sure and had sent my mod(a newbie mistake) to the wrong guy,when later i was told it was here that was specified.So i will not post anymore, and again,I mean no disrespect to Dan.

talk2me · « **Reply #21 on:** 19 Mar 2010, 05:15 am »

Quote from: mclsound on 17 Mar 2010, 02:05 pm

My appologies,I am not out to start a war,he just makes no sense purchasing TUC mods recently,covering it up and then protecting the one guy who slams Dan and his work.I had my issues for sure and had sent my mod(a newbie mistake) to the wrong guy,when later i was told it was here that was specified.So i will not post anymore, and again,I mean no disrespect to Dan.

It makes complete sense. I speak for myself. I am not obligated to one camp. I am only obligated to my ears, and sometimes to my eyes.

modwright · « **Reply #22 on:** 20 Mar 2010, 06:47 pm »

Hi guys, I am obviously missing part of the conversation that sounds like it took place on the AVS forum. If someone is 'slamming' our work, then I would encourage you to verify the accusations and do your research. We are open about our designs and what we offer. I always try to be conservative in evaluating our work, allowing our customers to speak for us. Most importantly, we put customer service first.

Anyhow, to answer the questions at hand:

Better for tubes in source or preamp?

Good question. I like tubes for amplifying voltage and SS for amplifying current. Both source and preamp primarily amplify voltage, while amps amplify current. Hence why I typically prefer a tube preamp with SS amp.

The source is the first piece in the chain. As such, any flaws in the source will not be improved upon by later components. So, we want the source to be as good as possible.

Having said that, we have obviously used both tubes and SS components in source gear and both with excellent results.

We chose a discrete SS circuit for the Oppo mods because of limited space and the ability to provide up to nine discrete channels AND an internal power supply. It is also more cost-effective to design with SS components rather than tubes. Given the $500 price of the Oppo BDP-83 when released, it didn't make sense to offer a $2K mod for it.

I believe that we WILL be able to get even better sound from the Oppo with tube analog stage mods. This will also limit the upgrades to 2CH (due to space) and also necessitate an external power supply and will be at a higher cost.

Back to the question at hand, is it better to have tubes in source or preamp?

I believe that tubes allow for the very best sonics for both source and preamp. As to which to have tubes in as a priority, I guess I would say preamp. Having said that however, it really comes down to system synergy and both tubes and SS designs can produce exceptional sound.

I am afraid that there are no hard and fast rules here. Ultimately a good designer uses all of the tools and resources at hand to produce the best sound. Dictating factors include space and cost.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Dan W.

talk2me · « **Reply #23 on:** 21 Mar 2010, 05:42 am »

Thank-you very much Dan, for the excellent explanation and taking the time to write it.

modwright · « **Reply #24 on:** 23 Mar 2010, 02:45 pm »

You are most welcome.

Dan

AB · « **Reply #25 on:** 23 Mar 2010, 03:24 pm »

Quote from: modwright on 23 Mar 2010, 02:45 pm

You are most welcome.

Dan

I just read that as "You are most awesome".

I need me some new glasses.

Vulcan00 · « **Reply #26 on:** 19 Apr 2010, 01:27 pm »

Any more info on when and if there will be tube mods for the SE?
Thanks

modwright · « **Reply #27 on:** 19 Apr 2010, 04:16 pm »

Of course you are most awesome Alan

...

I am finalizing ACTIVELY, the tube circuit for the 5400ES and this circuit will be made available for the Oppo also, when complete. The two topologies that I am considering are to continue with the transformer coupled balanced design begun for the 5400ES, or a fully differential OTL design for both. I intend to finalize the decision this week.

I know that there is interest in the tube mods for the Oppo as well as growing interest (as well as VERY patient) interest in the XA5400ES mods.

Thanks!

Dan

dkasimian · « **Reply #28 on:** 18 May 2010, 02:17 pm »

I for one would be very interested in a tube modded oppo. I currently have Dan's Signature Truth modded Sony 999ES that I bought from Dan years ago that is currently in my heaphone system. I recently installed my dream stereo system and am looking for a suitable cd/SACD/DVD-A option for that rig. Having heard great things about the stock OPPO, I can only imagine the heights to which a Modwright tube mod would take it. Bring it on Dan!

modwright · « **Reply #29 on:** 18 May 2010, 02:38 pm »

We are NOW taking orders for the Sony XA5400ES mods. The next step will be to adapt the same mod board into the Oppo. Care was taken to design a PCB that would fit both units.

More info soon!

Thanks,

Dan

mitch2 · « **Reply #30 on:** 20 May 2010, 02:20 am »

Quote

We are not taking orders for the Sony XA5400ES mods. The next step will be to adapt the same mod board into the Oppo. Care was taken to design a PCB that would fit both units.

Dan, did you mean to say, "We are now taking orders....."?

modwright · « **Reply #31 on:** 20 May 2010, 05:08 pm »

Thanks!

That was a pretty BIG typo.

We ARE INDEED taking orders for the Sony 5400ES mods!

I appreciate the clarification.

Dan

modwright · « **Reply #32 on:** 2 Jun 2010, 12:07 am »

New Customer Feedback!

"The DV-60 is no slouch and looks and feels like the more solidly built player. (The DV-60 transport is a joy.) If Oppo had not made the SE, and folks like you did not improve upon it, I would have remained a happy DV-60 owner. But I cannot hear any area in which the DV-60 beats out the modded Oppo and there are several key areas in which the Oppo wins. I hear slightly greater warmth across the spectrum, noticeably greater bass depth and slam, and a welcome diminution of harshness in the treble. (Okay, the Oppo fan is slightly audible but other than that...) All of this plus Blu-Ray, including fabulous Blu-ray audio. Movies never sounded so good."
D. Dranove 6.01.10.

njack77 · « **Reply #33 on:** 4 Jun 2010, 12:49 am »

Quote from: talk2me on 3 Jun 2010, 04:01 pm

Just a quick question. How does one "hear" warmth?

A crackling fire, I guess

Marco Prozzo · « **Reply #34 on:** 4 Jun 2010, 07:37 am »

Quote from: talk2me on 3 Jun 2010, 04:01 pm

Just a quick question. How does one "hear" warmth?

"Warmth" is typically understood to mean a characteristic boost or emphasis in response in the lower and middle midrange registers. You should be able to hear such an emphasis - for some it is a pleasing emphasis. Others prefer more neutral presentation with no part of the bandwidth emphasized.

ted_b · « **Reply #35 on:** 5 Jun 2010, 12:46 am »

Marco,
You are too nice. I gotta think they were pulling our legs. How could someone who frequents an audio forum, much less a well-known modding/mfg forum, not know about audiophile terms like 'warmth"? How about soundstage (no, not a wooden floor), imaging (no, not an MRI) or liquidity (no, not time for a beer.......although maybe it is

).

Bayside Bomber · « **Reply #36 on:** 11 Jun 2010, 02:55 am »

I am the poor shmuck who used the term "warmth." Your critique of my listening skills was rather amusing. I suppose I could have written "with the Oppo, massed strings in the lower registers can be heard as individual instruments " or "the Oppo reveals nuances of timbre that I did not previously hear". I didn't because I was passing along a quick note to Dan about how pleased I was with the Oppo and because he understood what I meant.

But I'm glad I didn't because I allowed all of you to have a good laugh at my expense.

Yours truly,

David Dranove

ted_b · « **Reply #37 on:** 11 Jun 2010, 04:11 am »

David,
We ALL understood what you meant (and I agree with you; Dan's mods bring out a luscious midrange). Stay the course; don;t let a few bother you.

Bayside Bomber · « **Reply #38 on:** 11 Jun 2010, 12:36 pm »

Ted,

Thanks for the kind response. (Is "luscious" a term of the trade?

)

We all know that the anonymity of the net leads to a somewhat less than civil level of discourse. Of course, it could be that I need thicker skin!!

David

china · « **Reply #39 on:** 11 Jun 2010, 02:31 pm »

Quote from: Marco Prozzo on 4 Jun 2010, 07:37 am

"Warmth" is typically understood to mean a characteristic boost or emphasis in response in the lower and middle midrange registers. You should be able to hear such an emphasis - for some it is a pleasing emphasis. Others prefer more neutral presentation with no part of the bandwidth emphasized.

AudioCircle,

This is off the topic.....but.....I would like to know if there is a "dictionary" of sorts for the audio and or video terms that are commonly used by all in pursuit of this hobby, obsession or whatever you choose to call it???

As always, all the best.