Is the Modwright for an Oppo udp205 worth it?

mars2k

Im considering a 2 channel amp with theater pass-through. Its hard to find a 7.1 analog inputs amp. So going to stick with a receiver seperate pass-through amp.  Im going to be doing an a/b test soon with an Aesthetix Mimas with dac card and the MW Oppo. 

Quoting the earlier post from @Melm11-25-2019 12:04pm
#####There’s nothing you can achieve with a mod that you cannot achieve with a separate DAC which you can run straight from your Oppo. Probably less expensively, better SQ and with way more choices and flexibility. For the price of the mod you can get a great DAC. That system will also hold its resale value a lot better. You can get a DAC with tubes if you wish, but best place for tubes IMO is at preamp or receiver level.####

Oh really? :-)

Which one of these separate DACs play surround/multichannel ?  What about all the great Multi channel SACD and BlueRay audio only?  Tidal streamed via ROON offers atmos and surround as well....

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon in 5.1?  Can't wait to hear the screaming woman in 5.1 on a ModWright 205.

BTW  I don't mind at all popping for new BlueRay audio only.  Damn the futility...full speed ahead

That said the real issue here is finding the right PreAmp/Proc with 7.1 analogue in.  Which one would you suggest with tube stages Melm?

Thanks goofy.. i actually went through w the mod and i am very happy w it. Thx.

Dan Wright is one of the good guys in Audio I have owned three of his Oppo Mods a 83se ss mod. a 95 tube mod and now the 205 tube mod I feel no need to try and  upgrade, to me that is the best compliment I can give   I also own his Ls 36.5DM preamp stunning !!

@deanshias

I’d say most are around 200 hours. You’ll see changes throughout that initial period. Most of the changes later are usually subtle detail related changes.

chazzzy007

...in the process of breaking them in.. is that how long they normally take to break in (200 hrs)? ...loving them so far. 

Andy is a good guy and stands by what he sells. 👍

Your rubes are going to take a around 200 hours to settle in and start sounding their best. Enjoy! 

I must say that the Modwright is blooming even more by the day. It really is worth the upgrade. 

So just ordered (and starting off) with a pair of Sylvania 6DJ8 and an RCA 5R4-GY NOS WWII Rectifier from vintagetubeservices.com. Andy who I talked to sounds like he really knows his stuff and Modwright recommended him.

@deanshias

Very glad to hear your thoughts on the Modwright Oppo. Bravo!!!

Don’t worry about missing out on the Phillips rectifier. Though I have never heard it if you read 5u4g shootouts it is not even top 10.

If I were looking for a new (not NOS) rectifier, I would try one of the Kron limited editions he makes for the Lampizators. The posts I’ve read about them say very good things.

https://shop.best300b.com/products/kr-5u4g-rk-limited-series

That said I have a U52 and I am very, very happy with it. Though now, they are getting quite hard to find.

^The Oppo 205 as a DAC punches above it's weight class. It's connectivity options for other digital sources is fairly extensive.
 Using an external DAC frequently adds greater jitter. The extent of which can vary by transmission type. Unfortunately the Oppo 205 doesn't afford I2S.  For disc playback it's moot.

@unsound 

Yes, perhaps so.  But only if you ignore what IMO is the ultimate futility of building up an expensive disk based system.

Ripping CDs and SACDs is what everyone will eventually turn to for great convenience and better SQ.  Not to mention downloaded files and streaming. Getting a fine external DAC and hooking it up to an Oppo is a great first step.

Different strokes!

@melm, native SACD.
Probably reduced jitter.

Dan modded my OPPO Sonica DAC a few years ago. SQ is WAY beyond stock in every way. 

@deanshias,

Glad to hear you’re enjoying the mods on your oppo. Dan is great to with and his mods are worth every single penny.

Let the fun begins with tube rolling. I found NOS Telefunken 6922’s and Philips rectifier hit the sweet spot with his mods.
https://upscaleaudio.com/products/philips-5r4gys-made-in-holland

Damn this sounds so much better! My wife needed 3 seconds to tell the difference. Not by a little... but substantially. The first impression is that everything is larger!.. Wider, more imaging, more sonics, details are where they need to be, pleasurably analytical, voices and instruments sound like they have their own speaker. I now understand when reviews said harshness disappears, very musical (for me it means that my foot is tapping, singing, and getting into the song and not just impressed by how good it sounds). HT is more engaging also. Very happy with upgrade. Only problem is... I'm curious to see how better tubes sound!

(On 3rd day of listening)

One of the features I like most about the Oppo UDP-205 is its capability to play the higher resolution files.  Whether or not one believes that a person can hear differences, I have the option to see for myself.  I have downloaded DSD512 and DXD files, and played them without any issues.  These sound very sweet with the mod.

Thanks mambacfa.

So I called and switched the umbilical to the WyWires version. They said it is an improvement... and at this point, might as well upgrade it. Going to stay with me the stock tubes/rectifier for a little to get a base for comparison at least. (Unless theres a sale on them :)

Another LX500 user here sold 10K worth of PS Audio when i got it! I was looking to get a 205 used around the time they started going up in price but after talking to Dan it seems the LX500 is 95% the sound quality of the 205 so I got one on his recommendation and it is spectacular with the sound quality. Only wish it had balanced outs.

I just got mine back from Dan.  If you think the Oppo is a good player, this thing is many levels above it.  Even with the stock tubes (which I've since replaced with Mullards and an RCA vintage 1944 rectifier) it sounded great.  The NOS tubes take it to a whole other place.  The soundstage is huge, stretches from wall to wall in my listening room, the noise floor is much lower and the level of detail is incredible.  I'm very happy with what I got back and believe this is the best player I've ever owned.

Dean, good questions and I am interested in your impressions as well. Subscribed :-)

Thanks for the audio circle link

A quick search shows a lot of short posts that are positive and the usual good internet reviews-for-hire. Just wondering if there is anyone out there that regretted this 2.5k mod since the 205 sounds *really* good by itself.

@deanshias
Even though Dan burns in the mod. I find that it took a day or so of playing to really start opening up. Not sure if those JJ6922 tubes need some time but I really hear noticeable improvements with everything I throw at it.

Here's a forum for the ModWright mod.
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=147477.120

Getting excited to hear this... Cant believe I'm DAC-less for almost two more weeks, feels like the 90's...  not sure if I'll be upset or happy, if this mod sounds better than vinyl.

I have a friend whose ears I trust sell his Linn Klimax server for a Modwright Oppo and he prefers the Oppo. Just as an aside, try putting a Vibrapod under each of the Oppo's feet.  I am normally not much of a believer in this type of stuff, but IMO, there was a big improvement in the sound.  I generally don't feel like expending the effort for A/B comparisons, but I went back and forth a few times and I much preferred the sound with Vibrapods,.  I used the 3's, which were what I had around.  

Quote ‘Your right. It is a stupid question. But f u for your nice response.’

I have to agree. And I don’t think you asked a stupid question. These mods are expensive and it is natural to be hesitant about a significant investment. 

One other thing, if your interested in this rectifier, you will need to have Modwright make the rectifier slot on the power supply larger to accomodate the massive EML tube. 

@deanshias,
http://www.tubeaudiostore.com/eml5u4gmesh.html

These tubes are made in Czechoslovakia...

Is there a site or place to order these tubes? I usually order from upscale audio but dont see them on there.

@deanshias  
I too have been interested in the Modwright Oppo 205. In case you didn't know, there is only one review online of it:  
https://darko.audio/2018/03/human-after-all-the-modwright-modded-oppo-udp-205/

The best rectifier for the power supply is the expensive Emission Labs
EML 5U4G. Sixmoons review of the Modwright Oppo 105 mentioned a large sound difference in it over the Slovtek rectifier.

I have a 6SN7 tube preamp and after trying several NOS American tubes I hit on Psvane 6SN7's . Their black base model is available at a pretty fair price and should please you , IMO .None of the older tubes came close .

I second what allanw says about the significance of the ModWright power supply. A separate, tube-rectified power supply is the quietest type that you can get; it's not common because it's so expensive. And you can even update the already-excellent umbilical that's made with Cardas wire with the WyWires version that was created in partnership with ModWright. Good power is the start of great sound, right?

Some of the internals of the Oppo are also improved: better wiring, Bybee products, etc. That's a big plus.

And of course, the tube-based output stage is a tremendous benefit in bringing a more "analogue" sound to the digital format. You get the best of both worlds, and that's the endgame. I like that the "Truth" modification takes a holistic approach to this process - improve the functional basics of the player and then bring a more analogue sound through the tube-based output stage. 

Expensive? Of course - high-quality custom work always is. 
Worth it? Every penny.

I got my UDP-205 when it was first released by Oppo.  I was very familiar with how very good recordings sounded.  In September, I got it modified.  I heard a distinct improvement in the recordings.  Jazz female vocalists sounded less grainy to me.  It sounded to me like it smoothed out the digital rough edges on my digital music.  I am using the stock tubes included with the mod, but I have different tubes on order to experiment with the sound.

Several people have commented on the price of the mod.  Keep in mind that this is not only a mod to the Oppo unit, but it also includes a very high quality external power supply (External PS 9.0 v. 10) and cable.

On the ModWright website, look at pictures of the UDP-105 mod to see the power supply and special cable.

audiosaurusrex

Nice system. keep me posted on massaging the Pioneer LX-500 MW into your set up.

Happy Listening!

 @jafant So my system is going through some real drastic changes.
presently Krell Digital Vanguard-SR Blue Fuse, Shunyata Delta PC, Pioneer LX500 Modwright analog out with Audioquest Sydney.I use an external RME-ADI-2 DAC(find that superior to the Krell’s) Wireworld Equinox Balanced into the Krell. Running Audrivana from my MacBook Ifi USB into DAC. Acoustic Signature Triple X, w/HanaSl into SPL Phonos. Going to my Vandersteen 2ces which are now up for sale on ‘gon. Just purchased Spatial M3 sapphires and soon replacing the Amp with SPL Performer and Director combo. Speaker cables will change too but I’m using Audioquest Castle Rocks, probably gonna do a combo of Anticables for the Spatials ...I have to say that I  am just so impressed with the SPL line. You guys should check them out. Exciting times.

Good advice. Thanks. I will definitely report on it when I get it... in like 3 weeks :/ Has anyone used the tube section with HT? I usually have the 2 channel rca outputs with remaining 5 channels for HT.

Dan did my Sony 9000es more than 15 yrs ago, Dan is not cheap, but He does a good job, Good Service and communications, I would say discuss your needs , He will guide you...

Hey Dean,
I rolled an early NOS 1950’s brown based GEC U52 in for the rectifier and NOS 1975 Reflektor Silver Shields for the output tubes. The U52 is considered one of the 2 best 5u4g rectifiers ever made and the Reflektors are considered the top 6922 ever. The sound is open, detailed and fast, but very musical. Soundstaging is amazing. Both front to back and left to right. Deep, layered and detailed.

I could also see someone liking 7308 or 6922 NOS Telefunkens which have a warmer sound signature but are a little too slow and thick sounding for my tastes. I tried NOS 69 Tele 6dj8’s and without any hours on them, the Reflektors bettered them in all the areas previously mentioned except in mid range richness but at at the expense of speed and detail. The Tele 7308’s are considered superior to the Tele 6dj8’s though.

Please be sure to post your thoughts on the 205 when it arrives! 👍

I absolutely love my Modwright Oppo 205. You will most likely never get customer service at this level again anywhere else. I can’t say enough good things about Modwright. My 205 locked up because of a bad board and I knew the problem wasn’t in the tube output stage since the problems started in the HT side of things. Dan said to send it in so he could take a look anyway. Even though the warranty is dead because of the Mods, Dan purchased and replaced the bad board for me. He only charged me for the board and no labor for the repairs. I argued that should pay him for labor but he wouldn’t have it.

chazzzy007

I just payed and made the order. Probably going to send it out tomorrow. What tubes/rectifers can u recommend?

@deanshias
I've owned my 205 for over a year and I cannot tell you how happy I am with my decision. Once you roll the rectifier and output tubes (IMO the stock tubes are syrupy warm and slow) you take your 205 from being a solid but not overly impressive DAC to a world class device

Dan and his staff at Modwright are amazing to work with and they 110% stand behind what they build.

Feel free to message me with any questions.
Good luck!

audiosaurusrex

what other gear including cabling is in your system?

Happy Listening!

I bought a Modwright oppo udp205 right after they were released and have been absolutely satisfied with it. Before, I was using a standard oppo bdp-103 that had great sound, but not close in comparison to the udp205.  (The idea of prior listening to an un-Modwrighted udp205 never occurred to me, and how could I have objectively compared the two after the time-span gap it would have taken to perform the modifications...?!)
Nevertheless, the sound quality is superb....there is a solidity and tonal purity when playing pureaudio BluRay discs that I had never heard before, and since I listen through a pair of Klipschorns (CJ preamp, modified Hafler amp, anticables, premium audioquest interconnects), I pretty much hear it all. The Sgt. Pepper Bluray will leave you astounded!

One thing that is CRITICAL to getting the proper sound from any oppo disc player is the configuration.... so immediately open the setup menu and configure it to your particular speaker setup, etc.
The udp205 comes factory-supplied to provide 7.1 sound; if you have only two speakers, etc. I guarantee if you don't do this that the first time you hear it you will be underwhelmed....that happened to me.  I was quite confused/upset by my udp205 upgrade purchase until I took the time to follow each step in the user manual.....and once I performed those steps, I was completely sold by how amazing the Modwrighted player sounds.
(These multiple settings, including the distance from the listener to the primary speakers, also allows you to set the "Crossover" which "allows you to set the Bass Management kick-in frequency for all speakers."  This setting can be changed while you listen to music, and the the results may surprise you....different discs for me alternate between 60Hz and 80Hz for the best sound.)

I like the approach that you're saying. But I like how versatile the Oppo is. Especially with all the formats. Have you heard the Modwright Oppo?  I know things look good on paper but can sound so different in reality.

Get a tube preamp like Schitt Freya+ and see if you like the tube sound. This will be much cheaper approach since you can easily sell the Freya.

What DAC would u run from the Oppo that would work better? 

There’s nothing you can achieve with a mod that you cannot achieve with a separate DAC which you can run straight from your Oppo. Probably less expensively, better SQ and with way more choices and flexibility. For the price of the mod you can get a great DAC. That system will also hold its resale value a lot better. You can get a DAC with tubes if you wish, but best place for tubes IMO is at preamp or receiver level.

Thanks everyone for the info. I will call them tomorrow. It seems like theres much more good reviews than bad ones. I do like rolling the tubes, so this might scratch the itch :)