Reference disc player...UDP 205 or Marantz?

I believe Marantz has developed a "house sound" that is reasonably consistent across their product line.  As audiophiles, we utilize an extensive vocabulary of adjectives to describe what we hear from specific components and systems. Marantz has succeeded in producing a line of equipment where "musical" is a term aptly applied to their gear. The combination of frequency balance, smoothness of texture, openness of soundscape and dynamic realism are qualities that help define that musicality.  As the owner of an SA 8005 SACD player, I was truly gratified to see and feel the high quality of manufacture and well planned circuit layout.  Dan Wright of Modwright Instruments affirmed my perception by deciding to offer his tube modifications to the Marantz player citing the sensible circuit layout and quality of manufacture as reasons he wanted to work on elevating its already outstanding performance.  Interestingly, Modwright has also worked on Oppo units as well.

Recognizing Oppo's fine reputation in the audiophile community, I would agree with the OP's observation that the Marantz players are dedicated to audio only as opposed to the Oppo's serving both audio and video purposes. So, if the OP is looking for an audio only unit, the Marantz would likely be the best way to go.

@rnrmf1971  First thing.  I have no basis to dispute what you heard with the Modwright modified Oppo BPD 105D in your system.  Anecdotal evidence however, evidence reported on this forum by many members, flies in the face of your unique experience.  

I have a Modwright modded Marantz SA8005.  The stock Marantz sounded very musically satisfying.  After talking with Dan Wright I decided to take the plunge and entrust my player to him as he sought to upgrade its performance with his proprietary tube analogue board and outboard tube rectified power supply.  The workmanship and attention to detail is astonishing.  In my system, the musicality is stunning!  I can't hear one parameter of sound that has not been improved and feel I am hearing results far in excess to the investment I made with Modwright.

The OP here could buy a stock machine, Marantz or Oppo, with the option to have its performance upgraded in the future as funds permit.

I don't know why the Modwright player sounded unsatisfactory in your system, but I presume your experience was system dependent.  I'm glad you were able to sell the modded machine and acquire a stock machine that, in your system, you found more satisfying.  

It would be helpful if you would be willing to describe your system here to give context to your experience.

@rnrmf1971 

Thanks so much for your response.  I too prefer a richer, more musical, especially a smoothness of texture music through my system.

Perhaps tube rolling may have helped a bit.  I found the included Jan/Phillips tubes in my modded player to have a hardness about them.  I prefer the NOS Tung-Sols I am currently using.  Also, as you observed, your cables at that time were on the brighter side and may, therefore, not have produced an enjoyable resulting sound.

The good news is that it seems like you have worked your way toward a more musically satisfying system now.

@rnrmf1971 

Thanks so much for your response.  I too prefer a richer, more musical, especially a smoothness of texture music through my system.

Perhaps tube rolling may have helped a bit.  I found the included Jan/Phillips tubes in my modded player to have a hardness about them.  I prefer the NOS Tung-Sols I am currently using.  Also, as you observed, your cables at that time were on the brighter side and may, therefore, not have produced an enjoyable resulting sound.

The good news is that it seems like you have worked your way toward a more musically satisfying system now.

@rudge   I believe you are referring to the Marantz SA8005?  If so, I concur as I have the Modwright version of that player as well and the sound./build quality is outstanding!

@pirius   If you are stating that Modwright is replacing the Marantz drive in its modded machines with an Oppo  drive I believe you are incorrect.  In fact, the quality of the Marantz drive and overall circuit layout is what Dan Wright found attractive, leading him to develop a mod for it.