Look at the review on 6moons in which they discuss the modified Shanling as compared to the Raysonic 168 (and look at their review of the 128). You can do the math yourself, but my interpertation of the review is that they preferred the unmod'd 168 which they previously found only marginally better that the 128. BTW, I suspect the "...look the same" is limited to the shape of the case. I suspect the innards are different as is the transport section. I have the 128 and I certainly have no hesitation in recommending it, especially with different tubes than provided. Of course tube choice is system and personal preference dependent.
FWIW.
FWIW.