EVS modded BDP-83 , or separate DAC ?

La45 - I have looked at a couple of other Oppo modder's work, but unless i am mistaken, they charge considerably more than Ric does, for what seems to be the same amount of mods.

BTW, here is what I am considering having Ric do to the BDP-83 ;

MBBM (Mind Blowing Baby Mod) $85

Basic level mod: $195

EVS two channel output stage plus modded discrete regulators: $250

Better regulator and power supply parts for the two channel DAC. $100

Total $630

Now, that same $630 will get me one of the VERY, VERY good DACs I've already mentioned. Leaves me wondering if this boils down to personal choice alone, or if ONE of my choices may be leaps and bounds better.

I would speak to those folks that had the mod done and get their feedback. Very difficult on this forum to answer your question. A DAC vs a Mod has so many sides to it, I would have to know more about what you are ultimately trying to do.

As far as the DAC situation goes, get a money back guarantee if possible and try at least 3 different DACs before deciding. Its the best way to live with yourself since its ultimately your decision. In a Mod situation, it will be difficult but you should ask anyway.

Im not positive but isnt the MBBM a part of the basic mod?
put that money into a jensen cap at $75. Verify with Ric.

My experience with the BD83 and mods is this. I purchased the stock BP83 and though it sounded poorly at best at audio, is was/is great on video. Then the BDP83SE came out so I gave my 83 to Oppo who upgraded it to the SE version. Audio performance leaped almost in the league of my Neko D100 stand alone DAC. Being happy but never content with audio I gave my Oppo SE to Rick Schultz and for $250 made this a near reference level player IMHO. More mods can be performed and at the time, this made sense. Rick likes to perform mods in stages. He has a wealth of knowledge and will share what he knows willingly. He's also constantly tweaking his mods in an effort to make them better.

Standalone DAC's generally are in another league and work well depending upon the level of your system.
Good Luck