Oppo BDP-103 & BDP-105 Universal Blu-ray Players :: Reviews & Opinions.

NorthStar

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If you actually ask for a description of what they do, there is some damping and isolation added to the transport mechanism. I think what she means is that there is no modification of the electronics leading to the HDMI out.

---- But Lloyd doesn't use the HDMI connection; he specifically mentioned that he uses the
SPDIF BNC connection out of his 83TUC.

This is new to me because ModWright, The Upgrade Company, Stock versions, Special Editions, NuForce Editions, and others; I was under the very strong impression that the analog stages were mostly the main emphasis of all these SE, SS, Tube, etc. modified players. ...And that their digital outs (HDMI, Coaxial, and Optical), were if not very similar, the exact same; coming out from them with the same 0s and 1s.

Isn't it the main reason to get an Oppo Special Version, or Modded Edition, ..., to get the improved Analog XLR Balanced Out connection? ...And use it, because if you don't, and in your system you are using strictly the Digital connection(s), then, from what I've read everywhere, and from everyone, you just need the stock 83, 93, & 103.

If I'm missing something here please someone enlighten me.
 

edorr

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---- But Lloyd doesn't use the HDMI connection; he specifically mentioned that he uses the
SPDIF BNC connection out of his 83TUC.

This is new to me because ModWright, The Upgrade Company, Stock versions, Special Editions, NuForce Editions, and others; I was under the very strong impression that the analog stages were mostly the main emphasis of all these SE, SS, Tube, etc. modified players. ...And that their digital outs (HDMI, Coaxial, and Optical), were if not very similar, the exact same; coming out from them with the same 0s and 1s.

Isn't it the main reason to get an Oppo Special Version, or Modded Edition, ..., to get the improved Analog XLR Balanced Out connection? ...And use it, because if you don't, and in your system you are using strictly the Digital connection(s), then, from what I've read everywhere, and from everyone, you just need the stock 83, 93, & 103.

If I'm missing something here please someone enlighten me.

Used as a digital transport only, Oppo recommends the base models (83, 93, 103) - no point getting the x5 models. Modwright does not claim his mods improve digital out, The Upgrade Company does.

For my money, if I wanted a better Oppo based digital transport, I would get a 93 with the Vanity93 digital out board. This reclocks the signal. Additional benefit is it will do a custom DSD to LPCM conversion at 176/24 and output this as 4x S/PDIF. I would also throw in Dr. Lee's $300 linear powersupply.... Come to think of it, this is exactly what I have at home!
 

NorthStar

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Just fore kicks, you should ask David Schulte of the upgrade company what he did to the 83SE to get better digital out though....

---- Better than that; give Dan from ModWright an 83TUC and ask him his expert opinion (listening and change of internals plus measurements) as to both the analog and DIGITAL outputs of that player, and as compared to both a stock and SS modded Oppo 95. ...Add the Tube modded one too for prefered measure. :b

BUT! If Lloyd says what he just said; then that too counts!
 

NorthStar

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The audio mods are for analog, I believe.
But with the linear power upgrade, the pq is improved.

---- Ha! Very good point there, because I've read some' to that effect.
But you need hawkeyes (eagle's eyes) to notice that difference. And even then, are you always wearing your prescription glasses, or contact lenses, or when was the last time you were at the eye's specialist clinic (oculist)?

...Ear doctor? ;)
 

edorr

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---- Better than that; give Dan from ModWright an 83TUC and ask him his expert opinion (listening and change of internals plus measurements) as to both the analog and DIGITAL outputs of that player, and as compared to both a stock and SS modded Oppo 95. ...Add the Tube modded one too for prefered measure. :b

BUT! If Lloyd says what he just said; then that too counts!

I had an Upgrade Company modded Denon 3910 and wanted Alex Peychev to put in a new clock and powersupply in addition to TUC mods. David S. was not happy about the notion of another modder seeing his mods, and insisted he would put in the clock himself (although he opposes upgrading clocks). I ended up getting the Peychev mods anyway. I still have the 3910 with $1800 worth of mods sitting unused somewhere. Guess I could try selling it. It is a pretty good digital transport.
 

NorthStar

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Used as a digital transport only, Oppo recommends the base models (83, 93, 103) - no point getting the x5 models. Modwright does not claim his mods improve digital out, The Upgrade Company does.

---- Ha, The Upgrade Company improves the Digital Output. Here ya go then! :b
Question solved!

Good to go Lloyd. :b ...But now, if only it could also play DVDs.

For my money, if I wanted a better Oppo based digital transport, I would get a 93 with the Vanity93 digital out board. This reclocks the signal. Additional benefit is it will do a custom DSD to LPCM conversion at 176/24 and output this as 4x S/PDIF. I would also throw in Dr. Lee's $300 linear powersupply....
Come to think of it, this is exactly what I have at home!

---- Hey Congrats, and thanx for the tip! :cool:
 

NorthStar

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I had an Upgrade Company modded Denon 3910 and wanted Alex Peychev to put in a new clock and powersupply in addition to TUC mods. David S. was not happy about the notion of another modder seeing his mods, and insisted he would put in the clock himself (although he opposes upgrading clocks). I ended up getting the Peychev mods anyway. I still have the 3910 with $1800 worth of mods sitting unused somewhere. Guess I could try selling it. It is a pretty good digital transport.

---- Ed, I really appreciate your inputs. :b

I just don't know these gentlemen enough and how they truly operate and perform in life, with people and audio/video electronics; Alex Peychev, David Schulte (it's not Schultz?), & Dan (from ModWright).

I just read some from the people having the mods performed in their players, by them gentlemen.

____________________

Speaking of Denon, their 'talon d'Achille' are their faulty transports; they just don't last, they just break down! ...On vast average, from personal, and reading experience.
I know so, I own(ed) many of their players (all type; CD, SACD, DVD-A, DVD-V, Universal).
...Panasonic very similar (lens readings are weak). ...Sony transports are better, but not always if not properly implemented in other players.

I luv the transport of my 103; silky smooth. :b ...Reliability is VERY VERY VERY important in our hobby; and it's tough to measure in a professional review (impossible).

Only the owners (us the real customers) can reveal that very important aspect of a product's manufacturer.

Almost everyone forgot about this prime value (just look at all the plastic used in Blu-ray players, Receivers, etc.)! :eek:
But even 60 pounds behemoths (Universal players) made of pure steel chrome alloy, to restrain King Kong, can brake down just like that as well! ...Snap of two fingers!
 
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edorr

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---- Ed, I really appreciate your inputs. :b

I just don't know these gentlemen enough and how they truly operate and perform in life, with people and audio/video electronics; Alex Peychev, David Schulte (it's not Schultz?), & Dan (from ModWright).

I just read some from the people having the mods performed in their players, by them gentlemen.

____________________

Speaking of Denon, their 'talon d'Achille' are their faulty transports; they just don't last, they just break down! ...On vast average, from personal, and reading experience.
I know so, I own(ed) many of their players (all type; CD, SACD, DVD-A, DVD-V, Universal).
...Panasonic very similar (lens readings are weak). ...Sony transports are better, but not always if not properly implemented in other players.

I luv the transport of my 103; silky smooth. :b ...Reliability is VERY VERY VERY important in our hobby; and it's tough to measure in a professional review (impossible).

Only the owners (us the real customers) can reveal that very important aspect of a product's manufacturer.

Almost everyone forgot about this prime value (just look at all the plastic used in Blu-ray players, Receivers, etc.)! :eek:
But even 60 pounds behemoths (Universal players) made of pure steel chrome alloy, to restrain Kink Kong, can brake down just like that as well! ...Snap of two fingers!

My Denon 3910 with $1,800 mods does not read SACD anymore - transport or laser / reader issue I presume. Otherwise I never had a transport failure. My Marantz UD9004 had the best build quality of all the transports I ever owned.

I am currently avoiding all mods, unless it is the only way to get a specific feature, such as the Vanity93 digi out board. I hate the economics of modding - You write off almost the entire mod value, right out of the gate.
 

MarinJim

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---- Ha! Very good point there, because I've read some' to that effect.
But you need hawkeyes (eagle's eyes) to notice that difference. And even then, are you always wearing your prescription glasses, or contact lenses, or when was the last time you were at the eye's specialist clinic (oculist)?

...Ear doctor? ;)
I have a Runco 50" plasma with new 1080p processor, and sit 6" away.;). And here is Dan:

"
modwright

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Re: Question! Oppo BDP-105 Mod Options!
« Reply #23 on: 28 Nov 2012, 10:32 pm »
The LPS supply will improve the video, because it will provide better and cleaner power to all video processing chips. This includes all HDMI and digital out audio and video circuits.

I am working on the proto board right now!

Thanks,

Dan W.
 

LL21

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Gents,

I am not hear to defend any companies, mods or otherwise...i further admit i am no techie. All I can say is that when i hooked up the 95...i was superexcited to just put the 83 away as a spare...and i literally felt ill having spent in the hundreds on something which sounded notably flatter and duller. On BNC digital out. No idea why...and believe me, i hate 'wasting money'...i abhor it. So i tried the A/B/A/B/A/B, almost desperately trying to convince myself they were the same, indistinguishable. Frankly, they're not, and the only marginal reason why i am less upset than last nite is because the quote to actually repair and replace the laser pick up was more than i was originatelly 'guestimated'...so i am closer to break even. so i keep the 83 for music and play the 95 for movies. not efficient, not an 'accretive' use of money...but not a total loss.

Is it possible it needs to 'break in'? i would not have thought so. The 95 digital out is fine...just sounds like a dvd player being used as transport...instead of a good quality transport (the 83). Again, the Audio Aero La Source was definitively better, but the gulf between the La Source and TUC 83 was not as great as that between TUC 83 and 95. Predominantly, the La Source and 83 felt like high quality system music...the 95 took it down to hifi. no sense belaboring the point...i am satisfied to keep the 95 given the laser pick up replacement cost of the TUC 83 plus shipping. And i will keep my eye out for Zanden transport 2nd hand when the right price comes along to replace the 83. ;)
 
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edorr

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I have a Runco 50" plasma with new 1080p processor, and sit 6" away.;). And here is Dan:

"
modwright

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Re: Question! Oppo BDP-105 Mod Options!
« Reply #23 on: 28 Nov 2012, 10:32 pm »
The LPS supply will improve the video, because it will provide better and cleaner power to all video processing chips. This includes all HDMI and digital out audio and video circuits.

I am working on the proto board right now!

Thanks,

Dan W.

I was not aware he upgraded the digital PS, but I checked and he does indeed fiddle with the PS for digital it in the 95 mod, and will probably do even more to it in the 105 mod. So I was incorrect stating the Modwright mods don't impact the digital output.
 

NorthStar

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My Denon 3910 with $1,800 mods does not read SACD anymore - transport or laser / reader issue I presume. Otherwise I never had a transport failure. My Marantz UD9004 had the best build quality of all the transports I ever owned.

I am currently avoiding all mods, unless it is the only way to get a specific feature, such as the Vanity93 digi out board. I hate the economics of modding - You write off almost the entire mod value, right out of the gate.

---- Like I said, I have various Denon players (3930CI among them), and they ALL failed!

...Or taking a really long time to read CDs, or not being able to read SACDs no more, or to not being able to adjust the lens to an Hybrid Multichannel SACD; like it cannot switch between the CD layer, the Stereo SACD layer, and the Multichannel SACD layer. ...And I'm not talking about players that took years to develop those very serious and frustrating issues; but within two years of owning them (& brand new)!
And there isn't a guy who took more better care of his electronic equipment here than I on this planet! ...Just ask Mom.

__________________

The only thing I truly want in life is the perfect transport (lasting, durable, silent), the perfect sound :)D), and very affordable.
But most importantly: SIMPLICITY & JOY. :b

As for Analog or Digital, I just don't give a rat squat square date bridge plyers axe fat mat loony moose!

-- ;)
 

rbbert

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I'll chime in to agree here about Denon,very nice sounding players for the price, but I've had two since 2000, neither modified in any way, each lasted only about 4 years before laser failure and a prohibitively expensive repair bill. One was used only in my HT/2nd system, it couldn't have been used more than 2 hrs/d, probably less.
 

NorthStar

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I have a Runco 50" plasma with new 1080p processor, and sit 6" away.;). And here is Dan:

"
modwright

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Re: Question! Oppo BDP-105 Mod Options!
« Reply #23 on: 28 Nov 2012, 10:32 pm »
The LPS supply will improve the video, because it will provide better and cleaner power to all video processing chips. This includes all HDMI and digital out audio and video circuits.

I am working on the proto board right now!

Thanks,

Dan W.

---- I believe you, because I know a thing or two about the Ayre Acoustics DX5 "Universal A/V Engine": $9,950

One has just to look inside to have an idea.
By the way, that player is based around an Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player.
 

rbbert

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And I admit to still being baffled about Lloyd's experience with the 83 vs the 95 used as a transport. As I said, mechanically the transport of the 95 is notably and obviously better than that of the 83; I know there is more to the "sound" of a transport than just its mechanical properties, but still...

A couple of things to consider with the 95: it sounds better both on its own and as a transport with the cover removed (I have mine on shelf 2 of my rack), and depending on the galvanic isolation of the DAC used it may well sound better with a glass Toslink rather than coax (no BNC available on the stock unit, of course)
 

LL21

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And I admit to still being baffled about Lloyd's experience with the 83 vs the 95 used as a transport. As I said, mechanically the transport of the 95 is notably and obviously better than that of the 83; I know there is more to the "sound" of a transport than just its mechanical properties, but still...

A couple of things to consider with the 95: it sounds better both on its own and as a transport with the cover removed (I have mine on shelf 2 of my rack), and depending on the galvanic isolation of the DAC used it may well sound better with a glass Toslink rather than coax (no BNC available on the stock unit, of course)

Hi Rbbert...i have no idea. it feels to me like some kind of shielding, isolation of some sort. sound is not as mechanical. a complete WAG.
 

MarinJim

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