Modwright Oppo BDP83

Thx Nat,

Reading with interest.

M

Same here, thanks.

Anyone know if the UK distibutor will be doing the mods at any stage?

Sorry Guys. I've been away for a few days. Got back and watched Star Trek last night. My Zu sub hasn't had a workout like that before! Fantastic movie too. I don't see how they could have improved it.
I will get back to evaluating the audio performance in the next couple days.
Nat

Looking forward to your comments.

WRT Star Trek:

I think they nailed the characterisations; the plot has more logic holes in it than a colander!

Live Long and Prosper.

M

So what are the differences between the Modwright Oppo BDP-83 and BDP-83SE? How does the standard player stack up against them?

Dan replaces the entire analog output stage with one of his own design, adds a new clock and upgrades the power supplies. The BDP83SE uses a different DAC chip and upgrades the analog output parts.
The modded player SMOKES the BDP83. It has a very lively presentation with redbook cd, but really shines with high-res material. Bluray, SACD and DVD-Audio are impressive. I am hoping the digital out is good into the new Naim DAC and that it can be a total solution with all the silver discs!
I have not listened to the BDP83SE, but Dan has promised a mod for that one as well.

The Modwright BDP-83 is breaking in nicely and I have done some comparisons with the Supernait DAC. Both are excellent and with cd-res material equally matched. I find the SN has a slightly more relaxed quality and maybe just a little less grain on less than stellar recordings. It also has a little bit darker sound which is very pleasant. The Modwright Oppo is more forward and energetic (not expected). The low end is rhythmic and powerful. Almost like the CDX2 sound as I recall. The SN more like the CD5x. I could live with and enjoy either, but happily I have both.
On high-res material, (bluray and sacd) the modwright is stellar. With a more solid feel to everything. It's really pure sounding with well recorded material. I was watching Carlos Santana Presents Blues at Montreux, which has Buddy Guy as the closing act. Buddy is my favorite guitarist and I have seen him countless times live. When I was younger, I saw him at Blues Alley in Washington D.C. and he had his drink on our table! The sound of the bluray is like having him in the room. His vocals as he moves away from and closer to the microphone sound live. The groove of the band is right on (if you've seen him live, you know what I mean).
I am hoping that the Naim DAC will take me even closer to the real thing as well as allow me to set up a server-based system. But I am very pleased with my purchase.
I hope this helps all those that were interested. Doing my best to describe what I've heard.
Nat

Thx Nat,

I know, describing sound quality is similar to describing the taste of wine - makes you feel very self conscious.

It is a help.

From my POV I'm trying to decide how to get HiRes files into my system:

Option 1:
HiRes player - a la Oppo; burn files to DVD.

Option 2:
Computer.
I have a lot of reservations as I know just plugging my laptop power supply into the same mains as my system effects my amps.

Option 3:
Audio Computer - a la HDX.

On this basis Option 1 is the cheapest - and enables me to tap into HiRes on BluRay.


Still thinking,

Cheers

M

Just got Porcupine Tree "Stupid Dream" and listening on DVD-A. Huge sound and really good stuff. Also played Suitcase Pimps "Love is Grand" on SACD, one of my favorites. Next will be The Killers and Kings of Leon on bluray.
This high-res flexibiliy is great and a lot of fun!
Nat

Option #3 (HDX) would be my first choice as well, but not possible with my current finances (yet). I can probably stretch to the DAC this summer and the Modwright is keeping me happy for now. For $1500 total it's a no-brainer for me.
Nat

Are you saying the modwright mods and player cost $1500? Did you get the works or was there more tweaks you did not opt for?

Yes, the mods were $950 and the player $499. I only did the 2 channel mods. Dan does a multi channel mod ($1295), but I prefer 2 channel.
Nat