Best universal disc player that has great audio reproduction?

My bet is that tubes in your source would be of tremendous benefit based on your equipment list and especially if you could run the music server into the MW Oppo as well. The tube output stage is a revelation.

Dave

Hi uberwalz,

If you go with the C5xeMP or the Modwright mod, either one, you won’t ever feel that you are losing out on some ultimate quality. You won’t be.

Can your system’s sound benefit from some tubes or not would be my only question?

Btw, the C5xeMP is a true universal player FOR AUDIO.

Dave

Hi uberwalz,

Keep an eye out for used MW 105's. Usually less expensive than the mod itself on an existing player and sellers usually throw in other goodies (tubes, better umbilical cord, etc).

Santa may need to talk with his banker if the right deal comes along. ;)   

Dave

As with any other component (cords/cables make a significant difference). The margin of improvement  (large) will remain the same between the stock Oppo and the MW Oppo or the C5xeMP with the same improved cabling.

Owner/fan of SR cables and cords, but spending $2-4k on a PC or an IC for a stock Oppo vs the same/less for the MW mod is just plain bad advice IMO.

Off topic, but try the Cerious Graphene speaker cables compared to the Atmosphere Level 4 before the latter’s return period has expired. You may be shocked and your wallet fatter for the effort.

Dave

How did you use speaker cables on the Oppo? My recommendation was for the Cerious Graphene speaker cables only. I too use SR ICs and power cords.

Still bad advice vs the MW Oppo mod. Have you heard that too? I have.

I had and have no hopes of reaching you but would like to see uberwaltz make the best decision. Adding power cords and ICs that cost as much as his player is.....bad advice. Save that for later when his source is top drawer.

Dave

Good deal. You may find that the Cardas ICs/PCs are holding your system back re: open sound and dynamics, but, as you say, that is all about system synergy and preference.

Dave

You act like you are the first person to discover SR. Been using their stuff since 2009 and moved up the ladder to newer lines over the time since. On my second Powercell and wouldn’t be without one.

I especially like their power cords and have yet to hear them bettered. IME, the higher lines get the best sound from whatever they are associated with. However, when current, their better products are priced beyond what most are willing to invest and IMO should invest for use in a "modestly priced" system. They take a big hit on resale value as you already know since that is how you procure them: from those that stay on the cable/cord merry-go-round and can afford to take the hit (like upper-end DACs).

Those that have budgeting constraints may find the older X2 and Tesla series active power cords are a true sonic bargain when paired with Michael Spallone’s $55 MPC upgrade. A ~$300+ total investment that still delivers superb results alongside their newer and pricier cables/cords. I find the Tesla "SE" and Element series very useful in fine tuning a system via the included bullets and probably the best value for those willing to spend a little/lot more.

Seems like you are more interested in touting your new cables than providing realistic and solid advice to others, although I agree with you re: experimenting before buying pricey cables/cords.

Dave

I actually think you made solid cable recommendations, kp. Just that it doesn't fit the situation here based on reading uberwaltz's posts.

God bless to you as well.

Dave