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Best SACD: Modwright OPPO vs Esoteric X03 series?

There seem to be about 5 of each available on Audiogon right now for about $3k +/- $300. I can maybe stretch my budget and lay my hands on cash in few days. In the mean time, I need to decide which type is likely to sound better. I am running a hodge-podge system made from a few 'over achievers' and a lot of attention to detail. Amps are 600w D-Sonic and the preamp is a W4S STP buffered passive. Speakers are 6.1 Genesis and most of my cabling is from Kaplan or his new Waevform Fidelity. I have no chance to audition either model as the Milwaukee area is kind of an audiophile dessert, and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has.
mcbuddah
talk2me's avatar
talk2me
325 posts
 
I was the first person to send my Oppo to ModWright. It is a fantastic digital "Swiss Army knife". And with tube rolling it is even better. I sold it to get the new ModWright Elyse DAC, which uses 6922 tubes and Burr Brown PCM1794 DAC chip. Honestly, the Elyse takes digital to a whole different higher level. I am using my Elyse with an Oppo 93 right now. I tried a Esoteric DV-60 as transport, but the Oppo 93 was just as capable. If you can, try out the new Elyse DAC. It also kills my old GNSC Wadia S7i and Burmester 089.
henrycai's avatar
henrycai
120 posts
 
Bdp...Thank You that's my point....if anyone is interested there is a review on the Modwright-Oppo BDP-105 with Modifications in The absolute Sound- issue248-December 2014, Dan only did Mods on the stereo 2 channel part of the player, so were talking high end sound by replacing everything or mostly everything in this area...Plus a huge tube (3) Power supply, which is one the most important parts of any high end equipment...Plus it is a Tube player, which in itself brings something special 2 the sound...which some people call tube magic...I have owned other Modwright equipment...the Man knows what he's doing......
henrycai's avatar
henrycai
120 posts
 
Talk2me, thanks for the info...something for me 2 think about. I just bought the Oppo Modwright which just received The absolute Sound Editor's choice Award.... I do except it 2 sound great n enjoy it....but I do love 2 try Players..... This is at least my 13 Player....so when I get the bug ill do what you did.....Plus its so important 2 have First Rate Customer Service like you get from Modwright...Enjoy your new setup...but remember you still have 2 shut it off n go 2 work lol....Be well
bachtoven's avatar
bachtoven
23 posts
 
I just came across this thread, which I realize is a bit old. I have a stock Oppo 105 and an Esoteric K-03, and while neither is identical to the OP's comparison pieces, I can absolutely say that the Esoteric is far more transparent, detailed, and overall more musical. The Oppo is only better in a few minor functional ways: it fast-forwards/rewinds faster, and it can directly play files from a USB drive. (The Esoteric requires a computer attached plus connection software.)
jafant
18,792 posts
 
As I reported last year, I like the Esoteric for SACD playback only.
There are better rbcd spinners, IMO.
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