Oppodigital Modification BDP-105D BDP-103D & and other brands & networked digital players

(Note: This ad is for the modification of the Darby Edition Oppo units BDP-105D and BDP-103D. The price listed in the ad does NOT include the original price for the unmodified player itself, which you need to also pay shipping from Oppo to us. Our modification price that is listed does cover shipping back to you after modification if you are in the continental USA. If you are international, we can give you a shipping a quote as well. If you have any questions, please message us before bidding. Thank you).

In the words of The Absolute Sound’s Robert Harley, Stereo Dave's Audio Alternative is a “small, but passionate” (TAS #229, Feb 2007) audio company in Gresham, Oregon (near Portland). We make our own custom-made, crossoverless single-driver speakers (that really work), subwoofers, interconnects, and speaker cables. We have also been modifying audio components of different makes and models for over a decade. We specialize in Pioneer players and receivers, Harman Kardon receivers and amplifiers, but are able to modify many more makes and models. We also now modify networked digital audio players.

We have developed a new, innovative method to modify audio and video equipment. My late boss, Dave Herren, a well-known modifier in the Northwest that was in business for 25 years in the Portland area, had previously worked on modifying equipment by replacing capacitors that ran through certain key signal paths, thereby improving electron flow and allowing the machines to have much better fidelity in both audio and video. Our new proprietary modification is simpler yet more thorough at the same time. Our process improves the functioning and efficiency of all the capacitors and other electronic components of the modified unit, affecting not only specific signal paths but improving electron flow throughout the entire machine. This modification can turn simple, less expensive pieces of audio equipment into pieces that rival others costing thousands more. Like Dave, we continually find new ways to improve the sound of our speakers and component modifications.

UPDATE: The latest upgrades to our modification has been quite a leap forward especially on these two units. The scope of which we can modify them has improved vastly and the results are even better than before.

We have been hearing a lot about both the Oppo Digital BDP-103D and BDP-105D Blu-ray players. According to what we have read, the Darby edition upgrades on the Oppo units, made a substantial difference in the audio and the video as compared to the previous unmodified Oppo models that they are based upon. We decided to see how much our new modifications could improve these Darby edition players, in terms of both audio and video.

Out of the box, both units sounded a bit digital, thin on the top and generally lean, with a rather truncated bass floor. The 105D was better out of the box in terms of bass depth, but still could stand to be more focused and defined. They were also a bit muddy generally, and had some clarity issues, as well as a lack of extension on the top end. The video on the BDP-105D was quite stunning (which incorporates a Silicon Image VRS ClearView video processor) but had some room for improvement. The BDP-103D, however, was rather flat looking with a lack of detail and three-dimensionality, but both were improved from their previous non-Darby models. This was rather puzzling, as both players reportedly run the same video processor. But based on what we read (and our own experience), these Oppo players require an extended break-in period. After breaking in both players over a number of days, the sound and video did improve: both players had a less digital flavor, less lean character, and lower bass floor. But even though the players’ deficiencies were less pronounced, they were still noticeably present. We felt our upgraded modification could remedy these shortcomings to a large degree.

These pieces required their own unique, special modification compared to other units we had previously modified. After modification, the sound and video performance of both players improved significantly. The BDP-103D obtained a smoother, more analog musical sound and a much lower bass floor. It was more detailed with better location, and was less thin and bright, removing almost all of it’s digital signature that was present in the piece when we started. It was also significantly clearer with the muddiness dissipating and the stage expanding, and taking on more “air” and extension. The black levels, three-dimensionality, and contrast of the video also improved, making it quite stunning when modified.

The modification to the BDP-105D resulted in more substantial, darker, deeper, and tighter bass when compared to the unmodified Oppo BDP-105D. The presentation had a larger, wider sound stage and much improved location. Bloom and air was significantly improved. Not only was there improved air around the instruments, but the top end now had a bloom that was previously non-existent The tone was more musical, richer, and more live, with all digital brittleness now absent. The video also gained detail and more vivid color tone, while still maintaining its black level and contrast. Three-dimensionality was also improved.

When modified, the BDP-103D becomes really quite excellent in audio, with a much more analog sound than the 103 has ever had previously. In terms of video, the improvement after the modification was truly stunning. After the BDP-105D is modified, its audio goes from very good to stunning, which in our opinion, has never been the case with an Oppo player before. In terms of video, the BDP-105D it’s performance goes from excellent to amazing, and unmatched.

In over a decade in modifying numerous pieces of many brands and makes, we have never had a modified unit returned from an unsatisfied customer. Our regular modification price is $375 for these Oppo units, which includes shipping in the continental US. The modifications to the Oppo Digital BDP-103D and BDP-105D turn a highly reviewed stock machine into a much more satisfying piece that competes quite favorably with pieces costing much more.

Specifications

See Oppodigital site for full list of specifications for each unit.

Price for the stock Oppo BDP-105: $1,299.

Price for the stock Oppo BDP-103: $599

Customer Feedback

Every once in a while, we get emails back from customers that take the time to let us know how they liked their modified units.

"Hi Sean

I had a chance to do some listening to the modified Oppo (103) player and was not prepared for the difference in sound I heard compared to the stock unit. Most noticeably, the sound stage has hugely expanded, which, upon first hearing, made me shake my head in disbelief. The location of the instruments is more precise and the low end frequency much more palpable. There is just "more" of everything in the presentation of the music. I have had many mods done to my audio equipment over the years and your mod ranks near the top of the list for the degree for sonic improvement for the investment. You mod is a huge improvement over the already fine stock unit. Thanks a million!"

Mark from California

"Sean,

I love the sound of the modified (Pioneer blu-ray|) player. I have it hooked up using the analog inputs. I didn’t change anything in my set up except to swap players. It sounds way different than the Denon 2900: better in every way. The biggest difference for me was how the player made the speakers disappear. Does that make sense? Music sounded ok with the Denon, but it was just a source to play cd’s, nothing special.

I listen to all types of music: swing music from the 30’s and 40’s, Latin or Salsa music for dancing, smooth jazz for night time listening, 70’s soft rock and classic rock. I’m all over the board. The player did make a difference in the presentation of the music. One example is the bass: the Denon’s bass was rather bloated. I didn’t notice this until i had the chance to listen to the Pioneer. The Pioneer’s bass was more natural. The bass blended better with the music and didn’t sound like it was “in your face”.

The vocals sound great as well. Even my 14 year old commented on how the voices sounded smoother and more natural. He even mentioned that it sounded like there was a center channel speaker hidden somewhere for the voices to come out of and “float in the air”. Nope, just my Tekton Lore speakers.

The Pioneer has taken my listening enjoyment to a new level. Kudos to whoever designed the mod because it does sound awesome!"

Thank you,


Javier

Here is feedback from one of our modified HK 990 units from a customer:

Sean,

"Forgive the late feedback, but just to say I absolutely love the amp. This is just the sound I was looking for."

Thank you,


Andrew

Australia