Mr Mobius Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 Hi will shortly be getting my new (second hand) Meitner MA1 DAC, Concert Fidelity CF-080LSX2 pre and Lamm Ref M1.2 power amps. I am keen for advice on what source would be best for me. The options (at this stage) are a Linn Klimax DS/0 Renew streamer, having my Oppo 105 D moded (I am thinking about modwright) or a Laufer Teknik Memory Player 64. I play mostly (nearly all) of my music currently out of my iPad via USB from Tidal although I do have a lot of CDs that I only seldom listen to. Also I notice that Tidal is coming to Oppo soon (on board). I also have a lot of lower res itune albums - and might consider more hi res downloads in the future. I listen to a wide range of music though no rock or classical and not so much 'new' pop. What should I be considering in terms of: Fit with the rest of my system sound wise How I currently source music in relation to the three options above (and any other options that I should consider) Connection between the above possible sources and my DAC/Pre above Inputs into my source from say an iPad, Mac Mini, Tidal (on board the iPad or Oppo) etc. Future flexibility. I am really confused re inputs (into these), outputs, quality etc (been with my all in one intrated with DAC on board for so long I have forgotten how to 'build a system - or maybe the world as moved on a tad. I know that there are great reviews for the moded Oppo, and that the Linn got great reviews back in its time but it's now been superceded by several models that sounds better (according to what I read). And what few reviews there are about the Memory 64 are very positive - but few and far between. In terms of cost the Linn is $5,500 NZ, the Oppo mod would cost me about $3.5K NZ (I already own the oppo) and the Memory 64 $8k which is really above the upper end of my $s but I want to do this right - and once. Thanks in advance for any thoughts - much appreciated. Chers Stu
Assisi Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 Stu, Stay with NZ and buy an Antipodes DX. Both a fantastic product and NZ company to deal with. John 1
Mr Mobius Posted June 30, 2015 Author Posted June 30, 2015 Hi John. That's an interesting option to toss into the mix. I have read great reviews on Mark's (from Antipodes) players/streamers and would love to put his DX Ref into the mix and get your thoughts - and also those of other people. I have also dealt with Mark on some cables and he was great. As I have his interconnects and a third party power cable that he sourced you have also now got me thinking re his speaker cables. I am currently running MIT AVt2s as speaker cables which might be less than optimal for the new setup. Cheers Stu
JohnL Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 (edited) Mr Mobius, Regarding potential OPPO 105 mods I cannot speak highly enough of Custom Analogues' Level 4 mod. www.customanalogue.com/index.html Now available in NZ from Audio Reference and cheaper too. (just over NZD$2K) www.audioreference.co.nz/product/oppo-bdp105d-jlti-reference-edition-multi-channel-universal-player-multi-region My main personal concern with the Modwright approach is the tube output stage. Why introduce the inherent distortion of a tube at source level? Everything downstream then has to deal with a compromised signal which must surely degrade the entire systems performance. Of course if YOU are a tube fan and like the resulting sound then that's all that matters!! Cheers Edited June 30, 2015 by JohnL 2
davewantsmoore Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 Memory 64 This is the first time I had heard of this. I read their patent application... wow. Avoid.
davewantsmoore Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 Why introduce the inherent distortion of a tube at source level? Depending on the application tubes can be some of the most linear amplifying devices available. The whole idea that they are a path to harmonic distortion is based on their mis-application and/or old circuits. The "sound of tubes" is a poor generalisation based on poor implementation. That being said, you can get low enough distortion with either (ss or values) - all comes down to the circuit.... so there's no 'magic' in tubes either. ... and for what it's worth, I agree, I'd prefer to go to Joe ..... but not because "tubes are always fuzzy" 4
Mr Mobius Posted June 30, 2015 Author Posted June 30, 2015 Thanks so far (all other comments really appreciated so please keep cogitating and reverting:) for the thoughtbuds I suspect I have 'jumped in the deep end' tube wise - if you look at my first posting above re the pre and power amps I have on the way. Never done 'fuzzy logic' before though I also have an Airtight ATM 2 that I bought some time ago and have yet to set up (customer table arriving on Friday so get that into the system) I have a set of EAT KT88 matched Gold Diamonds for it - whatever that means though it should be all accounts means sublime. Interesting re the Oppo 105 JLTi Ref. I already own the 105D but could sell it and get the JLTi. Has anyone heard it - and also heard a comparison with the Modwright? I forgot to say in my first post, this is a combined 2 channel music and AV setup so I also need to take that into account. Quantity time AV but quality time music. Cheers again Stu
Mr Mobius Posted June 30, 2015 Author Posted June 30, 2015 PS I also love the Perreaux E250i 40th special edition I have so this is kind of all a very risky and a rather expensive experiment. I do still have the Perreaux (at the moment) if I ever need to 'turn back' Those of you who have seen my previous post will know that I had a much loved 'woofer' who passed away a few months ago and while I still have the 18 year old mad one this new audio journey is possibly trying to... I seem to have even totally changed my taste in music over night (even before the NSH i.e. new (to me) second hand kit that is inbound). Now listening to a lot more soul, blues, jazz etc - and vocal. I use to listen to music that my family complained - had no words at all.
agisthos Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 Good luck getting a Laufer Teknik Memory player. I know someone who ordered one in 2013, fully optioned, and are still waiting to receive it.
Mr Mobius Posted June 30, 2015 Author Posted June 30, 2015 Hi Agisthos. Do you know why they ordered it - and what the problem is re delivery? I can get one new (OK, 'shop stock') about an hour away from where I live and way below retail. If I don't go that way (and if your contact has not paid for the ordered one yet) I could put you in touch as the seller is keen - and if the person you know still wants one that is.
agisthos Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 It's even worse that what I said. They ordered in late 2012, and paid over 20k upfront. Last I heard a few months back they were still waiting. You would not want this particular machine anyway as its the full DAC with all options. Not just the digital transport. Part of the problem is Laufer Teknik has a new update and changes every few months, so there is always a reason to delay to get the latest upgrade. Well this is the story they have told this individual, but when it gets to 2.5 years that is enough I think. This is not to say the product is no good. If there is a dealer in NZ that has one you should definitely check it out or ask to borrow it on trial.
gemini07 Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 Interesting re the Oppo 105 JLTi Ref. I already own the 105D but could sell it and get the JLTi. Has anyone heard it - and also heard a comparison with the Modwright? Stu, if you are interested in Joe's mod's to the 105, you would not actually sell yours. Simply freight it to him for the JLTI mod's. Check his website for details on the various levels of modifications he does. I also endorse the Antipodes cables, as I currently use the Komako IC and SCs. 1
JohnL Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 Hi Dave, Thanks for cleaning up my post!! I was drawing on my experience with another tube output CDP Probably came over as a bit "anti-tube" when really I'm not. Used to run a pair of Consonance M800 mono's with the T1 pre. Really only went large SS for the extra bass weight. Now just not the same with the lights off!! Cheers
JohnL Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 Mr Mobius, PM @@cazzesman He owns a JLTI level 4 OPPO 105.
Mr Mobius Posted June 30, 2015 Author Posted June 30, 2015 Thanks John - will do. Have you heard it - and of so what are your impressions? 1
JohnL Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 (edited) Mr Mobius, Used to own a JLTI modded OPPO 83 and loved it. Currently own an OPPO 105 which I plan on modding when $ allow. Have NOT heard a modded OPPO 105 yet but expect very good performance. Actually just tried to tee up a GTG with Cazzesman!! All reviews I have read are quite favourable and as an ex owner of JLTI modded gear I feel that I am qualified to at least steer you in that direction. Of course YMMV. If you really want to hear one pay a visit to Audio Reference Co. I would expect them to have a demo one and they're even in Auckland too!! I think an OPPO of some sort will address your combined Stereo/A/V requirements very nicely. FWIW there are several other quality UDP's out there from CA, Pioneer and the like but I don't know anything about their modding potential. Cheers Edited June 30, 2015 by JohnL
Assisi Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 Mr Mobius, PM @@cazzesman He owns a JLTI level 4 OPPO 105. Hi Stu, As well as the Antipodes DX I also have a JLTI level 3 Oppo 105. I would not expect the level 4 to be significantly better than the level 3 as it is only a minor upgrade from 3 to 4 as I understand it. I have heard the Meitner in my system with the DX. albeit only for a limited time. The combination for 2 channel for me would definitely be the Meitner with the DX. The Oppo is fine for video and playing a CD that I have not ripped. I upgraded the Oppo as it played DSD at the time and my DAC did not. My DAC now handles DSD and so the Oppo upgrade is relatively superfluous. Such is life John 1
davewantsmoore Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 I forgot to say in my first post, this is a combined 2 channel music and AV setup so I also need to take that into account. Then definitely get a better BD player (eg. JTLI modifications) to use as your music AND video source.
betty boop Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 Hi will shortly be getting my new (second hand) Meitner MA1 DAC, Concert Fidelity CF-080LSX2 pre and Lamm Ref M1.2 power amps. I am keen for advice on what source would be best for me. The options (at this stage) are a Linn Klimax DS/0 Renew streamer, having my Oppo 105 D moded (I am thinking about modwright) or a Laufer Teknik Memory Player 64. I play mostly (nearly all) of my music currently out of my iPad via USB from Tidal although I do have a lot of CDs that I only seldom listen to. Also I notice that Tidal is coming to Oppo soon (on board). I also have a lot of lower res itune albums - and might consider more hi res downloads in the future. I listen to a wide range of music though no rock or classical and not so much 'new' pop. What should I be considering in terms of: Fit with the rest of my system sound wise How I currently source music in relation to the three options above (and any other options that I should consider) Connection between the above possible sources and my DAC/Pre above Inputs into my source from say an iPad, Mac Mini, Tidal (on board the iPad or Oppo) etc. Future flexibility. I am really confused re inputs (into these), outputs, quality etc (been with my all in one intrated with DAC on board for so long I have forgotten how to 'build a system - or maybe the world as moved on a tad. I know that there are great reviews for the moded Oppo, and that the Linn got great reviews back in its time but it's now been superceded by several models that sounds better (according to what I read). And what few reviews there are about the Memory 64 are very positive - but few and far between. In terms of cost the Linn is $5,500 NZ, the Oppo mod would cost me about $3.5K NZ (I already own the oppo) and the Memory 64 $8k which is really above the upper end of my $s but I want to do this right - and once. Thanks in advance for any thoughts - much appreciated. Chers Stu stu, personally I would hock the oppo. to better the oppos media replay ability buy any $100 and upwards media player if need(or just use/mod your mac mini). you already have a top notch dac (you do not need to spending heaps on a blu-ray player for its dac or be upgrading one). and buy any $100 or thereabouts brand name blu-ray player to take care of the AV. personally dump the blu-ray player while you can. uhd is coming in matter of months...invest serious cashiola into the player you have if you want but once uhd lands it will plummet in resale severely ! I couldn't suggest to anyone to spend upwards of $1k on a blu-ray player right now. 4
Jventer Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 I would not mod the Oppo. Use it as streamer, BD player, surround sound player, but for 2 channel use the Meitner as a Dac. I have heard the modded Oppo - I thought it is modded for 2 channel only? Whilst it is fantastic as a "swiss knife " for its excellent capabilities to do many things I dont think it is better than a $5,000 dac. It is also not the best streamer around. If you want a good streamer go for a dedicated one, Linn, Antipodes, Lumin, Aurender etc. 2
Jventer Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 stu, personally I would hock the oppo. to better the oppos media replay ability buy any $100 and upwards media player if need(or just use/mod your mac mini). you already have a top notch dac (you do not need to spending heaps on a blu-ray player for its dac or be upgrading one). and buy any $100 or thereabouts brand name blu-ray player to take care of the AV. personally dump the blu-ray player while you can. uhd is coming in matter of months...invest serious cashiola into the player you have if you want but once uhd lands it will plummet in resale severely ! I couldn't suggest to anyone to spend upwards of $1k on a blu-ray player right now. Great post!
agisthos Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 I use my Cambridge 752 player as a digital streamer. Threw out the analog audio board, got a custom LPS and half of Joe's JTLI mods (the SAW clock part only) saw a large improvement in video and audio output. Audio performance is improved even though its only using the digital coaxial output. The clock and power supply upgrade must clean the signal even on digital processing for this result. As Jventer says, the Oppo (Cambridge uses the same mainboard) is a bare bones streamer, but its the only one that also plays video and blu-ray, which is important for me. If you can go dedicated 2 channel streamer I would get a Linn or Aurender. 1
davewantsmoore Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 (edited) To be clear I was suggesting to use a modded oppo player instead of the MA1+preamp.... bold. Yes I know. Edited June 30, 2015 by davewantsmoore
JohnL Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 (edited) AL and Jventer, You think UHD is a matter of months away??? Please explain how we are all going to watch it so soon when......... A.......STILL NO TRUE 4K CONTENT B.......STILL NO TRUE 4K DISPLAYS and C.......STILL HIDEOUS EXPENSE. UHD is NOT months away at from the average consumer at all........ Easily another 2 years before there is ANY worthwhile content to watch on an AFFORDABLE display. NO UHD players for the next YEAR minimum. NO UHD software or programming. Have a read of this....... www.cnet.com/news/is-now-the-time-to-buy-a-4k-tv/ And you are assuming it will take off instantly.............like 3D was supposed to??? Lastly, the OP doesn't mention ANY interest in it........he ALREADY has an OPPO and just wants EVEN BETTER AUDIO........NOW!!! That's all I was posting about......... Cheers P.S. You DO know that there's people out there still happy with DVD right?? P.P.S. Should he just wait for 8K so he can avoid the 4K plummet in resale?? Edited June 30, 2015 by JohnL 1
JohnL Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 Mr Mobius, Get your system sorted. Then listen to your OPPO 105 again. Then see if you REALLY need to do anything. Good luck with whatever you decide buddy.........just don't forget to TELL us!!! Cheers 2
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