Lon said:
Quote:But it sure is wonderful that the Torii Mk III, which really is a benchmark product I think, does so very well without a preamp. I can't imagine my system without the Torii now. It's very handy that it has two inputs, which should allow you for example one for the Oppo in two channel, and the other for the Ultra. . . . I believe the Oppo has both dedicated stereo and multi-channel outputs, correct?
I also have my BDP-95 (unmodified) hooked up to my Ultra for 5.1, and stereo, but recently began using the second input on the Torii for my PWD input. And I think it sounds better for it as well; I am a bit of a detail nut, so as much as I love the Ultra on 5.1, it subtracts from the excellent stereo of the PWD. I think the speculation here may be correct, that the Ultra is designed to improve otherwise harsh and 2-dimensional solid state. I think the unmodified Oppo sounds excellent through the Ultra, but I have not run the Oppo stereo out directly into the Torii yet, and will try that as soon as she returns from her trip to the shop. I would say my Ultra did not blossom for at least 500 hours. Moreover, though I have not heard a Modwright Oppo, I am not surprised it might indeed sound quite good without the Ultra, possibly better, as it is already very good in its in modified state.