Modification Nightmares

I am putting in a vote for VSE-modded Sony CD/SACD players. Excellent sound/value. Warren G. in CA and Bill T. in VA are a pleasure to deal with.

I used to own a Sony 777es with the VSE Level 5+ mod that I sold a couple of years ago when "downsizing" my system. One of the most stupid things I've done in the 30-plus years I've been in this hobby. I just picked up another 777es with the Level 6+ mod and Terra Firma Lite clock. All is well once again.

Ti sounds like maybe you've been burned? I love modifying vintage equipment 1)because there's generally good design there, 2)it's cheap to do, and generally reversible if it doesn't work, 3)I learn a tremendous amount about circuit design and the effects of different parts on sound, 4)I don't have anyone else to blame if I f*ck it up. Having done my share of modding, I have a lot more respect for people who do this and can accomplish consistent improvements over factory-stock production. After a while you learn who the good guys really are. It's hard to hide for long in an internet world ;)

If I buy a modern piece of gear that has been modded, I want to know that there's a track record of success, a sound engineering basis for mods, and someone who stands behind his work. I've bought several pieces of Modwright gear and as mentioned by others, Dan is fantastic, a stand-up guy who knows what he is doing and doesn't just throw parts at a design expecting it to sound better.

The time it takes to perform mods can be significant, as is the cost of premium piece parts. I envy the pros who can do this work well at a profit. As an amateur modder with limited time to give to the hobby, the only way for me to justify time spent is to work with top quality components. There is more room for improvement inside these than their high price would suggest, and any given improvement is usually revealing.

In addition to obtaining superlative equipment, modding can get you off the merry-go-round of equipment swaps. Of course resale value is a problem. This probably reflects the negligible prestige factor that modded equipment has among high-enders, more than it does any experience with or understanding of quality. In terms of quality, mods can be great value, but this value is not transferable into common currency.

My cd player was modified by Dan for seven years now,no
problem,He does a good job.Honest man.

it has been almost 100 days since i sent my player out for a mod and i will now by this wknd how to evaluate the whole story
john