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Someone please explain the logic of upgrades

I just left a site explaining the improvements that can be achieved with the Audible Illusions preamp (which I happen to own) by upgrading any or all of the following:
- power supply
- signal coupling capacitors
- hookup wire
- potentiometers
- OFC RCA chasis jacks
- signal path resistors
- tubes

Now one of two things is true - either the parts upgrades improve the sound of the component or they don't improve the sound. If the former is true, then I have to ask - why didn't the manufacturer make these same upgrades and produce a class A component in lieu of a class B component? Yes, I know that the cost of the upgraded parts has to be passed on to the consumer, but I bet most of us would readily pay that extra cost to get a tricked out unit. The same applies to power cords and feet. So, why are so many "audiophile" components sold with minimalist cords and feet? If the situation is the latter (better grade parts have no impact on the sound of the unit), then shops that specialize in upgrades are practicing junk science. So what is it?
rockyboy
lneilb's avatar
lneilb
107 posts
 
It's a matter of striking a price/performance ratio that makes sense. If your preamp cost twice what it did, you might not have bought it. Volume of sales is very important. And these changes might improve the sound a bit. But I doubt they'll take it to a level that would surpass the initial ramp-up in sound quality when comparing your preamp to a cheaper, less well designed one.
The coupling caps, resistors, and tubes would be the only changes I would bother with.
prpixel
826 posts
 
Very simple - to hit a price point. The "cost not object" pieces are the tricked out units. Also, it gives you the option of improving the performance when you have more money.

Some people buy the entry level car and as they save up more money, they start adding rims, turbos, body kits, etc. Makes you wonder if it would have been easier to just save your money longer and purchase the tricked out version from the beginning.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
The logic of upgrades is to separate you from more of your money.
jeffreybehr's avatar
jeffreybehr
805 posts
 
Sugar, if you believe that, why do you participate here? Perhaps just or sell or buy things? Do you believe that the possible sonic character of, say, coupling capacitors, is audible? Or do you believe that everything that measures the same sounds the same?

I believe that EVERYTHING makes a difference in the sound. Whether you or I or anyone else can HEAR those differences is another question.

As 2 of us have alluded to, all these companies have to SELL components at a profit to stay in business, and the lower the purchase price, the more they sell. If someone else wants a premium version, I hope the manufacturer can and will accommodate them. Doing it this way makes the majority of those sold more affordable.

It's a great hobby, huh!
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parkcaka's avatar
parkcaka
15 posts
 
You are also forgetting a point. If the company uses the best upgrades for its 2.000$ amp than how is he going to sell his 5.000$ or 20.000$ reference amps. 5.000$ amp should sound clearly better than 2000$ amp in to justify its additional cost. So they need to produce clear-cut sound difference levels between their 2.000$ - 5.000$ - 10.000$ -20.000$ models. They know that today a very wisely upgraded 2000$ amp can sound like a stock 10.000$ amp easily if not better.

parkcaka
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