Modded Players Bias in Listening

Douglas,

Good advice to keep in mind. There are some interesting debates on the Jolida JD-100 that shed some light on this topic as well. I can certainly understand someone wanting what essentially is a "custom" unit to gain better performance over the stock version.

I recently have heard the stock and modded versions of the Jolida (two different levels of mods from different sources). The stock unit has a warm sound that is somewhat lacking in detail, yet very good considering the cost. The first modded version was basically a retube and some sound dampening. This was a nice mod in my opinion as it cleaned up some of the sound and added additional warmth and detail (not much, but enough to notice). The second mod was essentially one of those "makeover" mods that you see advertised. While there was a definite upgrade in sound quality, especially in detail, I would have to agree with those who say that this type of mod results in a sound that was not the initial intent of the JD-100 design. Considering the cost of the mod, one could actually go out and buy a stock player that would provide equivalent if not better sound. In the case of the Jolida, and I'll venture to say other mods, sometimes less is more.

As you say, supercharging a low-end player does not get you a high end player. It may get you the sound you are after, but perhaps another stock unit would have accomplished the same thing.

>>perhaps another stock unit would have accomplished the same thing.<<

When buying modded equipment one must consider the base unit and mods performed. I recently heard a stock 7 year old Sony XA7ES (available used on Agon for under $1000) alongside a level one modded Jolida JD-100 and the Sony destroyed it.

Jimmy,I am fortunate to be able to listen to the stock
DVP 9000ES,after my 9000es was mod,the difference is
huge,the stock Sony is also lean sounding cdp,a bit
brighter, bass is fair,soundstage is acceptable,vocal
is good.My Sony9000esMod, it has good layering, good
extension, excellent dynamic micro and macro,it has
rich full sounding, and natural,bass is five times better.
Its quicker, with good transient.And the strength of
this player is very musical. Thanks

Mustang,

I'm not surprised at the result of your comparison.

Bias, bias? after spending good money with a mod man? It would be silly to say how good it is if it is'nt. The only bias one would then have would be against the modder. A well experienced music lover, and ligitimate audiophile, should be able to tell good, and undeniable improvement when he hears it.But beauty is in the ear of the (beholder) hearer. no rudeness intended.