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Upgrade Audio Aero Prima with mods?

I really liked the sound of the AA Prima when demoing, and recently acquired one here on A-gon. I hope it sounds great in my system as well. Here is my question: I purchased this unit hoping to use the analog out to replace my preamp, or at least see if I like a direct volume control. If it works, I will sell the preamp and put the money toward upgrading the Prima with mods, or possibly a better CDP (budget $2200 used).

Does anyone here have experience with an upgraded Prima? I could probably get a good upgrade package for around $1000 extra, and a used Capitole would cost me $2500 extra. Would the mods likely get close to the performance of the Capitole or a similiarly priced unit? I don't expect miracles, but it would be nice if it were 90-95% of the way there. I currently have an $1800 (retail) source in a $12K (retail) system, and I would like to get the front end up to "the point of diminishing returns". I just don't have $3500 (used price) to spend on a CDP. If I upgrade it, I would be keeping it for the forseeable future.
dawgcatching

Showing 2 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
The Prima and Capitole are well regarded players in their stock forms, and I would be very cautious about modding them. People love them for what they are. Modding invariably changes the sound of a component. You might like the change, but it will change nonetheless, and future buyers looking specifically for a Prima or Capitole will be hesitant to take a chance on modified versions, IMO.

I cannot remember ever seeing a modded Prima for sale. What mod package for $1000 are you considering?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I do recall that GNSC mods Audio Aero players, although I haven't heard one nor do I know anyone who has. This is a situation where I'd personally be hesitant to mess with a stock machine. Whereas Wadia and GNSC are synonymous, Audio Aero and GNSC are less so. I definitely wouldn't mod a Prima as I don't believe even a modded one would be a long term investment, and recovering the cost of the mod upon resale would be unlikely. The Capitole would be a better candidate to mod and keep as a "legacy" piece in a very high end system.

In the end, though, I'd leave the stock players alone.
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