I liken an audiophile buying an SACD player, which is not TOTL, and then contemplating modifications ... to an avid bicyclist buying a name brand bicycle, which is not TOTL. If you are really into riding and buy an inexpensive name brand bike ... you wind up upgrading just about all the components (derailleurs, shifters, pedals, saddle, etc.). anyway. And with many bicycle manufacturers, the frame does not necessarily change as you go up the line. After 20 years of buying mid-line Univega and Giant bicycles and then modding the hell out of them, I bought a Cannondale ... it came with most of the mods that I wanted anyway.
In general, I believe that it pays to buy the most expensive component that you and/or your plastic can afford and then, not getting too hung up about all the mods. My take on mods is that the changes are subtle, when performed on more expensive components.
As for putting your money into maxing redbook CD performance, that makes sense too. A great source can make a great system. I got into SACDs and purchased a SONY SCD555 ES, because I needed a new CD player. At the time, it was SONY's third most expensive CD and/or SACD player. It was the most that I spent on a component (paid $1100, its list was $1700). The only upgrade that I would like to do is replace the power cord, but since the power cord is not detachable ... it is one less thing to obsess about.
Regards, Rich
In general, I believe that it pays to buy the most expensive component that you and/or your plastic can afford and then, not getting too hung up about all the mods. My take on mods is that the changes are subtle, when performed on more expensive components.
As for putting your money into maxing redbook CD performance, that makes sense too. A great source can make a great system. I got into SACDs and purchased a SONY SCD555 ES, because I needed a new CD player. At the time, it was SONY's third most expensive CD and/or SACD player. It was the most that I spent on a component (paid $1100, its list was $1700). The only upgrade that I would like to do is replace the power cord, but since the power cord is not detachable ... it is one less thing to obsess about.
Regards, Rich