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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
pmwoodward
92 posts
 
I have studied mods that involve about $30 worth of parts that allegedly make a unit, in this case a CDP, that make it comparable to a unit costing thousands. One must wonder why the manufacture does not do. It would probably cost them no more than $20.

I guess the same logic applies as stated above.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Same answer Pmwoodward. Cost and supply. I remember a conversation I had with Stan Warren a few years ago. He was backed up on modifying CD players because he was having trouble getting some of the Black Gate caps he like to use. Now if Stan could not even find a few dozen, how can Sony, Marantz, NAD, or whoever find tens/hundreds of thousands of them.

Over 100 million DVD players have sold worldwide. If those companies spent $20 more on parts their combined profits would be $2 Billion less. Any manager recommending the increased cost when 99.9999999999% of consumers would not know the difference; that person would be fired..
rockyboy OP
335 posts
 
Sugarbrie - would agree with you only if the market was mid-fi. But audiophiles spend major dollars on front ends, amps, TT arms and cartridges, power conditioners, cables, etc. I don't buy your logic. The market is there, as evidenced by the continued existence of high-end manufacturers that produce mega-priced components as well as the large number of mod shops. And believe me, if Sony decided to use Black Gate caps, they'd develop a source faster than you could push "play" on your remote. I'm with Pmwoodward on this one.
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