The latest Tube Research Labs Sony modified model 2000ES is without peer, in my humble opinion, for its extremely low cost vs. performance ratio. I have been switching between an APL modified Phillips and the Sony modified TRL now for about a month in the same rack. Granted, it took the TRL about 700 hours of continuous break in to come up to the musical level of performance that distinguishes the APL from its competition, but once this level of musicality was achieved by the latest TRL, the cost/performance ratio weighed heavily in my mind. There can be no accurate comparison between these two companies because of the cost. The TRL being solid state won't exaggerate female vocals, like they are close miked, when they're not,and that uniquely is a characteristic of tubes, but the TRL does recreate a level of performance that makes the unit worth four to five times its cost, and just as much of a delight to listen to. I find myself listening far more to the TRL modified Sony and wondering, why people pay upwards of $ 4000 for any level of transitional CD, SACD or DVD playback when they can get this level of performance now for a pittance. If it is mere build quality,that one is after,that is not the modifier or mod, but the manufacturer of the base unit and its manufactured cost. I would like to send TRL a Denon or Esoteric and step back, but what for, when the difference can go into a Franklin Income Fund. I hope this answers the above question. I like both units very much. It just happens the $ 875 TRL 2000 is a recent occurrance and I don't usually spend multi thousands of dollars to achieve world class sound that is only world class for a couple of years, when new and better (mods) technologies crop up. I didn't know about the TRL Sony 2000ES MOD or its existence prior to purchasing my new condition, used APL, but the experience of having both is an eye opener and a listening pleasure.
