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What Is The

I am in a situation right now that it is quite confusing and I think some of us have been there before. I currently own a Musical Fidelity Trivista SACD Player. Excellent Sounding Player and it has been my Reference Player for quite some time. Now I want to try a Different SACD Player and my choices are , Cary Audio 306,Esoteric X-03SE,SA-60 and a stock DV-50s and here is where my dilemma is. I am considering purchasing an Esoteric DV50S and have it Modified since many people have claimed that these modifed units are by far much better sounding than their 4 times more costly stock players.

Many Audiophiles claim that many "MODIFIED/UPGRADED" CD players sound much better than many $10+ stock units. I onced purchased a TRL Modifdied Marantz SA-14 VER2 and even though this unit sounded very good it was no competition to my Stock Musical Fidelity Trivista.

Now with so many Companies "Claiming" that their Modifications/Upgrades are the best! How is it possible for anyone to know which is the "BEST" or "RIGHT" Modification for your unit?

In one end you have a company charging you $600 for their "BEST" modification, another charging $1299 for their "Signature Modification," another one charging $2900 for their "Reference Modification" and so on. The question is: Does the most Expensive Modification makes the best Modification? Or can you get the same exact results from a $600 Modification compare to a $2900 mod?
Let's also remember that ---> THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME CLAIM, "OUR MODIFICATION WILL MAKE YOUR UNIT SOUND MUCH BETTER THAN THOSE COSTING 3 or 4 TIMES MORE"

Now I know that this is a Topic that will elaborate a lot of discussions since many Audiophiles have had their units modified or Upgraded by different companies but I will appreciate if anyone can share their experiences not just with me but with many other Audiogon members that may be in the same situation as I am right now. I know that your comments or opinions will be helpfull to all.

My Best Regards,

Carlos
nypr2003
tvad
9,467 posts
 
One should also be aware that modifications will change the presentation and sonic signature of the component. This has been my experience, and the experience of others in these forums.

Essentially, mods should lower the noise floor and provide a clearer presentation and larger image with increased definition. Sometimes this results in an overly detailed sound that was unexpected. Sometimes it's exactly what the owner was seeking. Of course, the problem is that it's nearly impossible to hear the results beforehand through a demo.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Carlos, yes it can be very confusing, and every company will claim their mods are the best, that's business.
That's why it's important that if you do buy modded, buy used modded. That way you won't take a huge financial hit to find out if the change in sonics sounds better or worse to you.

I've purchased three used players, all modified by different modifiers here on AudiogoN. I've kept the one that I liked best, and sold the other two at minimum losses, considering what I would have lost if I had the mods done. Did I find the best modder? No, only the best for me. That's why there are so many different flavors (modders), because all of our individual tastes vary. Unfortunately, no one can tell you which flavor (modder) you will like best. If it was that simple, all the other modders would be out of business.

John
gs5556
769 posts
 
If these mods are worth what the modders claim, then ask them to send you a demo unit when you send yours in. If you hear a difference worth paying for, then give them the green light to do it to yours. Or have them send yours back.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
05-02-07: Gs5556
If these mods are worth what the modders claim, then ask them to send you a demo unit when you send yours in. If you hear a difference worth paying for, then give them the green light to do it to yours. Or have them send yours back.
That's excellent in theory. In practice, it's not very common. If you have experience with modders that offer this service, then it'd be helpful to others if you'd list them here.
gs5556
769 posts
 
My suggestion was serious, not rhetorical, in the hopes that some company, when challenged, might be prodded into some kind of assurance to a perspective customer who's about to fork over good money. Or else one may as well ask "which five grand CD player should I buy without having to listen first."

Even if we share our experiences, it's still an expensive shot in the dark without prior listening. Not to mention the voided warranty.
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