SCD-777ES or SCD-1

I see your point, Dgarretson. What currently produced CD/SACD players would you say are sonically on par with a modded 777ES, and how much do you believe a mod would cost to bring the 777ES up to the performance of one of these player?

That's the real cost analysis question in your scenario.

On the other hand, the SCD-1 purchased today for $1800 will likely retain it's value over the long haul. Heck, I've seen SCD-1 player selling for around $2000 for nearly three years now. $2000 appears to be their bottom line value...give or take a few hundred bucks.

Tvad, admittedly I don't get out much. The only top players I've listened to closely are Zanden, DCS stack, and top Reimyo(RBCD comparisons only), as well as comparisons to vinyl in my own system and to stock 777ES and Theta Gen 5a that I keep for reference. IMHO, none of the above approach RBCD on my battery-powered SCD-1, which is based largely on Reference Audio Mods ideas & parts, twists from Allen Wright and Yamada-san, and also various experiments of my own. I've put some things into it that from a T&M and risk perspective are not particularly viable from a commercial modder's perspective, but having moved progressively through many iterations of upgrades, my sense is that you can get fairly close to this level of performance for $2-4K spent with RAM. Unfortunately I have not heard the VSEI L7 mod, which in balanced version prices out for around $3K and offers the benefit of a productized, drop-in, warrantied purchase.

One thing I know is it's all about improvements to clock, power, and analog section. The "heart" of the unit-- the digital section and DAC-- is very strong. Too much emphasis is placed on the latest developments in the digital domain(e.g. upsampling, parallel DACs, etc.), while ignoring built-to-cost compromises in other critical areas. If one accepts this viewpoint, then these two Sonys remain good platforms for continuing mods.

As you imply, mods are not for everyone, as most of the value is lost on the resale side. But if you are a keeper, the Sony has almost unlimited potential.

Well, I'd be willing to lay odds a used, previous generation APL Denon 3910
for $2500 (or less) would be at least equal, if not surpass, the modded SCD-
1. In addition, the APL could function as a DAC for an additional source with
a digital output, and it would play HDCD, DVD-A and DVD...for considerably
less money than buying a 777ES and modding it at the prices you mention.

It's a bit of a risk with the present APL hullaballoo, but it's an incredible
player, and the present environment has depressed the prices on these
players.

I mention this only as an alternative, and without intention of being
argumentative.

I'm at a loss for having not heard the APL/Denon, but if it gets close to the big boys that I mentioned, then that underscores the value proposition of modding.

I'm at a loss for having not heard the APL/Denon, but
if it gets close to the big boys that I mentioned, then that underscores the
value proposition of modding.
Dgarretson (System | Threads | Answers)

That depends on one's definition of modding. APL did not consider the APL
Denon 3910 a mod, but rather an entirely new player in the Denon 3910's
box.

APL did not modify the Denon in the respect of replacing parts and power
supplies, as most modders do. (Past tense, because the APL Denon 3910 is
no longer built.) APL completely gutted the machine except for the laser
assembly, and video/set-up circuitry.

Then, APL installed new, APL designed power supplies, audio processing and
output stage. There was nothing resembling the Denon audio circuitry or
power supplies remaining.

APL essentially built a new, dedicated two-channel audio player. It was
simply more cost effective for APL to use the Denon 3910's laser assembly
and box rather than designing and manufacturing a new APL box and buying
OEM transports.

Ironically, the part that most often causes problems in these players is the
Denon laser assembly. I am not aware of one APL Denon 3910 owner who has
ever had problems with anything APL designed and installed.