companies that modify equipment...opinions

I had no interest in mods until I heard a friend's GNSC modified ARC SP-14.

Reminds me of the saying about 'fools rushing in.....'. I find it amusing to see folks who immediately have a unit mod'd when they haven't even heard it and how often mod'd stuff appears in a for sale ad just after a mod is performed. And, concurrently how seldom we ever see an professional, or even user, A/B analysis of the performance differences.

I agree with Ptmconsulting. Don't mod unless you KNOW what the result WILL BE, not just what some merchant tells you. And, FWIW I would never do a 'mystery' mod, or a mod which is not reversable unless I had actually heard and actual unit in my system in my room. Caveat emptor.

I would respectfully disagree with Ptmconsulting. There is only one type of mod, and that is where the actual circuit paramaters are altered. Substituting a different quality part of the same value is referred to as an upgrade, not a mod. Although many of the modders take liberties by calling upgrades mods. Confusion in the service of marketing.

There is yet a third category of work, restorations. With a restoration NOS parts are used to replace worn or out-of-spec parts, the idea being not to make the piece sound better, but to return it to its original sound.

Nothing wrong with any of them in my book, the problem with all but restorations being that many products are voiced, and this will change the voicing of the product. You may like it better, and you may like it worse. Then there is always the value issue and some of these things are good value, and some not. Some will increase the value of a product, and some will decrease it. It's somewhat of a crap shoot.

Upgrade Company gives money back gaurantees so you may want to add to your list.

Okay guys, and gals, who in our audio world is paying automobile mechanics to modify their cars? Seems the world is now being flooded with people who have chip replacement or 'mods', not to mention all the hardware upgrades that can be done. Some of these 'mods' can turn your car into a death trap. Lesson: for audio and automobiles, skip the mods and enjoy life.