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Are some of us losing our minds over upgrades??

I happened to run across a thread from 2011 regarding upgrading CD players; in particular, a Sony XA5400ES which was in the A- column of Stereophile for a few years. Some member had this model Sony player upgraded by Modwright( not sure if related to the amp and pre-amp company). The upgrade cost $2000, and the AG member claimed it was NOW the best sounding player on the planet.

OK, let me cut to the chase, I have seen adds for used Sony XA5400ES on AG between $1000 to $1200. Original retail was $1499 Call me crazy or a cheapskate, but lets say for argument sake you bought this player for $1100, and had it upgraded by Modwright, you have invested $3100 plus shipping in a CD player that may not necessarily be superior to the Ayre CX7emp which was the player that was being compared to both the pre-upgraded Sony, and of course the post-upgraded Sony. Nevertheless, I don't understand the logic behind such a move. I would like to hear from members that may own an upgraded XA5400ES, or anyone else who wants to provide insight into the upgrade craze. Thanks, Jim
sunnyjim

Showing 6 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
If the objective is to improve sound quality the Modwright modification makes plenty of sense. To some it may sound much better than the Ayre unit, if it does then the money was well spent. The Modwright OPPO 105 sounds fantastic and is a genuine bargain gevin the results mit yields.
Regards,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
"There's just no one right way to enjoy recorded music"
Well said and so true.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Chayro,
It depends on what is being modified and who's doing the work, so there's a pretty wide spectrum of results. I can tell you a good friend of mine had the Playback Designs MPS-5 and the Mod Wright OPPO 105. He kept the Mod Wright and he sold the Playback Designs (it sold quickly). A number of more expensive components don't necessarily use high level parts.
With a talented and experienced modder they can select parts that can result in substantial improvement. Many variables involved. Mod Wright doesn't just tact on a few parts and call it a day. There's significant analog output and power supply improvement.
Regards,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
The axiom, 'you get what you pay for' has numerous exceptions in High End audio based on my observations. Some expensive components justify their cost by virtue of the performance provided and others despite the premium price simply don't. The notion that it costs more so its better will lead to much disappointment and ultimately frustration. Listening will sort it out if one trusts their own ears.
Regards,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Chayro,
Absolutely, time and familiarity are the true test of merit. Jwm is an
experienced music lover and also patient. He had the units in his systems
for months "following" a break in period of hundreds of hours. I
heard both on many occasions and concur with his assessment. You
under the same circumstances could certainly choose differently, one can
only report honestly what they hear.Without question some will clearly
prefer the Play Design and others the Mod Wright OPPO. Jwm really has a
fabulous sounding system, the recent addition of the Rockport Altair
speakers have taken it to yet a higher level. We both have had the
opportunity to listen to many fine audio components and just sincerely
comment on what we hear.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Sunnyjim,
Your point is understood.My response to Chayro was to make it clear that Jwm had spent considerable time with the units in question.It wasn`t a few hours audition and then forming a conclusion,this was done over a period of months with a multitude of recordings.
Regards,
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