John,
I have three components modded by G.N.S.C.. A Ref 1, Wadia 861se and and ARC VT-200. All were statement upgrades and I cannot recommend Steves work more highly. My belief is that due to Steves reputation, work done by Great Northern Sound will hold value perhaps more so than with other modders. Just my opinion. With that being said with Great Northerns work on on a Ref 1, you'll get more and better of what the unit does. This IS a very good pre-amp albeit a little noisey but, that is in direct comparison to a REF 3 which I also own. The Ref 3 is quiet as any solid state unit I've owned and certainly more quiet than the Pass XO.2 I traded to get the Ref 3. No, the two don't sound alike and the Ref 3 is everything the reviews say it is. Everything just sounds right with the 3. I heard it the first time I demoed it and it was love at first listen. Even a modded Ref 1 doesn't have the balance & ease of a 3, I think Steve would concede that point but boy he can make a Ref 1 sing. I can't imagine selling mine even though I have the 3. It's like having two incredible but different sports cars. Both are fun to drive but both have their own unique traits. I can't speak to the ugraditis issue cause' I've got the bug too but, the with a Ref 3 you'll love what the rest of your system can do and it won't be held back by the Ref 3.
Happy new year
Tim
I have three components modded by G.N.S.C.. A Ref 1, Wadia 861se and and ARC VT-200. All were statement upgrades and I cannot recommend Steves work more highly. My belief is that due to Steves reputation, work done by Great Northern Sound will hold value perhaps more so than with other modders. Just my opinion. With that being said with Great Northerns work on on a Ref 1, you'll get more and better of what the unit does. This IS a very good pre-amp albeit a little noisey but, that is in direct comparison to a REF 3 which I also own. The Ref 3 is quiet as any solid state unit I've owned and certainly more quiet than the Pass XO.2 I traded to get the Ref 3. No, the two don't sound alike and the Ref 3 is everything the reviews say it is. Everything just sounds right with the 3. I heard it the first time I demoed it and it was love at first listen. Even a modded Ref 1 doesn't have the balance & ease of a 3, I think Steve would concede that point but boy he can make a Ref 1 sing. I can't imagine selling mine even though I have the 3. It's like having two incredible but different sports cars. Both are fun to drive but both have their own unique traits. I can't speak to the ugraditis issue cause' I've got the bug too but, the with a Ref 3 you'll love what the rest of your system can do and it won't be held back by the Ref 3.
Happy new year
Tim