Hard Drive based system

Ecruz,

Email me if you like to chat in more detail about TRL. I can't tell you any more about the mods because I don't know the details either. However, I can tell you more about what to expect and where I think you'll see the most improvements.

Ecruz,

I couldn't resist and I bought one as well. I'll probably send mine out after the New Year.

The TRL mod is that good. I have a transport and DAC modified by TRL. I also had a USB interface device that I was using to play music from a HD via my TRL DAC. I won't mention vendor names but this is one of those modified M-Audio Transits and I have to say I was disappointed in the results. The full TRL set-up was better in my system.

Here is a thought. My transport is an Alesis ML9600 that can also serve as a CDP, digital recording and mastering tool, and HD storage/playback system. For about $1500 including the mods TRL will modify the Alesis and give you an excellent digital set-up. Paul Weitzel has done some more work on this unit since I puchased mine and I will be sending it back for the upgrade (free I might add which is TRL standard practice). Why not call and talk to Paul about this and see if the Alesis would work for you.

Ecruz,

You don't know what you're in for. I was just talking to Paul's brother Brian Weitzel about this player. They have some pretty big things in store for it. I think you will be very pleased. Remember, it is a long break in process - 500 hours, although after 300 you should get pretty much a good feel for the sound. I just got their new solid state amp and it's getting better every day. At the 175 hour mark right now so a bit more to go.

Welcome to the family.

Joemt,

You ask a good question. Since TRL does not provide any details of their mods it might be difficult for me to get any more information. However, when I got the original modified unit Paul Weitzel told me I'd be much happier with it as a transport.

Now, the latest mods for the Alesis focus on making it a much better CD dupplication/recording tool. TRL uses the Alesis for their 2-track masters on their recording labels. They are on a mission to make the Alesis the best CD duplicator and recording unit. I'll be sending mine in for the new upgrade. If you are using a stock Alesis you may want to consider the full TRL upgrade package at $550 which includes the new mods that I will be getting. It will take the Alesis to a new level and make it an excellent CDP as well (which like me, you may or may not need, since you’re using a DAC, but the option is nice for me as my DAC is non-os and the Alesis CD will give me upsampling options).

I realize the Alesis does not have the flexibility of the Squeezebox, but I'm not yet convinced that the Squeezebox device is the answer to hard drive digital playback. I think we are at the tip of the iceberg right now with this type of technology and better options are on their way.

Ecruz,

Keep us posted. During the first 150 hours you'll hear things starting to change, then the next 300 hours you will get a another wave. After that the changes are much more subtle, but noticeable for 500+ hours.

I have mine on my rack now so I can get accustomed to looking at it before I send it off.

Ecruz,

You're just about there. It will get somewhat better over the next few hundred hours, but in smaller steps. Most of the wide scale changes have occurred.

I have to send my Alesis in for updates that Paul made to his. Then I'll be sending in my Sony. Glad to hear from another satisfied TRL customer.