Great thread topic!
I have been a fan of buying solidly built well designed gear within a price point that worked for me with the intention of having it modified by either the OEM or a technician who specialized at working on that gear.
Decades ago it started with the Adcom GFA-555 and a Mission CD Player that I had modded by Musical Concepts. Very good results. Coincidentally my main system amp is away being rebuilt right now and the modified Adcom is in circuit, providing pleasant tunes.
I bought a cj PV-12L line stage about 20 years ago at about $1800 and it sounded very good. As money became available and I became aware of Bob Backert of RHB Dezigns, I took it to him a couple of times and had very invasive, proprietary mods done to that piece. With a total of over $4000 invested in it, I like to think that I’m enjoying the performance of a truly top line preamp without the top line cost. Of course Bob has gone on to found Backert Labs where he is marketing his own designs.
My Marantz SACD player got the Modwright treatment with tube rectified outboard power supply. It sounds great!
Lastly, my SMc Audio modified McCormack DNA-1 amplifier is at SMc Audio right now receiving a 20 year rebuild. As wonderfully open and agile as it was before, it will be thrilling to see what Steve does with it this time.
I know many A’Goners are leary of having their gear upgraded as they fear it will affect the resale price. I’m not looking to do lots of "gear trading". For me, it would become too much about the kit and not enough about the music.
I have been a fan of buying solidly built well designed gear within a price point that worked for me with the intention of having it modified by either the OEM or a technician who specialized at working on that gear.
Decades ago it started with the Adcom GFA-555 and a Mission CD Player that I had modded by Musical Concepts. Very good results. Coincidentally my main system amp is away being rebuilt right now and the modified Adcom is in circuit, providing pleasant tunes.
I bought a cj PV-12L line stage about 20 years ago at about $1800 and it sounded very good. As money became available and I became aware of Bob Backert of RHB Dezigns, I took it to him a couple of times and had very invasive, proprietary mods done to that piece. With a total of over $4000 invested in it, I like to think that I’m enjoying the performance of a truly top line preamp without the top line cost. Of course Bob has gone on to found Backert Labs where he is marketing his own designs.
My Marantz SACD player got the Modwright treatment with tube rectified outboard power supply. It sounds great!
Lastly, my SMc Audio modified McCormack DNA-1 amplifier is at SMc Audio right now receiving a 20 year rebuild. As wonderfully open and agile as it was before, it will be thrilling to see what Steve does with it this time.
I know many A’Goners are leary of having their gear upgraded as they fear it will affect the resale price. I’m not looking to do lots of "gear trading". For me, it would become too much about the kit and not enough about the music.