I just got the RAM 981 with all mods including Superclock IV and Superclock power supply. Only thing I didn't get done is cryo, will do that later. Mines just burned in couple hundred hours now and it is easily, easily, by far the best CDP I've ever heard. At this level it feels wrong to even talk about imaging, extension, etc, its well into the realm of emotional feeling. If anything the 970 should be better, both Kyle and Doug at RAM say it sounds better with the same level mods due to some differences in stock design. If you can afford to cryo do it, everything I have cryo'd (including other CDP's just not this one) came out amazingly improved!
Reference Audio Mod Oppo 970 – How good is it ?
I already have a dedicated redbook CD player which satisfy, but would like a second budget player which can play the SACD discs that I have. It interests me when the Absolute Sound nominate the Oppo 970 the budget component of the year and name it a “giant killer”. With the Reference Audio Mod still it is not too expensive. I would welcome any opinion on this modified unit or better alternative.