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Someone please explain the logic of upgrades

I just left a site explaining the improvements that can be achieved with the Audible Illusions preamp (which I happen to own) by upgrading any or all of the following:
- power supply
- signal coupling capacitors
- hookup wire
- potentiometers
- OFC RCA chasis jacks
- signal path resistors
- tubes

Now one of two things is true - either the parts upgrades improve the sound of the component or they don't improve the sound. If the former is true, then I have to ask - why didn't the manufacturer make these same upgrades and produce a class A component in lieu of a class B component? Yes, I know that the cost of the upgraded parts has to be passed on to the consumer, but I bet most of us would readily pay that extra cost to get a tricked out unit. The same applies to power cords and feet. So, why are so many "audiophile" components sold with minimalist cords and feet? If the situation is the latter (better grade parts have no impact on the sound of the unit), then shops that specialize in upgrades are practicing junk science. So what is it?
rockyboy

Showing 3 responses by rockyboy

rockyboy OP
335 posts
 
I was drafting up a lengthy response rejecting your learned opinions and opining that manufacturers should use only the highest quality parts, thus eliminating the need for any future upgrades. But, I suddenly realized that, had AI done that, I probably couldn't have afforded their preamp on my meager budget. So I'll drop the issue.

Bigtee - what's tube rolling?

rockyboy OP
335 posts
 
Hate to go here - but if there are better tubes out there (and the consensus seems to be that there are), why doesn't AI sell them or at least recommend them - especially if they'll improve the sound of their gear? Don't they want their preamp to outperform the competition?. The better tubes on the market are not that much more expensive than the tubes that AI sells.
rockyboy OP
335 posts
 
Sugarbrie - would agree with you only if the market was mid-fi. But audiophiles spend major dollars on front ends, amps, TT arms and cartridges, power conditioners, cables, etc. I don't buy your logic. The market is there, as evidenced by the continued existence of high-end manufacturers that produce mega-priced components as well as the large number of mod shops. And believe me, if Sony decided to use Black Gate caps, they'd develop a source faster than you could push "play" on your remote. I'm with Pmwoodward on this one.
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