Sonics of tube modifications from Modwright


I have the Sony Modwright 999ES with Signature Truth mods. As you know it is highly regarded for redbook performance. And I think my player is very good. But, a dealer who I have done business with characterizes the sound of this player and others from Modwright as lacking transparency. I don't agree. I always thought of transparency as hearing into the music or like hearing through to the music. I've not noticed a lack of transparency in my 999ES, but I've only been in this hobby a few years and possibly I'm missing something.(Stereophile defines transparency below.) Whether Sony-platforms, Denon platforms etc., do you enjoy the transparency of your modded modwright player?

From the Stereophiles glossary:
"transparency, transparent 1) A quality of sound reproduction that gives the impression of listening through the system to the original sounds, rather than to a pair of loudspeakers. 2) Freedom from veiling, texturing, or any other quality which tends to obscure the signal. A quality of crystalline clarity."
foster_9

Showing 1 response by chazzbo

Wonder if dealer is just saying this beause he assumes that anything added is and artifact that is is uneeded.Like NR filter (I used to use cassettes w/o Dolby myself).But if you look at the parts used in Modwright or Parts Connection Mods the cost multiple that is needed to a part is about four to one.That is if you ad a $10 diode you'd need charge $40 for it in retail.Thus you get a decent value with parts in after market,say with Blackgate Caps, as opposed to the ones that Sony uses because of cost constriants,paying for their retail value and labor.So if they know what they are doing it makes for a better product period.It maybe the dealer is thinking,and thus hearing added elemeants why he assumes pushes unit farther away from "straight wire and gain".But even I question the tube outputs.I just feel that tubes should be sued to change voltage in a pre as opposed to aaded as a filter.I have heard units with Parts Connection work but not Modwright.Haven't done it yet to do it but I'd like to A/B signature truth mods with tube output and without but from modded equipment I have heard I am sure it's better than stock.I think that the dealer might have a point if he were speaking about cost is no object players like a $10K Meridian where they have no contraints on R and D plus parts.Buyt with a $500 to $3K unit from Sony?Bring your unit in and do a blind A/B for him.Nop doubt he'd prefer the Modwright AND think it the more transparent.
Chazz