Which cd player: New /w Mod or just plain new?

I'm using a system that is not too dis-similar from yours. JM Labs Mini Utopia speakers, REL Stadium III sub, Herron tube pre amp, Herron Mono amps, Harmonic Technology Magic interconnects and Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables. I am currently using a ModWright 999ES CD player in my system which I like very much. I was using an older Cary player prior to the ModWright. I like both products. I would check out the new Cary SACD player since I think it would sound great with your system.

Lkdog - Phaelon

I have the full reference Modwright 999ES mod with cryo tubes. Is it the ultimate? At a total of $2,600 including the player probably not but I don't know how much you would have to spend to better it.

Regarding the sub integration of my REL Stadium III with the Utopias I am very satisified with seemless results I am getting. My room is not optimimal with acoustic treatments but with the correct crossover and volume level the sub goes unoticed. I am currently crossing it over at 46hz and have had it as low as 28hz. It depends on the electronics being used. You can get a feel pretty quickly on the correct settings. Also my speakers are playing full range and the sub just auguments the lower frequencies. After living with the sub for a couple of years I think it was a sound decision with these speakers. It gives them that extra bottom end and air that you can't achieve without it.

Phaelon,

I didn't have an opportunity to listen to the Musical Fidelity A5. I did listen to the Denon 2900 Exemplar modded player and the Esoteric player. I had to trust the reviews on the 999ES and paid particular attention to the type of sound (warmer or cooler) Without a direct A/B comparison in my system it's really not fair to comment on which is "better". I do know that with the Utopia's I would stay away from the "analytical" or cooler voiced players. The Modwright is more open and extended on the higher frequencies but has reduced upper frequency etch and the vocals have less sibllance than my older player. Kind of a contradiction but somehow it works (maybe the tube ouput stage). If you can get some players to bring home and try in your system, that would be the best option. The one player that I didn't try and would have liked to is the new Cary 303-300 tube player. I just happen to have a fondness for the Cary sound.