Audio Aero Prima CD player vs.Modwright Sony 999es

I have owned an Audio Aero Prima mkII DAC and a Modwright 999ES at the same time. I still own the Modwright. The Modwright was soncially comparable, if not better than the much more expensive AA. With the added benefits of SACD and video, it became a no-brainer for me to keep it.

The AA DAC is definately a step up from the Prima CD player you mention; it is the same DAC used in the latest Captole player.

The power supply umbilical cord in the Modwright makes a big difference in sound. A couple of friends and I prefer the cryo'ed 18ga. braided copper umbilical to the cryo'ed silver one.

You will be happy with either player, but for me the Modwright 999ES fits my system wonderfully.

1markr, thanks for the response. Which level of Modwright did you have? The full modified version costs close to 2600 dollars with the upgraded clock and umbilical. I have seen used AA Prima's on here for 1500 or so, so the Audio Aero would most likely be cheaper for me.

I own the Sony Modwright 999ES and have been extremely
pleased with it. I purchased my Modwright from Frank
Stuppel at FS Audio. He also happens to sell the
Audio Aero line as well. According to Frank the Modwright
is easily comparable to the Prima. I never got to listen
to the Prima as he had just sold his last one. Keep in
mind that Dan is now offering a clock upgrade for the
999ES. This is supposed to be a signifigant upgrade for
the unit. You also get SACD which is a nice option
to have.

Good luck
Cmach

Me thinks, according to my ears, that the ModWright 999es (I have one) is slightly better than the AA Captole player on Redbook. So logic would support that it should pretty much spank the Prima model.
Having the SACD option additionally, sorta makes it a no-brainer.
Good luck!

Bcos, I have the Platinum Signature Truth Mods, which included the premium cryo'ed silver umbilical. I did not have the option of a new clock at the time of my order, though I would be interested in anyones opinion of the differences, pre-clock and post-clock upgrade. I would consider it if the sonics improved further.

Get yourself a used 999ES and send it to Dan. You should be able to find one for $500+.