Who Does the Best Mods on CD Players

Stan Warren is the only one modifier that I know of that actually designed a totally proprietary descrete output stage that was offered in his mods (amoung his other unique circuits). He's also the only modifier with a past history of designing world class sounding pre-amplifiers that turned the reviewer community on it's ear. Other modifiers (such as Dan Wright) are very good, but I definately think Stan Warren is at the top of the heap. Some of Stan's circuits are so sophisticated that companies like Krell and Levinson could learn a thing or two if they took the time to review Stan's circuits. IMHO Stan Warren is that good!

I never had anything done by them, but spoke with them on the phone and he was very honest and a good guy to talk to. If I ever get something moded, I'd see what they could do for me.

http://www.greatnorthernsound.com/home.htm

Hate to beat the dead horse, but will a $400 mod to an older player like my Pioneer Elite PD75 make it competitive with today's players? When I asked a modifier in the past what sonic improvements I could expect, I didn't get what I thought was a clear answer. I recently auditioned a Classe CDP3 and heard much more detail and bass; but that player sells for $1,600. Does replacing parts like caps and resisters and adding Bybee filters really make a significant difference. Also, are there mods available for my player so it will upsample to 24/96 or 24/192?

Rockyboy

Rockyboy, many "tweakers" simply minimize excess parts ( simplifying the circuitry and shortening the circuit path ) and end up going to higher grade passive parts ( resistors, capacitors, inductors, wire, rectifiers, etc... ) for the parts that are left in the circuit.

This in itself can make a rather stunning difference in my opinion. Most of the gains are typically in the areas of tranparency, liquidity, ease of "flow" and a natural presentation, increased detail with a complete lack or harshness or grain, better bass impact and definition, lower noise floor, greater extension at both frequency extremes, etc... If this sounds like a whole new piece of gear, in many situations, it really is. Then again, you have to start out with what is a good and solid foundation to build such a product upon.

As such, i would suggest talking to some of those folks mentioned in this thread along with a few others to see if your player really can compete with current models. They should be able to give you a "yes" or "no" answer. If it is yes, you'll need to know how much time and money would be involved with doing something like that.

Once you've got a general consensus and know the price ranges involved if you were to do such a thing, you'll be better informed to make such a decision. It is best to know what you are getting into BEFORE jumping in with both feet. Sean
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Would it be better to add a 24/96 DAC than to modify?