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Are some of us losing our minds over upgrades??

I happened to run across a thread from 2011 regarding upgrading CD players; in particular, a Sony XA5400ES which was in the A- column of Stereophile for a few years. Some member had this model Sony player upgraded by Modwright( not sure if related to the amp and pre-amp company). The upgrade cost $2000, and the AG member claimed it was NOW the best sounding player on the planet.

OK, let me cut to the chase, I have seen adds for used Sony XA5400ES on AG between $1000 to $1200. Original retail was $1499 Call me crazy or a cheapskate, but lets say for argument sake you bought this player for $1100, and had it upgraded by Modwright, you have invested $3100 plus shipping in a CD player that may not necessarily be superior to the Ayre CX7emp which was the player that was being compared to both the pre-upgraded Sony, and of course the post-upgraded Sony. Nevertheless, I don't understand the logic behind such a move. I would like to hear from members that may own an upgraded XA5400ES, or anyone else who wants to provide insight into the upgrade craze. Thanks, Jim
sunnyjim
chayro
2,926 posts
 
Charles, I'd venture a guess that you would agree with me that, in order to truly judge a component's merit, one needs to listen to it in their system for a significant period of time, through the complete break-in period and after the initial rush of the new has dissipated. We've both been around long enough to see many initial glowing pronouncements of a component's superiority fall by the wayside as the owner quietly sells it off for something else. Only time will tell whether the Oppo will survive in JWM's system.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Chayro,
Absolutely, time and familiarity are the true test of merit. Jwm is an
experienced music lover and also patient. He had the units in his systems
for months "following" a break in period of hundreds of hours. I
heard both on many occasions and concur with his assessment. You
under the same circumstances could certainly choose differently, one can
only report honestly what they hear.Without question some will clearly
prefer the Play Design and others the Mod Wright OPPO. Jwm really has a
fabulous sounding system, the recent addition of the Rockport Altair
speakers have taken it to yet a higher level. We both have had the
opportunity to listen to many fine audio components and just sincerely
comment on what we hear.
Charles,
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
TO CharlesIdad, and Chayro; Not to rain on your responses, but the audio market is not constituted as a Renaissance Fair where we can try out all that is brought from local market places. If you want to long term audition a piece of equipment( assuming it is already broken in via store use)you better be prepared to marry the ugliest daughter of the proprietor. This same issue was brought by one of the Stereophile wags, a few issues ago and it is definitely a an issue of concern. BTW, To Jwn, beautiful system and home. The paintings look either like a Fragonard, or the American 19th century portrait artist, William Peel (or is it Paley??)
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Sunnyjim,
Your point is understood.My response to Chayro was to make it clear that Jwm had spent considerable time with the units in question.It wasn`t a few hours audition and then forming a conclusion,this was done over a period of months with a multitude of recordings.
Regards,
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