CD player upgrades

default -- Fri, 06/05/2009 - 09:04

Has anyone had experience with cd/sacd player upgrades from companies such as Reference Audio Mods, The Upgrade Company, Modwrights, etc. Are they worth the price?

Rich K. (not verified) -- Fri, 06/05/2009 - 09:06

I'm considering upgrading an Esoteric DV 50 and an old Sony ES NVP900.

fitone930 (not verified) -- Thu, 07/30/2009 - 13:53

i had my dv50 modded there... top mod available at the time...i also own a vpi ssm w/rim dr. and find my self listening to the modded dv50 more

Rich Kovach (not verified) -- Sun, 08/23/2009 - 11:35

Thanks for the comment. I have not checked back to my original question for awhile. I appreciate the comment.

fitone930 (not verified) -- Thu, 07/30/2009 - 13:53

i had my dv50 modded there... top mod available at the time...i also own a vpi ssm w/rim dr. and find my self listening to the modded dv50 more

Robert Harley -- Mon, 06/08/2009 - 13:47

I don't have any direct experience with upgraded products, although many TAS readers have written to me suggesting that we review modded players, based on their positive experiences.

Rich K. (not verified) -- Tue, 06/09/2009 - 13:09

Thanks for the reply. One of my concerns is that although some of these companies are upfront with their price schedules, a few don't mention one on their websites. Others have numerous customer testimonials but mostly ones that are several years old without a means to directly contact the customer. Thanks again and keep up the entertaining reviews!

Rich Kovach

cmalak -- Fri, 07/31/2009 - 13:34

Rich K - what player are you thinking of modding?

Rich Kovach (not verified) -- Mon, 08/03/2009 - 10:21

I was considering mods for an Esoteric DV-50

Robert Harley -- Fri, 07/31/2009 - 15:06

I toured Esoteric's factory about two years ago and when we were in the service area, saw several players in for repair that had been modified and no longer worked correctly. Esoteric was returning them to their original condition at the request of the customers.

Rich Kovach (not verified) -- Mon, 08/03/2009 - 10:25

Thanks for the comment. It pushes me in the direction of listening to some of the newer universal & SACD/CD players.