Modified SACD player review request
craigm -- Fri, 03/16/2007 - 14:38
I would love to see reviews of one or more modified SACD players in TAS. Such players would seem to offer a fascinating opportunity to discuss the sonic impact of the different components (such as clock, output stage, power supply, and transport) and to compare the different approaches of the modders (battery power vs. tube rectification, tube output vs. not, Superclock vs. the competition, etc.) But the main draw, for me, is the promise of superior performance at a price I can realistically afford (in the case of many but not all modded players). Price wise, they seem to fill an important gap in the $1k-$5k range, but the span is wide, from the humble TRL Sony 595 to obscene modded Esoterics. So why the lack of coverage? I wonder if it has anything to do with the lack of dealer support for these units? From one point of view, the lack of dealers would increase the importance and value of qualified reviews. There are plenty of amateur opinions, but I'd like to hear from the seasoned professionals, too.
I think the TAS editors may have additional thoughts, but I would say:
1. I don't know that there is any firm policy that RH and team have against modded players, per se; I think it is more practical matters.
2. Lack of dealer support is one such practical matter, and an important one.
3. Another matter is that shows and manufacturer contact serve a critical role in the review process: with thousands of products introduced each year, and the capacity to review 200 or so of those, one of the key editorial jobs is to identify interesting, high potential products. Shows, networks of knowledgeable people, and manufacturer contact all help with this, and I think modified product is a bit under the radar on these items.
We've steered away from reviewing modified players, although the approach makes sense; use the transport, chassis, and other infrastructure that benefits from economies-of-scale manufacturing, and apply audiophile-grade analog outut stage, power supply, and reclocking.
I'm not familiar with the leading contenders; can you point me toward some you believe might be good?
Thanks,
Robert Harley
Bob Levi at Positive-Feedback Online goes ga-ga over Modwright's Sony 9100: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue29/modwright9100.htm
(Dan Wright, by the way, was at CES demonstrating several products in multiple rooms.)
Allen Wright's VSEI mods are highly regarded.
APL has a loyal following.
Tube Research Labs makes cost effective mods and also offers battery power.
Maybe someone else can fill in a few more names.
Chris Johnson (Sonic Frontiers/Anthem) at Parts Connexion.
I listen to music in StereO
Some links for the interested:
http://www.aplhifi.com/
http://www.modwright.com/
http://www.tuberesearchlabs.com/
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/trl/595.html
http://www.vacuumstate.com/
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue23/vsei_sony9000.htm
http://www.dagogo.com/SonySCD777VSEI.html
http://www.referenceaudiomods.com/
http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.pl?forum=hirez&n=233160&review=1
As an avid reader, I would love to see at least one comprehensive article on say three or four different mods that said modifiers were especially proud of, kindof a "unique whips" article for audiophiles. Companies that specialize in this sort of thing have experience, some kind of track record, and indeed seems to me California Audio started in just this way. Seems to me Theta at one point took Pioneer machines and modded the heck out of them. IMHO, this would make for excellent reading.
Regards,
Happy trails to you!
MBL101e, 6010d,9011s, emm dcc-2, xo-3
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