I don't know of anyone in the NC Circle that has actually gotten a modified player. Tim/Inscrutable and myself ordered players from Alex at APL but haven't received them. In fact, I'll be cancelling my order because I've decided I want a tubed player. Alex is supposed to come out with that mod later... so, it may not be a complete cancellation... just a change...
Anyway, I do have an older model Pioneer, 656a that had transport mods done by Dan Wright. The main improvement was a signifigant increase in detail resolution. I love it. It's good enough on its own to not need a DAC anymore. I'd say it would best everything up to the 500 USD range... and compete with many players up to 1000. Also, I have an unmodified Pioneer 444 that has been through 3 moves and has never had a single problem... knock knock.. So, durability, modability, and excellent musical quality... great products.
-Carl