Review of Pioneer 47Ai with Universal Truth Mods

Doug_B · « **on:** 1 Feb 2004, 04:47 am »

I have posted a review of the mods in this thread in the Critic's Circle. It's actually a summary of my review. Within the initial post is a link to a full review on my website.

I would appreciate that any discussion of this review be provided in the Critic's Circle thread.

Oh, if you want a summary of the summary - yes, I'm happy with my modded unit.

Thanks.

Doug

modwright · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Feb 2004, 06:22 pm »

Thanks Doug, I really appreciate the link to the review summary and to the FULL review on your site. You have been very thorough and I believe objective in your review and I really appreciate that.

I agree with you that the modified 47Ai is better than the stock Denon 2900. I am finallizing tube mods for the Denon 2900 right now and it IS better than the Pioneer, but also at a price. The Denon tube mods are $1200.

I try to provide the best value for each of our mods and I believe that dollar for dollar, you will be very pleased with ModWright's work. Will you get better performance if you spend more money? Yes. Is it necessary to spend K$ to get great sound? Absolutely not.

I really appreciate your candid assessment of the work, relative to its price point and your comparison to units that are in the same price range and ballpark.

I believe that you are also accurate in your statement that you will get most of the improvement with the Basic MCH mods. The tubes DO improve the sound and provide a quality that only tubes CAN. The tubes also replace a significant amount of circuitry that would otherwise be handled by op-amps.

In summary, I believe that this unit, as well as the 47A and 45A (all similar units with same mods options) all offer high-performance cost-effective upgrades solutions for Universal Players.

Thank you!

Dan

JoshK · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Feb 2004, 04:12 am »

I got to hear Dan's work on two pieces yesterday for the first time. My fullest recommendation spewest forth! Dan good, dan good.

modwright · « **Reply #3 on:** 2 Feb 2004, 05:58 pm »

Thanks Josh, I appreciate that.

From the looks of the picture, Rup has some pretty 'stylin' digs

. Great looking system and a VERY cool room. I gather that Rup is either not married or has a VERY understanding wife or girlfriend

.

I have a music room to myself also and my wife IS very understanding.

Take care,

Dan

Doug_B · « **Reply #4 on:** 2 Feb 2004, 06:00 pm »

Dan,

It was a pleasure writing the review, as I am getting much pleasure listening to the unit. Although your Denon mods sound intriguing as well, I am satisfied enough with my modded unit that I can instead focus on other areas of my system for my next upgrades. [Oh, and a new hobby of mine is starting to eat into my wallet as well - Astronomy.]

Thanks.

Doug