My posts on this subject have disappeared for some reason.
I had posted the same notes on another site so I had access to them.
Will summarize all in one post.
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April 13. 2019
As the proud owner of the first Pioneer UDP-LX500 Player off the line, I'm here to state this is one hell of a piece of gear.
As much as I love my Sony Es9000 mod by Dan, this player pretty much kicks it's ass!
I have to admit, upon arrival, I added some of my own tweaks to Dan's original design so this is not strictly a standard unit.
BTW, most of my tweaks were of the vibration and RFI/EMI reducing types.
This is my initial impressions with hardly any burn in. (I figure about 40-80 hrs actual playing time should do it)
This is comparing it to the Sony. I've never heard the OPPO Modded Units. (Maybe Dan can comment)
1) VERY resolving from the bass to the treble in a not-in-your-face way.
2) VERY black background!
3) I played my usual test CD cuts and discovered things I had never heard before.
4) This unit is built like a brick shit house! Very heavy with a thick metal enclosure!
I'll leave it there as this unit will definitely change and evolve given additional burn-in.
Right now it's a fetus.
I'm REALLY excited since the sound will only get better with time.
Plus I anticipate re-tubing at some time in the near future.
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April 19, 2019
The modded Pioneer UDP-LX500 CD player is really settling in nicely.
Frankly, I'm amazed how good the JJ 6922 output tube sounds.
What's even more sobering is that JJ produces a 6922 select, gold plated pin version which they claim is even better!
I had assumed that I would tube roll in an Amperex or a Telefunken,
but it is hard to believe that they could improve much on the existing sound.
If a classic NOS tube substitution could take this to even greater heights,
this modded Pioneer will be a World Class giant killer!
Dan has really hit a home run on this Mod...
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Tue Apr 23, 2019
Decided to pull the trigger today and get some vintage NOS 6922 tubes for my Modwright Pioneer CD Player.
On Dan's advice, I called Andy Bouwman from Vintage Tube Services to get fixed up.
After discussing how the tubes would be used, we came to the conclusion that The Amperex 6922 was the best choice.
Amperex introduced the 6DJ8/6922 family of tubes in 1958.
He picked out close matching tubes from 1965 that had the same exact date code.
"USN" White label, gold pins in original box.
Twernt cheap, but felt I had to get the best in order to determine the true capabilities of this Pioneer Player.
Hopefully, it will make a huge difference, but if it doesn't I'll let you know. (Andy is positive that it will)
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May 01, 2019
Well, I got my Amperex 6922 tubes to roll into my new Modwright player.
Got some good news and bad news.
The bad news is that great NOS signal tubes cost a small fortune.
The good news is that they can elevate the Pioneer to greater heights.
Popped in the Amperex 6922s today and sat down for some evaluation.
Believe me, I was having second thoughts about spending the money necessary to "go for it".
It would have to be an OBVIOUS positive difference for me to feel vindicated.
After about one minute (with no equipment warmup), I was smilin' from ear to ear...
The JJ 6922 is a decent, current production tube.
With it you can climb to the top o' the mountain.
With the Amperex, you climb to the mountain top and ascend into Valhalla.
Detailed yet sweet. All facets in balance.
Not bigger bass, just ultra tight, clean, fully articulated bass. ZERO boom.
Perfect, not overly etched highs. (Serious tinkle sound factor here)
Great low, middle and high midrange.
3-D Sound Stage to die for with great imaging and layering.
Orchestral works are not muddied when all the instruments are playing. Each section are distinct from one another.
On great recordings, the "you are there" factor is quite high.
Low level details are way more evident.
Great transient response.
Yadda Yadda Yadda.
You get the idea.
With a great NOS tube, this player becomes TRULY special!
Paul Galli