The mods for the Pioneer are actually $700, while the mods for the CD-25 are $600.
The Pioneer does offer 'Universal' capabilities and this is of interest to many people. It also uses a switch-mode power supply which has some inherent limitations in terms of noise.
The CD-25 uses a standard transformer-based power supply and has excellent build quality and aesthetics.
Some people would say that the Pioneer seems incredibly flimsy and 'cheap' looking and can't imagine why anyone would modify it? Well, the truth is, that while it IS lightweight and doesn't have the 'high-end' build quality, it is, all the same, a very reliable unit with amazing format flexibility and great sound with our mods.
They are both excellent and both cater to different peoples desires and system needs. I honestly have not compared the two units side by side, so I can't comment on their ultimate sonic differences.
I DO apologize, but our website is painfully out of date and now that I am starting to get some more sleep (Baby is sleeping more now), I DO plan to get several updates out to my webmaster.
FYI, the next step up, in both cost and performance BTW, would be the Sony 9000ES with our Level III mods w/tube analog stage. The mod price is $1200 and it is exceptional.
Thanks,
Dan W.