[gibheid]

... the last time I looked your P-3A mods were $500; they're now up to $650.  Does this represent a revision of the original work (ie more parts and labour than originally thought) or is just a reflection of the economic climate?

I'm definately interested in your mods since I tried the "open cabinet" trick, but you've over-shot the reach of my meager wallet.

[jcoat007]

I'm just as bummed.

Supply and demand my friend.  Supply and demand.

[audioengr]

You guys don't miss a thing.   I did initially raise my prices because I added 8 more parts to the mix.  It sounds even better now.  

However, after recalculating the labor etc. , I decided I could still charge $500, at least for now. so I changed the webpage back to $500.  After I do a couple more of these, if I find that I am paying myself $20 an hour, it may go up again.....

[gibheid]

Good news indeed!  A question though...

Are the P-3A Mods a work-in-progress? They sound promising, but I'd like to have them all at once rather than in installments, to avoid shuttling my DAC back and forwards between Oregon and Darkest Biblebelt. Is it better to wait a little while for you to try out various permutations or are we ready to shoot?

I was quite surprised at the improvement/difference in sound when the cabinet was removed from the P-3A.  The soundstage widened left & right & front & back; bass was deeper and 'blossomed' more. Different instruments seemed to peel themselves apart and give themselves more room in space, without losing the sense of coalescence. Some things sounded slightly unstable though, which I've put down to the lack of RFI shielding that the case normally provides. I've got a naked DAC sandwiched between two Shakti Stones at the moment -- ugly but effective!

Damn you and your Audio Gurufulness! You've successfully re-ignited the white-hot doubt that's the mainstay of my paranoia audiophilia. Your mods are probably cheaper than therapy though….  

What do I need to do to do next?

[audioengr]

Are the P-3A Mods a work-in-progress? They sound promising, but I'd like to have them all at once rather than in installments, to avoid shuttling my DAC back and forwards between Oregon and Darkest Biblebelt. Is it better to wait a little while for you to try out various permutations or are we ready to shoot?

No work in progress. I just needed to try some parts and it took some time to procure them.  The very first mod that I did got these additional parts, but I had to send them along to the first customer (with instructions), who did the rework himself.  All other customers got all the mods.  The permutations are over.

If you want to get a P-3A modded, just send me an email at:
nugent@empiricalaudio.com