Questions for Modwright

Bill Lamb · « **on:** 4 Jan 2005, 09:42 pm »

Dan, or anyone familiar with ModWright:

I've been following the recent threads on Audiogon about the ModWright Sony and looking at the ModWright web site. But I'm still not entirely clear on what the configuration/capabilities of the players are, so I'd like to ask a few questions:

1) Which base player (9000ES, 999ES, other?) results in the best sound after full modifications? I'm especially intersted in Redbook playback.

2) Do you offer the modified players as a package deal, or will I need to purchase one and then ship it to you?

Considering the mods for the best possible base player:
3) Does the Platinum Signature Truth mod on the player have volume control? (that is, can it be used without preamp)

4) Does it (or can it) have balanced outputs?

5) Does it have a button for switching phase?

Thanks for your help!

ted_b · « **Reply #1 on:** 4 Jan 2005, 10:00 pm »

My 999ES Platinum Truth player has none of the above, but has been (and I think currently is) Dan's recommendation for his best modded Sony player. Frankly I can't imagine another Sony model sounding better, but a) what do I know; and b) of course I say that, I own it.

He had been offering a few turnkey systems via Audiogon, and I know of a couple dealers selling turnkey modded players. Me, I bought mine off Ebay and sent it directly to Dan for modding.

Ted_B

modwright · « **Reply #2 on:** 5 Jan 2005, 08:12 am »

We do strongly recommend the Sony 999ES with our Signature Truth mods. This mod is only SE (not balanced) and does not include a phase switch. The signal from the player is IN - PHASE.

We do offer an integral volume control - DACT CT-2 stepped atteunator, as a $300 upgrade.

Thanks,

Dan

Bill Lamb · « **Reply #3 on:** 6 Jan 2005, 03:08 am »

Thanks for the replies.

Does the stepped attenuator have a remote control?

Thanks

modwright · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 Jan 2005, 07:14 am »

Sorry for the tardy reply, but I just noticed the post.

The stepped attenuator does not have a remote.

Thanks,

Dan

Joaquín · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Feb 2005, 02:22 pm »

Dan,

Why you prefer the 999Es to the 9000Es? Isn´t the latest´s "direct-no DAC" solution better than the one in the 999ES?

modwright · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Feb 2005, 05:14 am »

The two units are actually very close in sound. The 9000ES is an older design with a different chipset. Both mods actually take the audio signal directly from the DAC chip.

Sonicly, I find the 999ES to be a bit more detailed and resolving, while the modified 9000ES is a bit warmer and laid back.

I am partial to the 999ES because it is newer and has proven to be exceptoinally reliable.

Incidentally, we are working on a transformer-coupled solid-stage mod for the 999ES that will be offered for approx. $800. I will post iniitial impressions very soon.

Thanks,

Dan