I have had several inquires after saying I will mod these units for people. Well I am going to make sure everyone knows that I am up for modding. As of yet no one has taken this unit seriously. The truth is that it can definately be a main amplifier in many of your main systems. This of course is only suggested with modding. Also a better source is highly recommended. The CD player is fun and all but not the high point. I prefer an external DAC (not using the Sharp as a transport), or turntable; the cd player, including the DAC, is the weak point for this unit.
Anyways.
My mods are based off of RWA mods, with the help and consent of Vinnie. I see no reason for the pre-amp out. It is impossible to use output on this unit to a DAC and then feed back into, into the AUX input. (this is NOT a good transport, it actually is not very good at reading discs, all the strength is in the amplifier)
I can order all the parts but it will cost you more. What I can do is give you a list of parts to order, then send to me with the unit. This is up to you. I think I will charge $100 per unit of modifications + shipping + parts if I have to order them.
Basic mods for AUX input use.
Bypass resistors and capacitors in the signal path from AUX input.
Replacement of signal coupling capacitors with BlackGates
Replacement of cheap OPAMPs with OPA2604 Burr Browns
Replacement of certain capacitors on power board
Removal of Tuner board
X2 rated capacitor over the IEC input for noise suppression (huge improvement)
Extras: New RCA's hardwired to the volume/processing board, on/off switch for Tuner board (if you want to keep it, I say toss it), new hardwired binding posts (RCA and binding posts are of your choice if they are appropriate to work, I can recommend some to choose from, requires some hook up wire)
Digital (only needed if you want to use the CD player, which is ok, audiophile grade but low end of it)
Replacement of a couple capacitors on the servo board
Dampening applied to main clock crystal
Here are prices if I order the parts, some up for discussion
Example builds
$210+shipping for all basic mods to analog and digital. If you want mini toggle switch for tuner $215 (I prefer to just take it out).
If you want hardwired in RCA's to the volume/preamp board (I want to use Vampire solid copper, up for discussion, but I consider the base material the true upgrade, then it is wired directly into the board, bypassing two solderless connections, and crappy RCAs) $255+ shipping, with FM/AM toggle $260 (the RCAs will be wired with shielded cardas "headphone" RCA wire because of the run through by a few other things)
New binding posts (I want to use vampire full copper, I consider it an upgrade because of base material, and hardwired into the board, bypassing a solderless connection, maybe more if I discover another way to bypass more stuff, however the posts are spendy but they are a true upgrade) $350 or $355 with FM/AM toggle. (binding posts are $87)
