[chgolatin2]

I know everything is subjective in some ways, however, some retailers and specialty high end stereo sellers specialize in some sort of modification services.  My question is how do you compare modification services such as underwood, response audio etc?  Whats better, whats worse opinion etc?  I know manufactures feel that if you modify their engineered product its like an insult to them but, if they would make an outstanding product to begin with then their products will not be modified at all, right? 

[Bill Baker]

Hello again chgolatin2
 If you are up to some reading, there was a long discusion onthis a while back here at AC. Here is a link. Keep inmind that the original post represents my personal opinion. As always, YMMV.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=11263.0

[CornellAlum]

I know everything is subjective in some ways, however, some retailers and specialty high end stereo sellers specialize in some sort of modification services.  My question is how do you compare modification services such as underwood, response audio etc?  Whats better, whats worse opinion etc?  I know manufactures feel that if you modify their engineered product its like an insult to them but, if they would make an outstanding product to begin with then their products will not be modified at all, right? 

My opinion, and it's just that, is that just about any design will have some sort of compromises when it comes to cost.  Hence, again in my opinion, just about any product out there, priced within reason, can be improved upon via modifications.  In some instances the differnces may be subtle, and in others, quite dramtic.  It really depends on the original design and the price point the designer was trying to hit.  YMMV.

[macrojack]

The word "modify" means to change. It does not mean improve.........although that is a possible result.

I think the audiophile community has shown itself vulnerable to certain assumptions about modification and the marketeers have risen to the opportunity.

If you want something better, buy something better. Don't depend on aftermarket profiteers to raise you to a higher level. You can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear.

[rbrb]

But you can make a silk purse from silk.  No one would suggest that a POS component be modded but a good component can be modded to become a great piece of gear.  The Sony DVDNS9100ES is a great example.  Not a bad unit stock, world class after being modded.

Macrojack your comments are ill advised, have you ever had a component modded?

[CornellAlum]

Clearly he/she has not heard a modded component and is throwing around assumptions.  Take the SB 2/3 for example.  There is almost universal praise for the mods being done and the differences are far from subtle. 

[macrojack]

rb - I have had products modded. The first was in 1979. I'm not shy about the process personally but if you read what I said, you will see that I allow for the possibility of improvement. I think it is a mistake, often made, to assume that any and all "mods" make things better.

[Bill Baker]

I think it is a mistake, often made, to assume that any and all "mods" make things better.

 Based on this quote, I agree 100% with what macrojack is trying to say. Upgrades do not always result in improvements and sometimes can take one in the opposite direction of where they want to be with any given product.

 As I have mentioned in the past, if one does not like a product from the beginning, upgrades/modifications are not going to turn that product into something it's not. At this point, it's time to look for a different product. Putting more money into it with unjustifiable expectations is simply throwing money away.

 I do believe, however, that there are situations where upgrades / modifications can enhance the performance of a product that someone already enjoys and realizing it potentially has more to offer. Basically bringing more of it's potential to the surface.

[miklorsmith]

Comparison of Bel Canto e.one Reference 1000 monoblock amps, stock and modded:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/underwood3/ref1000.html

Basically, the amps changed in character without being necesssarily better.  This probably reflects excellent initial engineering.  Other starting products would likely show different results.  I have two versions of Vinnie's Squeezebox mods and they sound quite different.

[macrojack]

Comparison of Bel Canto e.one Reference 1000 monoblock amps, stock and modded:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/underwood3/ref1000.html

Basically, the amps changed in character without being necesssarily better.  This probably reflects excellent initial engineering.  Other starting products would likely show different results.  I have two versions of Vinnie's Squeezebox mods and they sound quite different.

To me that means the modded one was different and the reviewer couldn't decide which he preferred so he concluded that neither was superior.
This whole thing is about preferences. One guy prefers to make his choice based on measurements and another chooses on the basis of three cuts from his reference music. Then some seem to purchase based on price, either because it is such a bargain or because the guy who takes care of his pool can't afford it.
In all cases, it just boils down to being happy with what you have. This is best accomplished by disregarding the opinions of others unless you are spending their money.

[audioengr]

This is my opinion based on 7 years of modding experience and over 30 years engineering design:

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue15/modsnugent.htm

Steve N.

[halo]

a good component can be modded to become a great piece of gear.  The Sony DVDNS9100ES is a great example.  Not a bad unit stock, world class after being modded.

I just got my 9100ES back from ModWright where they performed the Signature Truth modification with the tube rectified power supply. The unit is amazing. Even after a brief audition (in home) of a friend's 9100ES (Platinum Truth mod + tube rectified PS) the ModWright I purchased (due to said demo) has surpassed my expectations. Thanks go out to Dan Wright, SCompRacer, & Normanality.