Need advice on CD Mods.

buckeyefanandy · « **on:** 29 Dec 2005, 04:38 am »

I am interested in getting a upgrade on my Denon DCD 3520 with 2 new 1uf Aricaps and new burr brown op amps. I am not very comfortable doing it myself and would like to find a good reasonable dealer or company to do this.
Any ideas of what this shoulc run me?
Thanks

JLM · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 Dec 2005, 11:22 am »

Unless you really, really know what you're doing, I'd leave the design and installation of upgrades up to the professionals.

Warning! Not only will a mod void the warrantee 99% of the time, there are lots of hacks out there that could easily ruin the player.

Check with them on modification packages they recommend and the time/money involved.

Note that the design time involved limits what players they work with. I've not run across the Denon DCD 3520, so I don't know if you'll find anyone who would mod it.

audioengr · « **Reply #2 on:** 30 Dec 2005, 06:58 pm »

Quote from: buckeyefanandy

I am interested in getting a upgrade on my Denon DCD 3520 with 2 new 1uf Aricaps and new burr brown op amps. I am not very comfortable doing it myself and would like to find a good reasonable dealer or company to do this.
Any ideas of what this shoulc run me?
Thanks

This is kind of like doing half a tune-up on your car. Do the plugs but not the oil or timing etc....

You should trust a modder and let him make it sound good. I dont use Auricaps. I have a combo that sounds much more neutral and natural. Less sibilant. The BB op-amps are a good idea if you use the right ones. It is even better to eliminate the AC coupling caps and direct-couple it.

Steve N.

Rocket · « **Reply #3 on:** 31 Dec 2005, 03:39 am »

Hi,

Have you thought about purchasing a cheap dac and just use your denon as a dedicated transport. A clock upgrade will probably cost over $120.00us (as an example a tent clock), plus you would have to pay to have it installed for you.

I had an old denon dcd590 and had a g&d clock installed which i really liked.

Danny @ Gr Research is selling a very inexpensive dac for $175us including shipping which i think would probably be a nice improvement at a cheap price for you.

http://www.gr-research.com/components/lite_dacs.htm

Best of luck.

Regards

Rod

Marbles · « **Reply #4 on:** 31 Dec 2005, 03:52 am »

I would contact Mathew Anker, www.sacdmods.com

He was pretty reasonable on his mods and he's in Columbus, OH.

I don't know if he has worked on a Denon, or if he would even work on one, but I would contact him first.

Rocket had a pretty good sugestion as well...