I have a Sharp SD-EX111 that has complete RWA equivalent modifications done to the pre-amp/processing board. The main board (just for traffic) has bypass modifications as well. The power board has modifications, and the inlet IEC does as well. There is a little dampener material here and there.
The issue with it... One channel does not always work. It stopped working completely last time I used it. I tried using headphones and got great results, so I believe the problem is the actual amplifier itself, which is separate from everything in it's own little cold steel box. If it is not then it is probably one of the opamps (SOIC 8 pin) which is easily replaced.
What you can do with this unit... Swap the boards, or the amplifier unit, with another one you already own. This will give you everything short of the new RCA's, and bypassing of some extra signal path length. The CD side has not been touched. I could do the CD modifications upon request but I would have to charge for it. There are a lot of Blackgate capacitors in this unit, on top of a few FM (small line that is a step above the FC) and FC Panasonics for other things.
There is one signal capacitor that is attached to a pad that lifted slightly, but works fine, and never broke. I only mention this to be honest, and that you do not push any capacitors around on it. I can give full modification information upon request, including schematic details.
The remote works. The amplifier might even work if you have proper ground (I do not in my rented house unfortunately, good thing SB and home made amps etc do not use it in my case now). I am unsure so this is going to be a bargain.
$50+ shipping. CD unit modifications added $50.
I will include information from Sharp on how to take it apart etc. It is super easy and anyone can work on it, it is completely plug based. The most you have to do is pull up some tape. You can do all the work with the right philips head screw driver.
The really freaking awesome part.... The Blackgates are burned in, and it truely is a great sounding amplifier. You would have to spend some sweet $500+ on something pre-made to find the nice sound this unit actually can produce. The real downfall of the unit was that the DAC is not impressive, the volume is best when controlled by something else and left on full, and too much extra stuff like a tuner card I took out that was nothing but an EMF/EMI whatever collector even with an on/off switch.
