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Musical Concepts Modifications

Hello everyone. I posted a couple of weeks ago regarding upgrading an Adcom GFA 5802 amp. Amongst the fine suggestions I recieved was one from JB recommending that I explore the modification option. Since I am 92% happy with my systems' sound and don't want to go through the whole rebuilding phase again, I thought this made sense. I'm really just looking for a little more high-end extension/resolutuion and a little more transparency wouldn't hurt. I contacted John Hillig @ Musical Concepts and he thinks his Lx Sig Mod would do the trick. I'm just a little nervous about investing in something w/out hearing it first. Ironically, I listen to mostly prog rock and am also worried that the sound may be TOO refined for my taste. I'm wondering if any of you have gone this route, specifically with the 5802? Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Matt......
yes9
yes9 OP
15 posts
 
Hi everyone. I just wanted to follow up and let you know how I made out with my modification. Well in short I could not be happier. The highend extension and transparency I was seeking have far exceeded my expectations. Sound stage? There is no longer a defined sounstage. My whole downstairs is the soundstage! All the things I liked about the GFA-5802 were maintained and all the annoying weaknesses are now gone. Oh, and no more Adcom "house" sound. The only negative I would mention is that it took over two months for the mods to break in. John said it has to do with the the black gates?. I started to get nervous after awhile as the sound kept fluctuating. But once it settled in, it was perfect. Now I can't help but wonder what he could do with my JVC DVD player. If anyone has anything they would like to share in this regard, it would be appreciated. Thank all of you for recommending John. I do not think I could have possibly done better for the money. Matt........
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,484 posts
 
Yes9,
That's great news, glad you're happy.
I'm calling John and ask if he has any follow-up mods for my M-200's.
(They still sound fabulous after the mods of three years ago, just curious what he might have developed since hehehe)
mdhoover
695 posts
 
Yes9,

Thank you for taking the time to post your follow-up story. I've never--ever--heard or read anything bad about John Hillig's mods at all. AND, he tells me that he owns Intuitive Design Summits!
yes9 OP
15 posts
 
Rx8man,
I'll bet those M-200's sound unbelievable. A dealer by me uses a pair of them to audition speakers and the only reason I didn't buy a pair is that they sounded so similar to the 5802. With John's mods, I can only imagine. By the way, this modified 5802 now sounds better than the BAT monos I auditioned. Way more lower end slam. Thanks again for the recommendation. Matt.......
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,484 posts
 
Yes9,

My M-200's sound absolutely KILLER.
That's why they remain here since I bought them new.
After John's mods were performed, anything in front or behind these amps is revealed.
Other amps I'm considering (if my B&K's ever quit) are a pair of
Channel Island D-200's.
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