Modifying a Pioneer Elite PD-65......


I have just picked up the latest issue of UK's "Hi-Fi News" last night at a local mall, and then when I got home and started reading it, I happened to find a fantastic looking (and I assume, fantastic sounding too) high-end audio system profiled inside of it. This system consists of a Genesis Speaker System, Jeff Rowland Amplification, a Basis Turntable System (I think.... but cannot remember), a Nakamichi 1000 ZXL Cassette Deck, and an Accuphase CD Player right along with a Pioneer Elite PD-65 CD Player that they claimed they have modified and has turned it into a transport only. And I am thinking that you must be very careful when you are having components modified by aftermarket audio component modifiers and so forth. And while I am thinking of that, I am thinking now, what if I can get me a used Pioneer Elite PD-65 and have it modified and turn it into a transport only and then pair it with a Perpetual Technologies P-3A DAC??? What kind of combination will that be. I know I can get me a Perpetual Technologies P-3A DAC for about $800.00. What I want to know is who can do modifications on a Pioneer Elite PD-65 CD Player so that it can be a transport only, and how much will such a modification would cost??

--Charles--
128x128chaskelljr2001
I have modded a number of PD-65's. I perform a number of digital and power mods to improve the S/PDIF output as well as installing a modded Superclock3. It becomes a pretty good transport with these mods, and it has the stable platter, which is a plus.

However, even with all of these mods, the Sony DVP-S7700, Pioneer DV-47 and several other current players, such as the Denon 2900 and 5900 are still better as transports, after being modded of course. The Pd-65 is an old design and the newer players are much better. Make sure to select a modder that knows digital.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer/Modder
If you stick to getting a Pioneer, try to find the PD-75. It has a better build.