Why amps, pre-amps, integrated amps???

If you're into "kits", you can also get deep into the "high end" by substituting parts. For example you could substitute better capacitors, of the same value of course; and other parts as well. This would give you a true "high end" amp.

12-09-11: Orpheus10
If you're into "kits", you can also get deep into the "high end" by substituting parts. For example you could substitute better capacitors, of the same value of course; and other parts as well. This would give you a true "high end" amp.

Actually, I'm not a modder or a kitter. My amp is a Heathkit because that's the name of the company and they made very high quality kits. But I bought mine used, which means it was already assembled. I agree about how--if you're handy with a soldering iron--you can upgrade the parts in a signal path to great effect. I've never done any modding except for some tube-rolling.

I have a Jolida JD-9A phono stage and there are slews of mods out there including capacitor upgrades, but I never learned solder well. However, there's a lot of buzz about replacing the factory socketed op amps (about $1.19 ea) with $18-22 ones made to greater speed and lower noise specs. I'll probably get a chip puller and pop in the upgrade replacements.

From what I have found with respect to upgrading the electrical components within a CDP, I had 2 done with year, yields an incredibly better product. That is assuming that you, or the modder, is experienced.

After experiencing the vastly better products for myself, I will never buy 'new' again, I will simply buy 'good' designs, used, and have them upgraded.

My amp is a Heathkit because that's the name of the company and they made very high quality kits.
Johnnyb53

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the "Heathkit" amps from that time frame may have been made by Harman Kardon.

There is no better way to buy, than buying good designs that have withstood the tests of time, and that is the reason the price is going up on the best used equipment.