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Music Hall CD-25.5 vs CD-25 w/mods??

I was going to pick up a NAD C542 but now thinking of going for a Music Hall CD-25. I can get a C-25 w/level 3 mods for $200 more then the NAD but now found I can buy the newest Music Hall MMF CD-25.5 for $540.00 brand new(which is $60 less then the 25 w/mods). My question is: did they improve the 25.5 to the point where it would be up there with a MMF CD-25 with mods?? Unfortunately I can't go much higher $$ wise, $400 was my limit but might as you can see I'm pushing it a bit. Also thinking it maybe overkill considering my system. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated..
My modest system:
NAD T752
Paradigm Studio 20v3
Technics SL-Q2 Phono
AudioSource Sub(next on my list for replacing)
Yamaha CDX-710 CD-Player(15 Yrs old,getting replaced now)
pmt1209
fly_fish_nz
70 posts
 
You may also want to take a look at 6moons where they compared two levels of mods on the CD25 to the stock unit. This will give you an idea on how much to expect from mods and a basis of comparison for what you learn from Sugarbrie's suggestion.
pmt1209 OP
44 posts
 
Mapleleafs's quote: "WHATS YOUR MAX BUDGET?"

I would have to say between $400 and $500, possibly 600 if it was something I just couldn't resist.. Money is quite tight these days with 3 teenage girls :).
nealhood
199 posts
 
If you were to really get objective reviews of players before, and after mods, I bet the results would be a mixed bag. Perceived improvements in some areas, tradeoffs in others. Mods don't always improve the subjective long term listenability and thus enjoyment of a specific player. There is a lot of hype in this business. My advice, as has already been mentioned, is to go with the newer player. In most cases, you will be better off. This is a generalization though, and there will be plenty of exceptions.
pmt1209 OP
44 posts
 
I hear what your saying Nealhood, I would think the newer the model the better components and tweaks in it would be. For example a New NAD C-542 improved over the C-541i. In my case I would think a NAD C542, Stock CD-25.2 or Onix xcd-99 all in my price range should blow my 15 year old Yamaha CDX-710 away, right? Which was not a cheap player back then..
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Mods can be useful. Companies make products to hit a particular price point. If Music Hall wants to keep the price under $600 then they have to make choices of where to cut.

The modder has no such restritions. He/she can make that $600 CD player into a $1000 player by upgrading certain parts.
If the modded player is a lot better than what $1000 will get you elsewhere, then it is a good investment for the listener.
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