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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
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.
armstrod
610 posts
 
Pmt1209,

I had a 15 year old Adcom GCD-575, which was a great player and cost me $650 in 1990. The transport finally gave up the ghost. My Onix XCD-88, $250 for a B stock with warranty, blew it away. I'd expect your Yamaha to suffer the same fate.
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