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Upgrade Audio Aero Prima with mods?

I really liked the sound of the AA Prima when demoing, and recently acquired one here on A-gon. I hope it sounds great in my system as well. Here is my question: I purchased this unit hoping to use the analog out to replace my preamp, or at least see if I like a direct volume control. If it works, I will sell the preamp and put the money toward upgrading the Prima with mods, or possibly a better CDP (budget $2200 used).

Does anyone here have experience with an upgraded Prima? I could probably get a good upgrade package for around $1000 extra, and a used Capitole would cost me $2500 extra. Would the mods likely get close to the performance of the Capitole or a similiarly priced unit? I don't expect miracles, but it would be nice if it were 90-95% of the way there. I currently have an $1800 (retail) source in a $12K (retail) system, and I would like to get the front end up to "the point of diminishing returns". I just don't have $3500 (used price) to spend on a CDP. If I upgrade it, I would be keeping it for the forseeable future.
dawgcatching
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
Unless things have changed GNSC does not mod Audio Aero gear. At least that's what Steve told me when I phoned him a while back about modding my Prima.

How are you proposing to use the direct volume control? My understanding is only the first version of the Prima CDP had that feature. Mine (the version before the latest with the Sony transport) did not have that feature. If it is the first version of the Prima that you have, I would definitely not mod it, because if your transport goes--they were problematic--you could end up with nothing more than a book end.

If you can save up for a Capitole MKII, that would be my suggestion. You can run it direct, and you will be satisfied for a long time.
rja's avatar
rja
2,371 posts
 
GNSC not only replaces some parts with higher quality parts but also implement extensive resonance control. Again, I'm not suggesting that you get your unit modded, that of course is up to you. However, a call to Steve will clarify exactly what could be done to improve your unit, what you can expect sonically and how much it would cost. He may even tell you that the unit is not worth upgrading, I don't know. For my part though I would give him a high recommendation.
aball
2,018 posts
 
Boa2 is correct that the only Prima version with volume control was the original one.

I have a Prima Mk2 (with the Philips transport) and I simply love it and wouldn't dream of paying $1000 to mod it.

I would say that getting a Capitole would be your best bet.

Arthur
restock
831 posts
 
Which version of the Prima is it since there have been many many revisions (MK I, early MK II with mirror finish, latest MKII with XLR outputs, MKIII with new Sony transport.

I own the Prima MKII CDP (XLR version) and don't see the point of modding it. If you like the sound of the Prima and can spend extra, why not take a look at the Prima DAC (same DAC as Capitole) with transport or the Capitole itself.

Enjoy!
dawgcatching OP
139 posts
 
Thanks for the info. Maybe I should hold off on the Prima upgrade for now. I have the latest version with the Philips transport (would be MKII) that I bought here on A-gon. It should be here in a few days. If it is working well in my system, then I will give Steve a call and see what he says, or check out the Prima DAC.
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