Esoteric Mods

RAM (reference audio mods) and Kern (audiomod)have very good reputations. I have also heard good things about (VSE) vacum state electronics. I believe music technologies (Bill Thalmann of cj fame) is the north american installer of their mods. Sonically, depending on the mods chosen, you should hear a substantial improvement in the players performance. But resale value will most likely take a hit. And obviously you will void the remaining portion of your warranty. I think Kern advertises that he backs his work with a one year warranty.

I am a strong advocate of mods done by qualified, reputable folk. Richard Kern at Audiomod made a very nice improvement in my Marantz SA-1.

Hi Mmitch7711

I believe I mentioned to you at another thread that I am thinking in sending a unit to RAM to be modified and posted the website with the numbers to call. Actually I am writing because I spoke to Douglas Jesse again from RAM because I was having problems deciding which unit to send to him to be modified and I wanted his advice. I currently own a Musical Fidelity Trivista SACD player which it is at Signal Path being service and I also want them to check the unit thoroughly because I was considering selling it and I want to make sure it is in optimal performance before I put it up for sale at Audiogon. I also was thinking about getting the Esoteric DV50 or 50s and sending it to RAM to be modified. Since both units are excellent sounding SACD/CD players I was having difficulty choosing which will be a better choice to modify.
That's when I need it the expertise, advice,and knowledge of Douglas Jesse. We Spoke for about half hour and told him about my choices and he explained to me the very differences between both units.The Esoteric has a Solid State Output Stage and the Trivista has a Tube Ouput Stage. I have to say that Douglas is a very knowledgeable and experience person in doing modifications. He took the time to tell me with specific details what will be the best mods for each unit. At the end he felt that In his own experience the Esoteric DV50 or 50s will be the better sounding unit after all the modifications are done but he still made it clear that it is always up to the listener to make that choice.I really trust his advice and that is why I will be doing my mods thru RAM.
Mmitch If you have a chance please give Douglas a call. Talk to him and tell him what you will like to do.Then take it from there. At least you will have an idea where you stand from the advice of someone who is very knowledgeable in doing Modifications.

Regards,
Carlos Reyes
Queens, New York.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE CLEAR THAT I AM IN NO WAY ASSOCIATED WITH RAM AND THAT I KNOW OF DOUGLAS JESSE ONLY BY HAVING CONVERSATIONS OVER THE PHONE ABOUT MODIFICATIONS.

I will certainly give him a call. Thanks for the info. This process can be very confusing, especially since there are numerous modifiers out there.

I ask again, why would you imagine a modder would have more expertise than TEAC, except possibly replacing cost sensitive parts with more expensive alternatives? You folks alll seem to believe modders know better. I'm skeptical.

db