companies that modify equipment...opinions

There are 2 types of mods
- those that swap out component parts for boutique parts (you can do that yourself and don't need to pay someone else for that solder job)
- and those that actually change a circuit, or add a better output stage, or a clock mechanism, or a different tube set, and boutique parts.

Modwright started out long ago in the first category, moved to the second one and is now making their own equipment. Red Wine Audio and Empiracle Audio did this too.

Yes, mods do make a difference, and you can get very satisfactory improvements in either category. But again, you are relying on your liking the kind of sound that the modder is shooting for. Same with any componnet.

However, you will pay a hefty premium for mods, and probably not see that back on resale. My suggestion would be to wait for a modded piece to pop up on the used market and try it out. That way you could sell it easily for what you paid if you don't like it.

Ptmconsulting offers good advice.

As Elizabeth stated, I too have no interest in modifications to original designs and instead prefer to enjoy a given builder's/manufacturer's original intent and execution of a product. If it turns out not to provide long term satisfaction, I find a way to trade out or up to another piece of original gear. And repairs to restore as originaly designed are the only way to go. Mods, no matter what they are, reduce long term resale value. Also, I would always want to know if a previously owned product was modified so that I can steer clear of purchasing it. I have had a couple of bad experiences in this regard and won't purchase modded gear ever again. In fact, there should be a policy that if an Audiogon member sells a piece with undisclosed mods in the offer for sale, and it is determined by the buyer upon receipt that it was indeed modified and undisclosed prior to the sale, then the buyer should have the option of a full refund and return, NO QUESTIONS ASKED!!!