Modified equipment...


I want feedback on buying/selling modified equipment. Do think mods devalue gear or add value in some cases? Don't you think you're better off leaving a piece of gear stock as it came from the factory and just upgrading to a better component altogether??
puroagave
well...never say never. I've gotten my money out of mods. You would never do it to some pieces just bc. of warranty. For many pieces it's not so bad and is often very efective. You will probably never sell it to a retailer like HellosimplyMusic.
i think some tried and true mod companies (stan warren; great northern audio) will not improve the resale but will allow you to sell it without a give away price. i have bought one piece of gear that was modded (by the designer himself as sf). it would not work with my equipment. he took it back (thank goodness). that was the last piece i will buy that is modded. fwiw.
Agree with Chelillingworth, it all depends on the success and reputation of the mod. For over 20 years modified DQ-10 Dahlquists(mirror-imaged, updated crossovers..etc)have been of more value than stock. It all depends on how well received the after-market mods are.

AMG Mercedes mods were so successful that Mercedes bought AMG...and what does this have to do with Audio gear...perhaps more and more as time passes and the high-end continues to shrink. We may someday be left with people doing mods to mainstream electronics for a "high-end".
What about SMC modified McCormack equipment? I think these mods would return some of their additional cost and SMC waranties their entire product.
While I agree there is no blanket rule on modded gear, I do not see a problem with modified gear from some the known people, ie Stan Warren, Steve Huntley. These people have been at the game for some time. What I would stray away from is the the hobbyist (home tweaker) who has too much time on his hands, solder, and a soldering gun. Ive been to some audiophiles homes to look into purchasing equipment, If I see a work table and lots of reisitors, caps, and parts lying around, I wouldnt touch what that person was selling.