I hesitate to jump into the fray on this subject because I have not engaged GNSC to modify any Audio Research products for me. I have, however, engaged GNSC to modify a Wadia 861 to the Reference, then SE and Statement levels, a Resolution Audio Opus 21 (Reference level mod), a pair of Luxman MB3045 power amps, an Aesthetix IO and Spendor LS3/5as. Obviously, I like working with GNSC and have achieved great results from the work Steve and his crew have performed. At the same time, I understand how others might not find that the mod route is the way to go. Let me explain.
If you find a component, either new or used, that sounds exactly like you want it to sound and you have no reasonable belief that it can be upgraded, you have answered the question of whether you should engage GNSC. If, on the other hand, you are relentlessly seeking to improve upon your sound, you can take either a new component that Steve is comfortable modifying and engage in dialogue with him regarding what his mods do to the sound. Steve is articulate and capable of describing what you can expect from his Standard, Reference and Statement mods. He is also able to adapt somewhat depending upon your tastes and variations among components. In my case, we have debated different capacitors to use in the IO. In all cases, I have found that my perceptions of the modified component have matched the descriptions that Steve provided before undertaking the mod. From a business perspective, Steve is unlikely to last long in his trade if he describes one outcome to his customers but provides them with components that differ from his descriptions and Steve has been at this for many years.
Getting a mod from GNSC implies a very different relationship between the audiophile and the person either selling a component or a service. For me, I prefer to engage in the discussion, get down to the details of what I like and don't like in my sound and to discuss the ways that Steve can improve on the sound. In at least two instances, Steve has declined to modify components for me, saying that he is either not comfortable working on that manufacturer's piece or believes that the component sounds good as is and that he has little to add. I am sure that Steve is concerned about revenues but he has not demonstrated to me that he cares more about revenues than creating a good result.
I understand why Audio Research may prefer that no one modify their components. As a manufacturer, getting customers to move on to their newer components is what keeps them in business. Likewise, they do not really want to endorse having third parties improve upon products of which they are justifiably proud. ARC has produced some components that maybe should not be modified and left as they are, though replacing some components in the chassis may be necessary for amps and preamps built in the 1970's and 1980's just to maintain the products and, secondarily, to improve their sound.
Audio Research has produced some fantastic components that may remain at or very near the levels of performance of the newest ARC gear after GNSC modifies those components. In some cases, older ARC gear modified by GNSC after dialogue with Steve may suit the preferences of the owner to an even greater degree than new gear might. Of course, your mileage may vary.
I have never experienced a problem with GNSC supporting gear sold to me, though I have not really experienced many substantive problems with the gear they modified for me. I have met with Steve and he has shown me the work performed and it appears to be of the highest quality, so I have no reason to believe that GNSC modified gear is any less reliable than unmodified gear and have experience demonstrating that he will resolve any issue that might arise. Put otherwise, I do not believe that Steve's mods "hot rod" components in a way that pushes things to limits that encourage better sound at the expense of short service lives or susceptibility to component failure.
I don't think that there is a "one size fits all" answer when it comes to modding. Those who believe that they should purchase a stock component that absolutely meets their needs should follow that path. Similarly, those people who buy used gear, have older gear or even have new gear that they want to shape pursuant to dialogue with GNSC may find that relationship rewarding and the modified components to their liking. As for me, I can't recommend GNSC and Steve highly enough but I also can't say that engaging him will suit everyone or every component subject to modification. I can testify, however, that Steve is careful, articulate, responsible and honest in what he has done for me and that those who want to modify their gear are extremely unlikely to find their experience with GNSC a disappointment.
