Preamp modifications - who would you use?

Mitch2, Unlike with cars, swapping out parts in audio components, even for superior parts, does not guarantee improved performance. One reason is that, even when you choose parts rated same value, they don’t operate identically to the part they replaced. This can have a cascade effect on the parts around them. Other parts might not now be operating optimally. It’s a lot like taking medication. There can be unintended side effects.

Modifiers, like Dan Wright, who choose a component, study it and spend a good long time tinkering and testing, are a whole different story. Unless you choose a modifier who specializes in modifying your particular preamp, you’re unlikely to get that kind of analysis and testing.

Since the previous poster mentioned Dan Wright, I'd like to weigh in again with the whole idea of modifying equipment. The OP asked about preamps. That is one of Joseph Chows specialties. I have a Dan Wright modified player as front end. Does it sound better than stock? To me a resounding 'yes'. Is it superior to the Sony 5400ES it replaced? Again, that's affirmative. How about in comparison to the Sony TRL modified by Paul Weitzel? The TRL player sounded better, and I wished I hadn't sold it.

So the notion that an audiophile is going to feel something sounds better just because they paid to have something modded is just not true ... at least not in my case. Also the idea that something - no matter what it is - cannot be improved from stock flies in the face of innovation. Better parts, new technology, and improved design approaches can sometimes take a base model to levels the original designer never even dreamed about.

It is generally true that one will not reap anywhere near the value of what they paid for the combined cost of the gear plus the mod - on re-sale of a modified unit. So if one elects to go that route, be prepared to eat the cost of the mod. But if you don't mind that, and you're looking to for the best sound, I say go for it!

Not trying to start a p---ing contest, but that's my 2 cents.

I believe mods are an excellent way to improve upon a component that is clearly lacking in some way.

Tvad, I agree with your observations regarding the risk of screwing up something that a good designer spent a considerable amount of time to design and spec. The Lamm may therefore be a poor example to use for this case. However, there are other examples where equipment was designed to a price point limiting the cost of components, where the equipment is older and the available parts quality has improved since the original design, and where newer technology has become available (such as in power filtration and regulation). Those types of examples may be more applicable here. I plan to start with a couple of the names on the list, send some pictures of the insides of the preamp and power supply, talk with them about what they believe can may be accomplished, and then decide how/if I want to proceed.

I appreciate the names provided here, several of which I did not initially consider, and I also found benefit in the general discussion regarding the risks of modding equipment.