How many of us look under the hood??

Most of us don't have technical background, I'm no exception. But I like to see what is inside a component. If I see a neat layout with quality parts it gives me certain feeling of "trust" with regard to both the product and the manufacturer. But I also know that just nice "cosmetics" and cool looks can be deceptive. OTOH some components don't have this neat interior but they are very good in reproducing music (= very musical). For example some of the point-to-point wired tube amplifiers (from Supratek and Atmasphere). Especially the Supratek units have very messy looking interiors.

Chris

Chashmal: I laughed my ass off when I read your comment.
I knew you were kidding; that's why it was so funny-- no offense to MrJ.
I think it's fun looking underneath the hood. It gives me a sense of how much care a mfr. has for being neat:
a quality a lot of us admires.

Of course I look under the hood, I touch and caress under the hood, I play under the hood. I also do the same to my audio components :-)

But seriously, I've modified my own gear for many years now with spectacular results. Since I don't have to deal with manufacturer's price points I can put better components inside. Yes, there's been a lot of trial and error, but with time and help from others here and on other forums comes learning and experience.

Bob

I have Merlin Speakers and wouldn't dare open up the box and look inside. This is because everyone of the the bolts or screws holding the drivers in is torqued to a different level that is critical.

Chashmal, good humor is always welcome. ;)
I take back that extra 10%. Full price now. Because it is you.

Yes, Supratek's guts look like a micro jungle project but hey, it sounds good so who cares.

Speakers and iPods I stay away from. Also, some CDPs. TT on the other hand are taken apart then put together and taken apart some more. But you won't see them up for sell anytime soon. So , no worries. If you find a tinny screwdriver or hex key set please send it back for the reward.

From time to time I have open box special and yes it means it was open, touched and analized for potential mods. Clearence sale means - that there is clearly something missing but I don't know what and where is it.