Modifications
As explained briefly in another section, Evolution of Design, we have developed a new, innovative way to modify audio and video equipment. Dave had previously worked on modifying the machines by replacing capacitors that ran through certain key signal paths in the machines, thereby, improving the electron flow, allowing the machines to have much better fidelity in audio and video alike. Our proprietary modification incorporates Dave’s modification philosophy / technique , but takes it another step. It involves a process by which we improve the functioning and efficiency of all the capacitors and other electronic components of the modified unit, affecting not only specific signal paths, but improving the electron flow, functioning and performance of the entire machine. This improved proprietary modification can turn simple, less expensive pieces of audio equipment into pieces that rival others costing thousands more.
How To Purchase A Modified Unit
There are two ways to purchase a modified unit. You can either have us purchase the factory unit and ship it back to you when it is modified or you can send in your own unit to be modified. It typically takes 3-7 business days to modify a unit once it reaches us. We try whenever we can to buy locally, as it speeds up turnaround time to for the customer, but often online prices can be significantly cheaper on certain units. If this is the case, it often takes 7 days for the factory unit ordered online to reach us. The customer is always welcome to send in any unit they find at a cheaper price or to send in their own unmodified factory unit.
Contact Sean at 971-221-7317 or email him at stereodaves@gmail.com for questions or to place a modification order. We will be happy to any questions you may have.
What Brands Do We Modify?
Over the years we have modified quite a few Pioneer Elite players and Harman Kardon receivers and amplifiers, including the Pioneer Elite LX-500, HK 3480, 3485, 3490 and HK 990. We have also modified many Oppo Digital players over the years including the Oppo UDP-105, UDP-203, and UDP-205. Recently, we have modified Marantz players, receivers and integrated amplifiers , including the PM8006 integrated amplifier, which modifies amazingly well. And the less expensive PM5004, which really sounded great once modified (See Review Below). In terms of blu-ray players, we currently modify the Panasonic UB 9000, which modifies quite well, especially with our custom made Furutech Power Cord. We can modify other brands such from Onkyo, Yamaha, Music Fidelity, Odyssey Audio, Parasound, and many more.
We also modify speakers and subwoofers as well. We have modified Elac, B&W, Pioneer, Infinity, SVS, and many more. Among subwoofers we have modified, we have modified HSU, Klipsch, SVS and others. SVS equipment can modify quite well. We have had great success with the SVS SB-2000 Pro, and SVS PB-4000.
Many of these modified pieces benefit greatly from our modified custom made Furutech Power Cord that sells for $295 plus shipping and handling and comes in various lengths. It can really make a modification and tends to greatly potentiate and highlight the improvements and changes made by our modifications. But they also make a great difference on their own. Even subwoofers are greatly improved by our custom made Furutech power cords.
Cost of Modifications
Players: For players, we typically have a mod price of $475 Plus shipping and handling.
Receivers / Amps: $495 Plus shipping and handling.
Speakers and Subwoofers: $399 Plus shipping and handling.
Prices vary depending on the piece, so please call us and let us know what you feel you want to see improved with the piece, and we will work up a quote for you. Ask for Sean 971-221-7317.
Review of Marantz PM-5004:
“A number of years ago I bought a used Marantz PM 5004 Integrated amplifier from a local big box store for $200.00. Nice geal. But I was never quite satisfied with the sound. I lived with it because this amplifier was used mainly for parties, and I had a better amp I used for daily music duties. But still I was never quite satisfied with the sound. It wasn’t bad but there was a persistent thinness, sheen, and glare from the midrange to the top end. The bass was there but it wasn’t as deep and solid as I would have liked. Leave it to an audiophile to find these sonic anomalies in an amp that mainly gets used for parties. My main amplifier is a Marantz Reference Line PM15S1. This amp has better build, sound and looks than the little PM 5004. Although it also costs a lot more, it isn’t perfect either. One day, and a few wild hairs later I decided that the PM15S1’s sound could be improved with a modification. I came to this conclusion because I did a lot of research on the subject. The research paid off. The results were spectacular! And I have had many hours of musical bliss with that amplifier. Meanwhile the little PM5004 stood in the corner occasionally doing party duties. But the itch was there. Especially since I had great results with my bigger, more expensive amp with a mod. How much could a modification to the little PM5004 improve its sound.
Since the old modhouse I used before was pretty much out of business, a quick search led me to Stereo Dave’s Audio Alternative and Sean Scoggin. I wasn’t too familiar with either. But after scheduling a phone call with Mr. Scoggin, any concerns were quickly dashed. I don’t think I have ever met a man with more enthusiasm, knowledge, and sheer energy in the field of audio as this man. So off went my little Marantz PM5004 to Portland Oregon to go under the soldering gun. Stereo Dave’s calculate a turnaround time of about a week and that is just about what came about. They needed some info from me that I sent to them a bit late that held them up a bit. But very impressive so far.
So what were the results when I got it back? In a word, fantastic! Gone was the thinness, sheen, and glare from the mids on up. The weak bass was replaced by solid, deep dynamics. Images were more present, and the soundstage opened up. The best part was that the music now coming from my little PM5004 sounded smoother and more relaxed. The relaxed part really makes me get into the music quite a bit better than before the mod. Yes, my Reference amp displays sharper definition of images, cleaner detail and is grain less sounding as all get out. But remember that was quite a bit more expensive amp to start out with and it has a bit different modification to it. But what is odd is that the Reference amp sounds a bit more up tight and not as relaxed as the little PM5004. In fact the PM5004 comes scarily close to my Reference amp with Stereo Dave’s modifications for a fraction of the cost.
To say that I am pleased with the results of the modification done by Stereo Dave’s Audio Alternative is an understatement. I am ecstatic! If I may include a comment from my non audiophile son but a guy who loves music and has been around high-end gear all of his life, Wow Dad, that sounds great! What the heck did they do to that little amp to make it sound so good? Looks like this amp will be used for more than just party duties from now on. Highly, highly recommended.”
Frank Madrid