Horror of Horrors - A Modified McIntosh MVP871

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by Dj_AmTraX

I wonder what they can do to a MCD205. I love this changer and it now goes for under a $1000 on the used market. When I had the MCD205, I compared it to my SCD-1 and the results were surprising. The MCD205 was almost as good.

A phonecall is in order to find out.

[2112]

I've been reading a thread on another forum/AVS about this company, and it's owner. While I have no dog in this fight i'd suggest anyone considering these upgrades to read the thread.

Wow, what a saga over there;


"the upgrade company" <component mods> - AVS Forum

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[jdandy]

Michael.......Pheew! I was worn out by the end of page one.

[Gordon]

After three pages of that, I'll keep the MDA1K as is.

Gordon

[Vintage Pete]

I won't even try to wade through all that....

Pete

[AudioNut]

I guess I'm about equally glad and sorry that the thread on the AVS forum didn't start-up until after I sent my MVP871 off for upgrade (?). I did send it with my eyes wide open and armed with several excellent recommendations for David's work. :sorry:

I didn't hear "my" 871 prior to having the work done, but I have listened to a friend's stock machine, prior to, and after experiencing my own player. I have actually compared my machine directly to the second 871 and I do stand by my findings as stated earlier in this thread.

The things I notice most are:

1. Better imaging - more exact placement of voices and instruments within the soundstage.

2. A fuller soundstage - wider, taller and deeper. The stage now extends outside of the speakers - closely akin to the soundstage that I am accustomed to hearing from my LP's on an excellent turntable.

3. Better tonality, more exact reproduction of voices and instruments. My "tests" in this regard are the human voice - especially female - (try Rob Wasserman Duets, Jennifer Warnes Ballad of the Runaway Horse. For male voice, anything by Neil Diamond - (his voice is hard to get "right"). I find that the Oboe is also difficult to reproduce properly and I listen to several good recordings featuring that instrument. I have spent the last 50 years trying to properly align phono cartridges and use the same recordings, along with many others to gauge correct VTA etc. I've listened to good audio for many years and, while I don't profess to have golden ears, I have a fairly good handle on what sounds good and what doesn't.

4. Improved overall resolution, more refined presentation. In massed orchestral recordings, the individual instruments are more distinctly presented as are individual voices in a choral work.

and 5. I just like it better, it sounds more musical, and I am happy that I had the work done.

I have tried to read the AVS forum and quickly gave up. I've never seen nor heard such argumentative dogma and I'm just not up to wading through it either.

[2112]

JPrice,

I feel I can comfortably speak for the others here by saying you do not have to defend yourself or your choices (at least I feel like you are, if indeed you are)

Obviously, You care about your experience with your gear and it sounds like you are a satisfied customer. That is great. I posted the link primarily to show how the bickering and name calling can get out of hand. That really doesn't happen here, thank god.

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[AudioNut]

Originally Posted by 2112

JPrice,

I feel I can comfortably speak for the others here by saying you do not have to defend yourself or your choices (at least I feel like you are, if indeed you are)

Obviously, You care about your experience with your gear and it sounds like you are a satisfied customer. That is great. I posted the link primarily to show how the bickering and name calling can get out of hand. That really doesn't happen here, thank god.

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Thank you for the kind words.

Actually I was more concerned with allegations that were made on the AVS forum, suggesting that favorable remarks in support of the Upgrade Company were "obviously the work of audio newcomers and shills of David Schulte", than I was in defending my choices.

I am quite happy with my choice, and I think the Upgrade Company does good work - or at least they did on my machine.

[two dot]

Jprice,

Your involvement here are your experience are both wonderful...

Your list of past gear is as impressive as I have seen.

You obviously are a true audiophile and I personally would have work done by the Upgrade Company on your recommendations alone.

Even though I didn't go to the link it just goes to show hoe internet people love to bicker... glad we don't have a lot of that here!!!