REVIEW: Pioneer DV-333 and MSB Link3 mod results

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I just got my DV-333 and Link3 back from Dan Wright, and the improvements right off the bat were not subtle. The sound is fuller; harmonics are filled out, bass is more tuneful/resonant, high frequencies aren't as harsh, and the noise floor is lower. I'm blasting some opera music at substantial volumes right now and I'm actually welcoming the soprano's belting at full voice. The textures of voices and instruments feel more substantial. Very satisfying.
The mods cost about $400 including shipping both ways. Let me try to place the mods on the scale of mod/tweak economics. In terms of the magnitude of sound improvement, I'd say the mods have similar effects as adding the Monster HTS-2000 power conditioner to my system, but a bit better. About as much as the improvement of the HTS-2000 along with adding the Monarchy DIP mk2, come to think of it. So price-wise the HTS-2000 plus DIP, totalling about $350, matches the price of the modifications.
There are a number of other DAC/transport/CDp choices out there, and I've listened to a couple of them. Here are my thoughts:
I can safely say that my Pioneer+DIP+Link combination, modified, totally blows away the AH! Tjoeb with Noise Killer and IC options. The AH! is noticeably inferior in its retrieval of detail, but at half the cost of my source, it has nothing to be ashamed of. Pre-modifications, I still preferred the sound of the AH! due to its superior tubed output stage; the MSB sounded dry and whitish in comparison, albeit with more detail. Of course, now the modded MSB (with among other things, replaced op-amps in its output stage) has much improved harmonics, on par with if not better than the AH!. Definitely less colored.
I've listened briefly to the Audio Note Zero DAC, and while I don't have it here for one-on-one comparison, I don't recall being too impressed with it. It sounded nice and smooth, with good harmonics, but I think it's safe to say that the Pioneer+DIP+Link (modified) combo sounds better.
The Rega Planet is also smooth and unoffensive, better sounding than the stock MSB Link, but somewhat detail and harmonically challenged in terms of the absolute. You can probably guess what I think of it compared to my current setup. =)
Finally, likewise with the YBA Integre CD Player. I didn't compare them back-to-back, but I think it has a similar sound to the Rega Planet.
So, in comparison to less expensive source setups my Pioneer+DIP+Link combo is obviously better, and rightly it should -- the stock MSB has been touted as the giant-killer to beat among DACs. You can probably tell that I'm proud of my equipment selections (hey, I did a lot of research! :)
Now, I am just as curious as you might be as to how my system compares to the more expensive players or transport/DAC combinations. I'd guess that the Cary tubed cd player at $3000 (which I've heard many times) exhibits similar ability at retrieving detail, but perhaps with slightly smoother highs and warmer midrange. Diminishing returns definitely applies.
For me, with my digital source now totalling $1300, I think I've reached the point where any additional expenditures would be very hard to justify. I might want to replace my Radio Shack 75 Ohm cable (with nickel-plated RCA adapters on both ends) with something decent, but I'm not convinced that the sound would be much better. The RS cable is running into my DIP (Straight Wire Silver is running out) so its deficiencies are probably mitigated.
I might look into a power cable for my DVD player but would it make much of a difference?
Anyway, that's about it for now. Sorry for being somewhat disorganized in my writing. Please feel free to ask me to clarify anything you want.
My system:
Monster HTS-2000 Power
Pioneer DV-333 DVD as transport modified by Dan Wright
Radio Shack 75ohm cable with RCA adapters
Monarchy DIP mk2 jitter reducer
Straight Wire Silver dig cable
MSB Link III DAC modified by Dan Wright
Straight Wire Musicable I IC
Musical Fidelity X-10d tube buffer
Decware line amp (tube preamp) w/ included silver ICs
Belles 150a power amp
AP Oval 9 speaker cables
nOrh 6.5 speakers

BTW, I'd appreciate your advice on what you think my system's bottleneck is in its current incarnation. I'm expecting a Parts Express 250w sub amp to arrive later this week to power the Ohm N2 passive subwoofer I got for free from my friend's family, so I'll finally get some real bass. (Not that the nOrh 6.5s are too shabby in terms of bass).
Okay, I think I'm done for real this time.
Woo!
Andrew :)
p.s. Haha, I lied. I dunno if I got this point across, but just in case you're wondering: I totally recommend Dan's modifications to anyone with an MSB Link (or contemplating one off the used market). I haven't even tried a 24/96 DAD yet but I'm guessing it'll knock my socks off! Dan is a great guy to deal with; we literally exchanged over 24 emails throughout the whole process! Not to mention how little (relatively) he charges... =)

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Topic - REVIEW: Pioneer DV-333 and MSB Link3 mod results - AndrewH 19:29:37 09/13/00 (5)

Have he modified the wall wart too? Try to listen it with the Monolithic Sound HC-2 or ... - Jose Garcia 08:09:21 09/15/00 (1)

yup! - AndrewH 18:39:51 09/15/00 (0)

Advice? - Randy Bey 05:29:04 09/14/00 (2)

Re: Advice? - AndrewH 09:48:24 09/14/00 (1)

There you go. Have fun... (nt) - Randy Bey 17:08:56 09/14/00 (0)

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