Ayre V-3 upgrade

I have two V-3s. One has both mods while the other is unmodded. I do not notice a significant decline in warmth with the mods. In fact, before I saw this thread, I was listening to the modded amp and thinking how smooth it sounded. I believe warmth is embodied in my definition of smooth. I agree that the mods bring more transparency but the unmodded amp remains a favorite also. My comparisons have included C-J solid state and tube, Jadis Defy 7, Pass 5 and several others. I love the Pass and the Jadis. Both are remarkable amps. When I return to either Ayre, however, I always feel a sense of relief. Now the sound is just right. Mine is a high-resolution system: Krell KPS 20i/L CD; Linn lingoed turntable, Martin Logan CLSIIz speakers. Both Ayres are great. Van

I do not think you loose any warmth at all with the upgrade. I have not had the Ayre conditioner upgrade, only the circut mod. The amp runs a little hotter, but I think it sounds sweeter and more transparent.

Is the gain in transparency worth the loss of warmth, kinda like the warmth.

The ugrades involve improving the power supply, lowering the gain by 3 db, extending the upper limit of treble. You WILL lose the warmth of the amp, but you will gain transparency. The upgrades cost $450 for all. Jack