Mods : Fools Gold or the Real Thing

There is also Stan Warren. His only transport specific mod I am aware of is the Aiwa CD changer. He may do other transport mods, but you would need to call him.

I can't speak for them all, but Dan Wright that modifies DVD players for use as a transport does nice work and is a great guy. He is an AudiogoN member as well (Dwright) so you can view his feedback. I am sure Dan would be glad to talk to you about what he does. A lot of information is also at his website http://www.modwright.com/ and more specifically http://www.modwright.com/products/transport.php

Other than cost versus price points; another reason manufacturers do not perform many of these mods themselves, is the simple fact that many of those high grade parts are not available in large enough quantities to make enough units, or the supply is unreliable. I can remember a conversation with Stan Warren, where he commented he was backed up because he was having trouble getting some Black Gate caps. If Stan can't get a couple dozen quickly, imagine Sony's problem.
Also in many cases it may take too long to manufacture the unit in that way, so labor cost would be too high.

If you want a YBA made in France, you have to pay up; or settle for the cheaper Audio Refinement made in China. Same for the Creek designed gear for Cambridge Audio.

I agree you also Nighthawk. It happens both ways. Sometimes there is no supply because the big boys buy up the supply. But also many new models of gear come out, not predicated on improving the product, but only because of a forced part change, or they figured out a way to make it cheaper to boost profits.

I'll also add Bill Thalmann at Music Technology for internal power supply upgrades and also IEC's. (www.musictechnology.com) Bill was for many years an engineer for Conrad Johnson. Good guy who does good work. Some of his associates modify and refurbish pro audio gear and guitar amps, etc.