Robert, as I read your question, I think you are wondering if SACD is a bust without modification ("If the format has to be modded to sound good maybe I should just stick with cds.") Not true. First, any mods you have done will improve the redbook CD performance of your player as much as (perhaps more than) its SACD performance.
People have been modding stock CD players from the beginning. The reason there is so much mod activity around SACD players is that (1) the new format is so promising. People are hungry to extract the best they can from it. And (2), there weren't too many players out there at first, so not many all-out assaults to choose from.
You should consider modification an opportunity--an option if you want it--but not a requirement for SACD.
People have been modding stock CD players from the beginning. The reason there is so much mod activity around SACD players is that (1) the new format is so promising. People are hungry to extract the best they can from it. And (2), there weren't too many players out there at first, so not many all-out assaults to choose from.
You should consider modification an opportunity--an option if you want it--but not a requirement for SACD.