Which cd player: New /w Mod or just plain new?

This feedback is great! A more specific question: I never really considered mods until I logged on. Now it seems people are saying it's better to buy some $2000 player and spend $3000 on a mod than to buy a $5000 player. Does anyone have experience with "Reference Audio Mods"? There claims are wild. In a nutshell; what's up with all this mod stuff.

So, just to be clear Clio09; We are saying that if a small high-end manufacturer was to duplicate a mainstream unit, it's cost would be much higher. Therefore, instead of having this relatively inefficient company build an entire unit, let the larger corporation build it to a point, taking advantage of economies of scale, and then have shorty bring it up to spec. Conclusion: On the aggregate, a modified cd player is a better value. Do we all concur?

In light of the posts regarding mod resale value, I should substitute the phrase "music for the dollar" for the word "value" in my conclusion. Thank you everyone for your responses.

Thanks Lkdog. I think you nailed my trepidation with the mods. No audition. A while back, I had the opportunity to listen to a variety of equipment when a buddy opened his own audio shop. I was amazed by the amount of expensive, award winning equipment that failed to move me. And even when they did, and I'd take a piece home, system synergy could change everything. I guess I was hoping someone would respond: Hey, I have the exact same system and auditioned every cd player in existence. Unit "XYZ" is the bomb. PS. My name is Daniel Barenboim; I live two blocks away, come on over.

Goose- How did the subs integrate with the Utopias? Have you achieved seemlessness(is that a word)? Are there trade-offs. Are you running your speakers full range. Whats the crossover point? I've been wrestling with this. Also, I'm not convinced that I want to go SACD.

Clio09- Thanks for the generous offer, but I live in Chicago.

Lkdog- It's interesting that you tied in SACD with classical music. Iv'e been relatively unenthusiastic with my systems performance in that regard. Ironically, that was my main reason for getting involved. Ya know Lkdog, It's been about 15 years since I walked into my first high-end shop (with five hundred smackaroos) vowing to keep it simple. Now, here I am with cryogenic AC outlets and a wizz-bag of gagets I'd be too embarassed to admit to, even to you mugs. Well, why stop here. SACD huh?

Lkdog- A friend, with an extensive collection, is currently bringing me up to speed on jazz, with a strong emphasis on the legends. My knowledge is limited but I have become an avid fan.

Goose- Much thanks. Could you indulge me further by listing some of the players, you auditioned, when you chose your 999ES. Did you listen to the Musical Fidelity A5 as it's nearly the same price?