The Vinnie mod: $250 for the 3950 and
$200 for the 3960
POWER SUPPLY PCB MODS
-->Replace the stock 68uF 200V electrolytic cap with
a Panasonic ECG 150uF 250V type for better filtering and lower ESR
-->Add a Panasonic X2-rated 0.47uF Noise Filter cap
in parallel across C801 and one across C802 for better mains filtering
-->Replace C822 and 824 (10V, 680uF) with Panasonic FC 16V, 1000uF caps
-->Replace C827 (16V, 470uF) with Panasonic FC 16V, 680uF
-->Replace C825 (10V, 120uF) with Panasonic FC 16V, > 220uF
-->Replace C821 (16V, 120uF) with Panasonic FC 16V, > 470uF
AUDIO PCB MODS
-->"Full Swenson Mod" using 3.3uF Auricaps and 300pF silver-mica shunt caps to GND
-->Replace C903 and C905 (for the Burr Brown 1751
DAC power decoupling) with Black Gate NX Hi-Q caps
TRANSPORT AND DAMPENING
-->Add dampening sheets to the inside of the top cover and under each PCB.
-->Add new L and R Cardas gold RCA jacks for stereo output
TESTING
--> Overnight burn-in using resistive loads on the output RCA jacks (20k) and an
listening test (around an hour) to verify sound and functionality.
COMMENTS ON THE SOUND
Compared to the stock sound, these mods completely
transform this playing into a low-cost, kick-butt
redbook cd player that sounds better than others in
the $1K to $2K range. Those that have the units I
modded are simply floored by the complete lack of
grain in the sound, the tightness and speed of the
bass, and detailed and natural sounding midrange.