OK, replying all at once. I do not watch much on DVD, as I have directtv and every channel the offer. That said, what little I have watched showed a marked improvement post mod. I don't really have anything to guage it against, so I wouldn't want to pass judgement.
Tim, my 4960 sits on top of mapleshade virbation pads, and I did notice an improvement. I also have added vibation reduction to the chassis as well as internal dampening, so that surely had quite a bit to do with it. I have not added weight to the 4960, but I do have weight on everything else and in general, my ears tell me I hear a difference, so I would definately try it out and see. A bag of sand or lead shot works, and if you are wanting something astetically pleasing, there are commercial options as well.
As far as the cost of labor...if I for example were to get paid my "hourly" rate for mods I would lose my shirt to say the least. I do it simply for something to do at night in between study breaks, baseball, etc. I don't consider that work, nor do I consider mods work. The biggest thing I see is that if I put 10 hours into something, then that was 10 hours I didn't spend doing nothing or sitting on the couch smoking weed or whatnot. I wasn't going to be making any money in those 10 hours, so why would it matter what my rate is while I am at work, that areguement to me seems flawed. Now, if I had kids, wife, and all that other stuff, my time may be more valuable.
That said, how is modding and your "hourly" rate any different from those that build decks, and all that other stuff that i wouldn't have a clue about on the weekend...I call them Home Depot warriors. You know, the people that actually know how to find something in the big box. Assuming the same holds true, they would lose their shirts as well if they are making decent money. It isn't about money in the end. If I spend 300 bucks in parts, 3 hours of my time, and it sounds like 1000, I saved 700 IMHO, as my time after work isn't worth a damned thing if it is something I want to be doing and will get some personal pride, fufillment, and enjoyment and can share the experience with others...priceless!
I think I got to everything. I will keep you all posted as I keep on tinkering.
In other news, I am building a rack out of mdf and putting a shiny piano black finish on it. I am in week one of working on what will probably take a month to complete. I wonder what that would cost me in hourly wages?
Daryan