A Modified RME UFX: Is it worth the extra cost?

[AwTAC]

There is so, completely, in every way, nothing wrong with the stock unit. I would advise listening to one for a while to determine what it is not delivering before modifying it. Not necessarily because changing some caps and chips wont make a difference, but to gauge if you need to throw another $400 at the box. You may find it to just fine for your needs without the extra expense. Ive never had the impetus to open my UFX and that usually the first thing I do to anything I buy...

[neirbod]

There was a long thread a while ago (last spring maybe) with comparison clips of stock and modded UFX units. The thread was later deleted due largely to one pesky slut who was later banned.

The results were mixed. Many people could not hear a difference. For those who did, I recall that more preferred the stock vs. the modded as the former sounded slightly "deeper" and "more full." This was my personal assessment as well. However, other folks whose ears I trust found the "deeper" and "more full" aspects of the stock model were essentially "mud" and therefor preferred the mod.

Bottom line, the differences were subtle but real; but there was no clear winner sound wise.

Originally Posted by AwTAC

There is so, completely, in every way, nothing wrong with the stock unit... Ive never had the impetus to open my UFX

These are my thoughts as well. The stock unit sounds great, and differences among good converters are always very subtle at best. I would not pay for the mod unless subsequent tests show a clear benefit.

[guitarlifter]

Originally Posted by neirbod

There was a long thread a while ago (last spring maybe) with comparison clips of stock and modded UFX units. The thread was later deleted due largely to one pesky slut who was later banned.

The results were mixed. Many people could not hear a difference. For those who did, I recall that more preferred the stock vs. the modded as the former sounded slightly "deeper" and "more full." This was my personal assessment as well. However, other folks whose ears I trust found the "deeper" and "more full" aspects of the stock model were essentially "mud" and therefor preferred the mod.

Bottom line, the differences were subtle but real; but there was no clear winner sound wise.



These are my thoughts as well. The stock unit sounds great, and differences among good converters are always very subtle at best. I would not pay for the mod unless subsequent tests show a clear benefit.

Oh geez, I wish someone had saved the clips from that thread. I would've loved to have taken a listen. You wouldn't happen to know who had those clips or where I could find them by chance would you?

Regardless, you gave me some things to think about. Really, the difference in price is closer to 800 bucks since I'll buy used if I'm going stock but have to go new if it 's the modded version, not 400 bucks. If most preferred the stock version over the modded version, then that gives a lot to think about. Maybe I'll have to email the person/website that sells that particular modded version of the UFX to see if I can get some sound clips that way.

Thanks!