SACDmods.com

Modifications for the Music Hall Maverick SACD Player

    The Music Hall Maverick is a well regarded audiophile SACD player produced for Music Hall by Shanling in China.  The Maverick is based on a Sony transport and uses a Shanling designed DVD player core contained in the shielded box.  The player has a heavy chassis, high quality potted power transformers, and a very nice power supply.  The Maverick uses a Burr Brown PCM1738 current output stereo DAC like the Sony SCD-C555ES.  The real limiting factor to this player seems to be the analog output stage, which contains six opamps and electrolytic coupling capacitors.

The sound of the stock player is somewhat veiled, characteristic of the output stage used.  Even though the opamp output stage if far more advanced than that used in a stock Sony, it isn't any better, and warrants replacement rather than component swaps that other modders rely on. 

The modification primarily involves the replacement of the analog output stage and diode replacement in the power supply section feeding the DAC chip.  Power supply modifications are of a secondary concern because the only power affecting the analog outputs is the positive five volts for the DAC chip.

The modified player has much greater clarity and crispness than stock.  Dynamic range is improved, as is the overall sense of power.  One of the most notable changes is greatly improved air around instruments not to mention precision placement.  The player was quite easy to listen to originally, as is the modified version, only the amount of detail is light-years ahead.  Any time a signal passes through six opamps, something is going to be lost, and the modifications correct this. 

My sole complaint about this machine is the fact that it uses a DVD core and a DVD clock, and it sounds very much like my modified Denon DVD based players.  With the DVD based clock frequencies, there is still a residual harshness that makes the player ever so slightly more fatiguing than a player based on an audio clock, but only with particularly bright recordings.  I did not choose to replace the clock because the Shanling design places the master clock crystal inside the shielded casing, as part of a 3 layer circuit board stack that is difficult to access.  Furthermore, little seemed to be gained by replacing a 27MHz master clock. 

It is a quite nice sounding player, and the modified version is far superior to the original, and I would consider it quite worth owning.

Details:

• LC Audio ZapFilter Mk II--The ultimate output stage for a CD player completely removes the need for a op-amp current to voltage stage, a low-pass filtering op-amp, and the buffering op-amp.  Essentially, it replaces 4 operational amplifier stages with a simple and absolutely superior output stage made of discreet components.  In addition, the ZapFilter includes its own power supply featuring a large toroid transformer and a schottky rectifier stage.  The sound is noticeably crisper, cleaner, more detailed, and open.  Bypassing the op-amp based output stage with this board transforms the Maverick into the real reference player because a player is only as good as its analog electronics.  It provides more gain than the stock op-amps, too.  Also included are a pair of 1,000uF Black Gate capacitors added to the ZapFilter power supply board.

        There are no coupling caps in the ZapFilter board, but rather a superior DC servo circuit.  This removes all chances

        of a capacitor smearing the sound.

• Mills Wire-Wound Resistors--Used for gain control.  Mills are widely considered the best resistors available, but very expensive.

• Harris/Fairchild HEXFRED Diodes--Installed on the power supply to the analog stage and DACs, the soft recovery diodes provide clean power to enhance DAC performance. 

• Cardas GRFA Silver/Rhodium RCA jacks--Installed for on the stereo outputs, the heavily machined and heavily plated Cardas GRFA RCA females provide the perfect termination for your ultimate analog stage.  The Cardas provides for a better connection for your quality cables, and feature a Teflon™ dielectric.  Connected with Cardas silver wire on the DAC output and Neglex oxygen free stranded copper on the ZapFilter output, all in Teflon tubing.

• Balanced Outputs--A new balanced output modification is available for the Maverick.  The Maverick uses balanced current output DACs, and the ZapFilter is designed for fully balanced operation with no phase splitting.  The board will amplify the positive and negative phase from the DAC, so true balanced operation is available.  The SACDmods balanced option will feature Neutrik XLRs in addition to Cardas RCAs for the MCH front channel.  The balanced output modification is available in addition to the standard modification package for $75 extra.

Modification Packages:

PLEASE READ ALL PURCHASE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW CAREFULLY!!!

Standard Mod: All of the above. Stereo outputs are modified for full performance!  $432.00

Balanced Outputs.  Available in addition to the standard modification.  $75.00

All prices include several hours worth of professional installation.

Warranty is 1 year on modifications!

Try the SAPC-1:  Super Audio Power Cord

The only power cord with integrated filtering.  Click here to go to the product page.

 $299.95

SPECIFIC PURCHASE AND SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS:

GENERAL PURCHASE INSTRUCTIONS:

Shipping Options

United States of America:   Return shipping and handling is $30.00 in the continental U.S.A. for cash/check orders,  and PayPal shipping is calculated by percentage (5% of mod total).  The shipping charge pays for shipping supplies, handling, extra packaging (if necessary), pickup, and the actual shipping costs themselves.  I will choose the carrier of my choice unless the customer specifies.  Typically, I will use DHL as their ground service is a day faster than UPS.  Customers in Alaska and Hawaii need to contact me for a shipping estimate. 

Next Day Air, Second Day Air, and Three Day are available at higher shipping rates.  If you want these services, then contact me for an estimate.  Please include your zip code, package dimensions, weight, and whether your address is residential or commercial.

Canada:  Please contact me for a shipping estimate.  Average shipping costs are $40.00 by UPS,  Canadian customers are responsible for all taxes.

International:  International orders are accepted, but a processing fee may apply.  Also, international orders are shipped by the carriers above only.  Be prepared to pay a lot of shipping if you are outside of North America.  Shipping typically by USPS.

Payment Options 

Google Checkout, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Personal Check, and Cash.   Make checks and money orders payable to "Matthew Anker" and enclose them with the unit.  Cashier's check, cash, or money order are preferred, personal checks may be held until cleared.  Please note that Google Checkout prices are 2% higher than cash prices; this covers a portion of the credit card processing fees. 

Contact me for more details. 

See the Announcements page for current turn-around time.