Advice on factory upgrades

[AnotherJohnson]

I am one who strongly believes that the CJ SE models are worth their extra cost WHEN DONE INITIALLY SO THAT THE UNIT IS RECOGNIZED AT THE OUTSET AS AN SE MODEL. At that point, the cost difference is modest for the sonic advance over the non SE version.

I am NOT in favor of the later modification at the factory to turn a non SE model into an SE model. There are just too many uncertainties surrounding such trips back to the factory and it is just about impossible to get the SE upgrade recognized by a buyer as worth what you’ve paid to have it done.

ARC is similar. An original SE model from ARC is worth more at resale than a non SE model that went back to the factory for upgrade to SE status.

If you’re interested in the SE model from either CJ or ARC, buy the original SE model new, or on the used market. You will likely be more satisfied than if you buy the non SE model and then have the upgrade done.

YMMV, but this has been my experience with both companies.

[admin]

I agree, but I think this is true of many things, not just audio equipment. If you want that sunroof, buy the car that was made with the sunroof at the factory, don't buy the new car and then get a sunroof installed. It's going to be more expensive and probably a greater chance of something being messed up in the process of installation.

I think from a practical standpoint is that there are bargains to be had on standard models on the used market. So you save a bunch of money buying a standard edition used unit and then are willing to spend extra to get the non-bargain upgrade. I can see the appeal.

I've personally never sent any piece of audio hardware to the manufacturer (with the exception of repairs) to do upgrades. But I'm a cheapskate,... so there is that.

[AnotherJohnson]

I agree on the car analogy. It is similar. You never get your money back on rework.