In exclusive partnership with top-tier modification house Parts ConneXion, Underwood HiFi is proud to offer the following carefully tested performance enhancement packages for Pioneer universal players.


By virtue of selling consumer-direct, we can offer these super-charged, brand-new models for a better price than the same modifications would cost retro-fitted - though we offer that, too.

Pioneer 563 DVD-A/SACD universal player

The Pioneer 563 is a hi-value multi-format player compatible with SACD, DVD-A, Redbook CD as well as most other formats. It is also a very nice progressive scan DVD player. Our Level-1 mod raises the audio performance to a level that any audiophile looking to spend up to $1500 will be happy with.

This player uses a Burr Brown DSD-1791 DAC chip.This chip is from the new top-tier series of Burr-Brown DACs which represent the current state-of-the-art in multi-format chips.

The basic 2-channel Level-1 mod is performed on the front L/R channels only.This allows for critical stereo reproduction whether the source is Redbook CD, DVD-A, SACD or any other format. All formats are equally effected since the dominant portion of the mod is to the analog output stage. We can modify the center as well as rear channel outputs for an additional charge. Another major upgrade is to the digital portion of the player. We can add a Superclock which is used as the master reference clock. This takes the unit to yet another level of performance.
563 two-channel Level-1 mod:$690 + shipping ($500 retro-fit)
563 three-channel Level-1 mod:$940 + shipping ($750 retro-fit)
Superclock upgrade with a dedicated power supply adds $480

Our Level-1 mod installs:
  • We upgrade the sonically hyper-critical dual I-V/output buffer op amp, replacing the stock part (currently about 50 cents cost) with the best "single rail supply" dual op amp offered by Analog Devices.which is 20 times more expensive than the stock part...these parts dramatically enhance both the unit's technical and subjective audio performance. The 563 Level-1 Mod uses one of the Analog Devices AD8066 op amps.
  • The output RCA jacks (1 pr.) are changed from the cheap stamped metal and plastic types to precious machined Vampire RCA jacks, using a base material of OFC-Copper (3.5 times more conductive than brass), and direct gold-plating without any intermediate nickel plating.
  • The output signal exits not via a miniscule tin/lead plated PCB trace, but by (2) pcs of pure 99.99% 23 AWG solid-core silver DH Labs wire...Teflon insulated
  • The 8 critical signal resistors are changed to precision Japanese made Riken Ohm leaded Carbon Comp types with gold-plated copper leads to replace cheap magnetic Taiwanese surface-mount resistors.
  • All critical caps are changed to the best film and electrolytic types. We use 4 BlackGate FK and STD series coupling caps and 6 Polystyrene caps in the analog filter.
  • The chassis resonances are dampened with 0.5 sqft. of SoundCoat and external vibrations have been isolated via 4 small compliant EAR Sorbothane feet.
  • The power supply has been upgraded, with all critical analog supply diodes of currently generic quality replaced with 4 ultra-fast soft-recovery Fred-type Telefunken diodes and 4 IR Hexfreds.
  • We install an Acme Audio silver-plated and cryogenically treated male IEC AC inlet connector, allowing audiophiles to use upgraded after-market detachable power cords with their unit.
  • WBT 4% silver solder is used throughout.
  • The mod takes approximately 3.5 hours labor to complete.

We warranty all new units for 90 days on parts and labor.After-market mods are covered for 90 days on all work performed. For full stock specs, click here.


    Sonic improvements for the Level-1 mod:

    • Bass is taken to the next level. It goes deeper with more weight and authority.
    • The unit is quieter, the blacks are blacker, thus resolving more low level tetail and ambience.
    • The player is smoother, more detailed and dynamic
    • The midrange is more natural and with less electronic glare. This midrange performance is what you typically spend a lot more money to get in solid state machines.
    • Imaging is more defined while front-to back-depth and left-to-right soundstaging are improved.
    • The Superclock upgrade takes the unit to another level and offers more detail, improved bass response and a bigger soundstage.

    The modded unit will outperform any stock multi-format players that we have seen under $1200.00. It is quite competitive with the best Redbook CD players that sell for under $1000.00

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