Not sure the MCD301 would be a sonic step-up from your modified Denon. However, possible that the MCD301 has many fewer hours of use/wear. The MCD500 is definitely a step up with its Sabre 24/192 DAC that is externally accessible for use with a future music server/computer or most any other digital source. As am unable to predict the future, think the extra $$ for an MCD500 would make more sense in the long-term.