The ultimate CD-player!?

[pangea]

Now I'm going to tell you something that you probably won't beleive in a million years.

I'll give you a tip, on hw to get your hands on what is probably one of the best CD-player ever made and the best part is, it won't cost you more than 30 US$ or so.

What you're saying... No I'm not kidding, I'm deadly serious!!!

So what's the big secret? OK, OK, hold your horses, I'll tell you.

Perhaps you've already got one, without even knowing about it.. OK, OK,

I'll tell you right away, but you've got to agree, the suspence is killing you, am I right or am I right...:D

Playstation PS1, is what you need, nothing more and nothing less.
The older the model, the better it is suited.

Right out of the box, it will be a real :jawdrop: , which probably will outperform anything you may have got, below the 5000 US$ range and with only some minor shielding of the power supply and some better cables/connectors, it'll most likely blow away anything up to the 10k mark. :D :D

So, what's the big secret here?

First of all, it was designed to be sold in millions, so there were hardly any limits/restrictions quality wise, on the parts that were used.

It uses a 32 bit DSP, because it has to be able to handle graphics as well and when it's used only for audio, there's plenty of muscles left.

There's a German company modifying the US model (PSone) and then they're charging the customers 2500€ for the thing.

The best part is, you most likely wont hear any difference between the 2500€ player and the more modestly modified one.

And most importantly, how does it sound?

VERY open, airy, detailed and powerful, and a lot of other things, but I'll stop there...

Go for it, be bold, make the 30 US$ investment and try it out for your self.:applaud:

Then tell me what you think.

BR
Roland

[invstbiker]

Glad I saw your post, 'caus I was ready to spend big$$ for a Granite Audio CD player. Question...How 'bout PLAYSTATION 2. Same as 1 or no? THX:bouncy:

[pangea]

Glad I saw your post, 'caus I was ready to spend big$$ for a Granite Audio CD player. Question...How 'bout PLAYSTATION 2. Same as 1 or no? THX:bouncy:

NO, the PS2 doesn't have the qualites of the PS1, audiowise.

Look for the SCPH1002, 5002, 5502 and perhaps even the 7002/7502.
Some say the PSone and the SCPH102 are OK, others say they are not, I don't know, since Ihave not heard those, so you should trust your own ears.
As I said, a german company does sell the modified PSone for 2500€.

Not much to loose, is there! :D

BR
Roland

[yggdrasil]

I was going to dispose of a SCPH1002 that the kids don't use any more, but now.... Will have to try this.


Thanks Roland

[pangea]

I was going to dispose of a SCPH1002 that the kids don't use any more, but now.... Will have to try this.


Thanks Roland

Pheew!...Salvaged just in time then, for a better afterlife.:applaud:

BR
Roland

EDIT:
If and when you're going to improve on the supply shielding, be careful the shield doesn't come in contact with the fuse-holder!!!!!

I've already killed one motherboard that way.:o:

[dancing-dave]

What about for playing? I mean when you set this up; how do you control the tracking? Mus you have a TV set up to it?

[pangea]

What about for playing? I mean when you set this up; how do you control the tracking? Mus you have a TV set up to it?

I was just coming to that.:D

A small mini TV would be very cool and to control the whole thing, you can buy any remote control intended for the PS2, it'll works just fine on the PS1!!!:applaud:

BR
Roland


One other thingt! If anyone wants want to replace the RCA jacks on the motherboard, you must know exactly how and where to connect them on the motherboard. Otherwise I suggest you keep the originals. If you've got the RCA's on a cable I'd suggest you keep the original cable, but cut the audio cables to the correct length and replace the jacks with some better ones.

[Mr. Widget]

Do they have a digital out, or are you using the internal D to A?

Widget

[pangea]

Do they have a digital out, or are you using the internal D to A?

Widget

No they don't, but the internal D/A converters are, as I understand it, some of the best there is:
The oldest models are using the highly regarded AK4309AVM converter (Delta Sigma converter), newer models, the equally renowned AK4310VM, both from Ashai Kasei.

BR
Roland<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

[djrobertc]

First of all, it was designed to be sold in millions, so there were hardly any limits/restrictions quality wise, on the parts that were used.

It uses a 32 bit DSP, because it has to be able to handle graphics as well and when it's used only for audio, there's plenty of muscles left.

There's a German company modifying the US model (PSone) and then they're charging the customers 2500€ for the thing.


uh... im pretty sure the PSOne doesnt upsample the CD from 16 to 32... the CPU is 32 but it runs 16.

Specs (http://www.us.playstation.com/consoles.aspx?id=1/info/415007665.html)

In fact, according to these specs the max resolution for sound processing is at 16/44.1

The PSOne does not have digital out :( The PS2 has a digital optical out tho and reads DVDs (dont remember SACDs or other formats)

[Alex Lancaster]

:applaud: Pangea:


How do You shield the power supply?

Thanks, Alex.

[pangea]

uh... im pretty sure the PSOne doesnt upsample the CD from 16 to 32... the CPU is 32 but it runs 16.

Specs (http://www.us.playstation.com/consoles.aspx?id=1/info/415007665.html)

In fact, according to these specs the max resolution for sound processing is at 16/44.1

The PSOne does not have digital out :( The PS2 has a digital optical out tho and reads DVDs (dont remember SACDs or other formats)

Sorry!
I can't get in to an argument with you there.
I'm only referring the little I know, from a few German sites.

For those reading German I can only give you the adresses:
http://www.audio-tuning-tools.de/playstation%20open%20buffel%20%20expo%20horn.htm
http://www.playfidelity.com/
http://www.musicconnection.de/
http://www.methe-family.de/cd.htm
http://www.chiptech.de/

BR
Roland

[pangea]

:applaud: Pangea:


How do You shield the power supply?

Thanks, Alex.

I've used a thin copper sheet, which I've cut up.
One of the pieces I've placed underneath, with a wire soldered to it and connected it to the rest of the other shielding. It's also important to cut off any long residual legs sticking out under the board and just to be safe, I've also put some extra insulation between the copper and the board. Then the more difficult piece to cut, is the one that goes between the power supply and the main-board. I've used one of the screws to fasten it, but be VERY careful so that the copper doesn't come in contact with any live parts like the fuse-holder!!!
I've killed one motherboard that way! :o:

Although the best thing to do, would probably be, to put everything in a new (MDF) box.

BR
Roland

[louped garouv]

I think I will.....

got a early PS-1 for $10.....

[pangea]

So, what do you all think, are you satisfied with the sound?

C'mon tell me I'm curious...http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/bouncy.gif <O:p</O:p

Is the PS1 going to replace your “old” gear?<O:p</O:p

BTW, I heard the other day, or if I read it somewhere I'm not sure right now, but nonetheless the message was, that some “Hi-End” audio companies (secretly) only use PS1-based CD-drives at demo-sessions, as well as all of their show trade activities!!!!!<O:p</O:p

What does that tell you?http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

BR
Roland<O:p</O:p

[Steve Gonzales]

Thank you Roland,

I will try this! At that price, what could it hurt? Thankfully, there are probably enough to go around. Nothing like the possibility of a less than $50 UPGRADE!

[gene6]

what about scph 7501.5001 .9001 5501

[pangea]

what about scph 7501.5001 .9001 5501

If you read the previous posts, (they're not too many) you will find just that info.

I wrote earlier:
Look for the SCPH1002, 5002, 5502 and perhaps even the 7002/7502.
Some say the PSone and the SCPH102 are OK, others say they are not, I don't know, since Ihave not heard those, so you should trust your own ears.
As I said, a german company does sell the modified PSone for 2500€.

The 9002 is out, according to all sources, but dont ask me why.

BR
Roland

[invstbiker]

Well, I took your advice, bought a PS1 on Ebay for $11.00The shipping and handling were $14:biting: Plugged the whole thing in and whallah, instant music and sounds great. My model after looking is the SCPH-1001. So I saved hugh $$$ and serves the purpose. It take a minute to learn which buttons control track changes, stop, go etc. But now I've got it. EASY :applaud:

THX
Steve@oneeyedjackssaloon.com

[louped garouv]

just curious...

also did you A/B it against your other CD players....


I also have a PS one on the way via Ebay........
If this is really the deal, might just have to incorporate............ :D

[invstbiker]

Did not shield the power supplyAND have no other CD player to compare it to:D

steve@oneeyedjackssaloon.com

[pangea]

Hmmmm, ... I wonder... Quite a few have said they're going to try it out, but only one has spoken his mind, hmmm, ... so I wonder. ... What is it you're waiting for and/or What is it, you're afraid of?:hmm: ;)

Why don't you just trust your own ears and write what you think?

Is it perhaps, you're thinking, I should have heard about this a long time ago if it's any good at all, so therefore it can't possibly be that good, although I can't find anything wrong with it.
So I'm playing it safe, I'm waiting for some "Gurus" to have their say first, before I write my own review!?
:wasnt-me:

Sorry, I'm perhaps a bit "mean" right now, but I couldn't resist it.:D
Love you all any way!!!!:D :cheers: :beach:

BR
Roland

[louped garouv]

Hmmmm, ... I wonder... Quite a few have said they're going to try it out, but only one has spoken his mind, hmmm, ... so I wonder. ... What is it you're waiting for and/or What is it, you're afraid of?:hmm: ;)

BR
Roland

waiting to receive the package via US postal......

[pangea]

waiting to receive the package via US postal......

OK, ... That's an excuse, as good as any!:D

BR
Roland

[Zilch]

[Pangea painted his room Bo Blue to match his speakers?]

[pangea]

[Pangea painted his room Bo Blue to match his speakers?]

I wish it were so, but no, that's strictly coincidental.

This was previously my daughters room and this was the wallpaper she chose!!!
:applaud:

BR
Roland

[dblaxter]

recently i have been purchasing technics slp1200 cd players ,they sound great considering there age ,and better then any i have owned ,now i do have a ps ,scph 1001 is this model ok ,i have only seen one post that it is mentioned in , i have played cd s threw my tv years ago but never threw my stereo , so please tell me weather this model is up to par with others that are mentioned, thanks, that is why this site is so great .
michael

[dblaxter]

would anyone be willing to post what buttons work to play tracks, operate, etc. thanks

[pangea]

recently i have been purchasing technics slp1200 cd players ,they sound great considering there age ,and better then any i have owned ,now i do have a ps ,scph 1001 is this model ok ,i have only seen one post that it is mentioned in , i have played cd s threw my tv years ago but never threw my stereo , so please tell me weather this model is up to par with others that are mentioned, thanks, that is why this site is so great .
michael

Congrats, the SCPH1001/1002 is the best model of them all and even as is, it's one of the best CD-players you could buy and with a few quite simple modifications, it will outperform almost anything out there!!!!:applaud:

If you're going to modify it, you should read the entire thread thoroughly.

BR
Roland

[pangea]

Anybody ready yet, to write something on the sonic merrits of the PS1?:D

BR
Roland

[louped garouv]

I bought a .9001 :banghead:

need to find .1001

[gerard]

Hello May be someone would like to use this thread :

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread/t-31123.html

I am going to search a scph 1002 this week end !

regards

gerard

[pangea]

Hello May be someone would like to use this thread :

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread/t-31123.html

I am going to search a scph 1002 this week end !

regards

gerard

Thank you for the link Gerard!

It seems like they are about to find out just about the same thing, as in the other threads/sites I've read on the subject.

Conclusion: Go for the oldest models!:applaud:

BR
Roland

[dblaxter]

hi pangea,
i was one of the lucky ones to have the 1001 that has been sitting unused now for 2 years or so ,i hooked it up played a little and figured it out ,my opinion is ,ITS GREAT !!!!!! sounds better than the slp1200 (technics)pro version or any other i have had ,i did no mods as of yet but i will thats for sure ,i have the shielding plate i removed from a JBL dvd600 just so it has a little jbl parts in it :applaud: so i must say thank you so much for telling us about this great item , so i will give it the old double , triple , quadruple thumbs up ,because i did not have to pay a dime ,i had the better model ,and when i did buy it originally it was purchased from a pawn shop (40.00) and used it for at least three years or more and i never would have used it again if it were not for this info .

thank you once again pangea my best regards michael

[Bill H.]

What is the model no. SCPH-101 Mono? etc.

[pangea]

hi pangea,
i was one of the lucky ones to have the 1001 that has been sitting unused now for 2 years or so ,i hooked it up played a little and figured it out ,my opinion is ,ITS GREAT !!!!!! sounds better than the slp1200 (technics)pro version or any other i have had ,i did no mods as of yet but i will thats for sure ,i have the shielding plate i removed from a JBL dvd600 just so it has a little jbl parts in it :applaud: so i must say thank you so much for telling us about this great item , so i will give it the old double , triple , quadruple thumbs up ,because i did not have to pay a dime ,i had the better model ,and when i did buy it originally it was purchased from a pawn shop (40.00) and used it for at least three years or more and i never would have used it again if it were not for this info .

thank you once again pangea my best regards michael

Hi dblaxter!
You're very welcome. The pleasure is all mine!
I'm only so glad I could be of any help!
Usually I'm on the receiving end, info wise, so I'm only pleased, whenever I can give something back to all of you great guys on this great forum.

BTW, it's a bit like cheating, putting JBL parts inside the PS1. I think it's unfair that you should have that advantage, over the rest of us. ;) :D

BR
Roland

[pangea]

What is the model no. SCPH-101 Mono? etc.

Hi Bill H.!

The SCPH-101 is the newest model of these PS1's, but you dont want to use it as a CD-drive, since it is very different inside.
Everyone that has tested it and compared it to the oldest models (1001, 5001 and 5501), say it sounds "awful" in comparison.<SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_47921", true); </SCRIPT>

BR
Roland

[Bill H.]

Thanks PANGEA, Guess I will give it back to the little kid I took it from last night.

[rek50]

:applaud: I'm waiting for a SCPH 1001 to arrive. It it supposed to come with the hand held controllers, memory card, all the OEM wires, and NO instruction manual. I've never had a PS1, so I'm lost as to how to use it for a CD player. Please give me a blow by blow tutorial on connections and such, so I may be able to play a CD. PS1 for DUMMIES is what I need. :blink:

[gerard]

hello again rek50


connect the ps1 to the Tv you will find everything , it will show you it is an audio disc ( ps : If it does not work try to start with 45° angle the ps1 , i knwo most of 1002 get a .

Normally you can start directly or type on "X" depends of the Ps1.
Gerard .

[gerard]

hello

I got a 1002 this week end with rca integrated ( may be the lens is not 1002 original ... ) but the motherboard is.

fisrt I test a 9002; not bad but no detail when big band plays s or many instruments !!

test a 1002 againt my cd/dvd player pionneer dv 565 .

1002 got more bass , little less treble , voice a little ahead but very good and warm .

I should say at first testing this cd is like testing phono cartridge , my pionner is nice , soft , aerial , the 1002 more bass , a little bit harder than the pionner .

So , thank you I got a second nice cd player .

Ps : I install remote control from ps2 works nice ; do not remember in case there is a chip on the ps1 to read copied games to remove it ( some cd may not work ; also even if the ps1 only read games at 45 ° , it will read audio in the right position ; that's what i learn this week end .

gerard

[Ken Pachkowsky]

Just picked up a 1001 for 12.00 on Ebay. Is there an english version on paper, of the mods that should be done to turn this into a first class cd player?

Will get back to you with my impressions.

Ken

[boputnam]

Specs (http://www.us.playstation.com/consoles.aspx?id=1/info/415007665.html)

In fact, according to these specs the max resolution for sound processing is at 16/44.1 Thanks.

Merrily blissful with the Sony CDP-D12... :applaud:

[boputnam]

Just picked up a 1001 for 12.00 on Ebay... :bash: Dood!!

[Ken Pachkowsky]

:bash: Dood!!

God, that feels good Bo!

Lemme have my fun with that soldering station. It keeps me outa the bars and off the streets.

:blink:

[pangea]

Just picked up a 1001 for 12.00 on Ebay. Is there an english version on paper, of the mods that should be done to turn this into a first class cd player?

Will get back to you with my impressions.

Ken

From #13:

I've used a thin copper sheet, which I've cut up.
One of the pieces I've placed underneath, with a wire soldered to it and connected it to the rest of the other shielding. It's also important to cut off any long residual legs sticking out under the board and just to be safe, I've also put some extra insulation between the copper and the board. Then the more difficult piece to cut, is the one that goes between the power supply and the main-board. I've used one of the screws to fasten it, but be VERY careful so that the copper doesn't come in contact with any live parts like the fuse-holder!!!
I've killed one motherboard that way! http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/redface.gif

Although the best thing to do, would probably be, to put everything in a new (MDF) box.

BR
Roland

EDIT:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread/t-31123.html
http://www.musicconnection.de/pdf/dynastation_GB.pdf
http://www.playfidelity.com/
http://www.methe-family.de/cd.htm (German)
http://www.musicconnection.de/ (German)
http://www.audio-tuning-tools.de/playstation%20open%20buffel%20%20expo%20horn.htm (German)
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[rek50]

I tried out my SCPH 1001 last night. :applaud: It does sound GOOD. Thanks to all for the tips and direction to try these units out. I gave $37.00 for mine (Ebay). They must be catching on as a CDP, or maybe the fact that mine came with all the wires, 3 controllers (one is the type that shakes in the buttons), and 20 or so, games. Thanks again!!!

[trueview]

I went ahead and secured my scph-1001 via ebay...$14:)
check out this auction description...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=62054&item=8182866040&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

better get yours before it's too late:banghead:

[pangea]

OK, perhaps I should ask the guy for a comission or something?

BR
Roland

[Mr. Widget]

"It uses a 32 bit DSP, because it has to be able to handle graphics as well and when it's used only for audio, there's plenty of muscles left.

And most importantly, how does it sound?

VERY open, airy, detailed and powerful, and a lot of other things, but I'll stop there..."



Well... I am pretty skeptical. Isn't the audio portion still only running 16 bit? There would be no reason that a gaming device would upsample the audio.

I am curious... has anyone actually compared one to a Wadia CD player or a dcs Elgar upsampled player, or are we hearing, "It's great! It's way better than my $150 Sony."

Widget

[rek50]

Mr. Widget, one of the CDPs I have is a high buck Denon (I ain't putting down the price, my wife might walk behind me). The first disc I tried on the PS1 (SCPH1001) was Carly Simon's You're so Vain. Gasp, did you here that, for the first time ever, I heard her softly say "Son of a gun" at the very beginning of the song. I've never noticed/heard that with the Denon. The PS1 sounds like it's "Tube filtered", to me. It sounds closer to a "LP" sound. I tried out "Comfortably Numb", again WOW, listen to all the range. Hey for less than a tank of gas, give it a spin. You can always play "Tomb Raider" if it doesn't fit the bill...

[johnaec]

A friend just gave me an SCPH101 - I take it this is newer and less than optimal? I guess I can at least plug it in and see how it sounds...for free, what can I say...

John

[andywin]

"It uses a 32 bit DSP, because it has to be able to handle graphics as well and when it's used only for audio, there's plenty of muscles left.

And most importantly, how does it sound?

VERY open, airy, detailed and powerful, and a lot of other things, but I'll stop there..."



Well... I am pretty skeptical. Isn't the audio portion still only running 16 bit? There would be no reason that a gaming device would upsample the audio.

I am curious... has anyone actually compared one to a Wadia CD player or a dcs Elgar upsampled player, or are we hearing, "It's great! It's way better than my $150 Sony."

Widget


Not long ago I had a home audition of a Shanling CD player. The dealer also had with him an Esoteric P0/DCS Elgar/DCS Delius combo for comparison. (he had just collected it after being on loan for demo). My reference is my EMT 930st & TSDsfl vinyl setup. The Shanling was not even close but the Esoteric/DCS gear was pretty amazing but way out of my price league.
Having now tried a PS1 I can only say it had the same impact as the Hi End gear. The detail is superb and the width and breadth of soundstage is better than the Esoteric/DCS. Its not a direct AB comparison but I can only say thet I am more than pleased with the PS1 and it only cost pennies in comparison to the other stuff.(does'nt look as good though)
One little nitpicking correction.....The DCS Elgar is a DAC, its the Delius that upsamples

[Mr. Widget]

Well... any more comments? I am certainly intrigued. I suppose I could get one of the ugly gray plastic players and give it a shot... I'd love to hear more from those that are enjoying their PS1s first.

Widget

[Ken Pachkowsky]

Well... any more comments? I am certainly intrigued. I suppose I could get one of the ugly gray plastic players and give it a shot... I'd love to hear more from those that are enjoying their PS1s first.

Widget

As you know, I just got a 1001 off Ebay but did not get a chance to play with it before I left. Be carefull announcing your interest, others may pass judgement.:bouncy:

Ken

[Ian Mackenzie]

Best way is to try it and judge your own ears.

Oddly, A few years ago chip processors were expensive parts, but not now and in an item like this where mass marketing is priced to sell on mass.

If it were re marketed and re packaged on the UK Hifi market it might sell for $1000 who knows??.

Ian

[pangea]

"It uses a 32 bit DSP, because it has to be able to handle graphics as well and when it's used only for audio, there's plenty of muscles left.

And most importantly, how does it sound?

VERY open, airy, detailed and powerful, and a lot of other things, but I'll stop there..."



Well... I am pretty skeptical. Isn't the audio portion still only running 16 bit? There would be no reason that a gaming device would upsample the audio.

I am curious... has anyone actually compared one to a Wadia CD player or a dcs Elgar upsampled player, or are we hearing, "It's great! It's way better than my $150 Sony."

Widget


Hi widget!

I'm truly sorry I can't explain exactly why it sounds that good, but since the sounding differences are that big, between older and newer models, which as far as I know have the same DSP, it might be that the main reasons will be found in what actually does differ and that the early designs were so much more developed and thought through and that the combination of a number of changes/cost savings, resulted in a kind of lucky shot in the early models, which then were lost somehow.

I only know now, what "Jitter" sounds like, since it's gone now, after having put my Sony SACD in to early retirement. :)

Why don't you just get one and try it for your self, unless you don't trust me and those who say it's great. ;)
It's not that big of an investment and it doesn't happen that often that the saying "Not much to loose but everything to win", applies that well, I would say.

BR
Roland

[pangea]

Best way is to try it and judge your own ears.

Oddly, A few years ago chip processors were expensive parts, but not now and in an item like this where mass marketing is priced to sell on mass.

If it were re marketed and re packaged on the UK Hifi market it might sell for $1000 who knows??.

Ian

Knowing Sony and other large companies, it wouldn't surprise me a bit, if it would resurface as a CD-player costing even $2000 or more. :biting:

/Roland

[Mr. Widget]

Andywin is saying all the right things, but I am still skeptical. Of course as you have pointed out, it is a very inexpensive experiment so I guess I'll have to get one and find out for myself. When I do I'll post my impressions... of course! It's not like I have been known to be quiet about much.:applaud:

Widget

[pangea]

Andywin is saying all the right things, but I am still skeptical. Of course as you have pointed out, it is a very inexpensive experiment so I guess I'll have to get one and find out for myself. When I do I'll post my impressions... of course! It's not like I have been known to be quiet about much.:applaud:

Widget

I'll be waiting for your report, only, make sure you get one of the oldest models.

BR
Roland

[Mr. Widget]

I am currently seeking the 1001 models.

Widget

[dblaxter]

hi all,

i have the PS1 ,the 1001 ,also had a jbl dvd600 that was broken ,i used the copper shielding from that unit to shield the power unit in the PS1 more then enough material to encase the power unit top ,bottom and sides , well its all complete and being used , i have a technics slp1200 to do a a/b compare, and i must say it sounds every bit as good ,and better at some points so if you are looking for a cd unit for a cheap to free price ,there you have it ,as far as a compare to your normal cd players there is none ,the converted PS1 is the way to go, so thank you to all who contributed to this thread ,and if you have not purschased your new ps1 cd player ,what are you waiting for :D :applaud: :D its just about free for a super unit

[Mr. Widget]

...will be getting a SCPH1001 this weekend. With luck I'll have time to give it a whirl next week and get back here with my impressions.

Widget

[gary]

I just found an scph1001 that came with original box and instructions. I was surprised to see directions for using it as a cd player. However, since this was 1995, it only shows hook up to the tv or vcr. Home theater was in its infancy. I guess nobody at sony ran it through an amp with good speakers. Also the instructions show how to operate the cd via the game controller w/o a tv monitor. would have provided a copy, but my scanner is on the fritz. probably can download it from sony. gary.

[pangea]

...will be getting a SCPH1001 this weekend. With luck I'll have time to give it a whirl next week and get back here with my impressions.

Widget

Hi Mr. Widget!

Have you had a chance to listen to the PS1 yet?

I'm anxiously awaiting your response. :D

/Roland

[Mr. Widget]

You know, I picked one up a week ago but haven't yet plugged it in... been too busy. I'll certainly post my impressions once I've had a chance to listen.

Widget

[Dave G]

I picked one up today for £4.

I hope this idea doesn't leak if the player is a good one. Certainly good enough for workshop I'm sure.

[ernestsk]

Being an audiophile illiterate, I have a question. I have a PS1 model spch1001. I like the sound and I may get more for my other systems. Why do you recommend shielding the power supply? Also, since I wouldn't know how to, how
could I get someone to do it without it costing an arm & leg?

Ernest

[pangea]

Being an audiophile illiterate, I have a question. I have a PS1 model spch1001. I like the sound and I may get more for my other systems. Why do you recommend shielding the power supply? Also, since I wouldn't know how to, how
could I get someone to do it without it costing an arm & leg?

Ernest

Hi Ernest!

Very welcome to the forum! Hope you will enjoy it as much as I do. This is absolutely the best forum on the entire Internet, IMO and even more so, if you're smitten by the Lansing stuff!:applaud:

There is always the possibility that the tweaking makes it easier for you to believe how good they really are. That said, I'm not so sure you could hear the difference in a blind test, so perhaps you should just hook it up and play your favorite music as is. :D

BR
Roland

[ernestsk]

Hi Roland,

Thanks for the reply. That's what I wanted to hear. Nothing for me to do.:applaud:
I plan on AB test in the near future. Right now I think am hearing more details than I've heard before. Works for me, especially the price.:bouncy:

Ernest

[Dave G]

It sounds very good!

Not being a fan of the silver disc that it is not a absolute answer. In fact I own very few CD's of quality productions. I can say that it sounds better than a Pioneer CDJ 500 player which is a verry average sound machine. Need to put it against some £1000 models, further impressions to follow.

Dave

[pangea]

It sounds very good!

Not being a fan of the silver disc that it is not a absolute answer. In fact I own very few CD's of quality productions. I can say that it sounds better than a Pioneer CDJ 500 player which is a verry average sound machine. Need to put it against some £1000 models, further impressions to follow.

Dave

Hi Dave!

I'm sure the PS1 will stand it's ground against very expensive CD players as well.

Last weekend I went to a gathering held by a Swedish forum where I'm a member as well, and brought my PS1 along for a comparison against a Audionet VIP, which is considered to be fairly competitive.
Needless to say, the PS1 wasn't the looser.:D

Many others have also come to the same conclusion, whatever they have compared it to, so it's quite fair to say IMHO, that the PS1 digs deeper, has absolutely no jitter, is more detailed and provides a more calm soundstage, even when compared to mega $$$ players. :applaud:

BR
Roland

[Dave G]

Hello Roland

I will be adding shielding once I find some suitable material. Its another job on the list.

Dave

[Figge]

now this is the kind of thread that makes us audiofreaks suspisious...i didnt believe a word of this, but i knew i had a old ps1 lying in the basement,(turns out it was a SPCH-1002) and thought heck i just gotta try this out! so i did and now i can only confirm pangea´s story. ps1 is the best sounding cd-player ive heard, i still have some trouble accepting this fact. how a ugly old toy can make those 4430:s sing. simply amazing!

[JuniorJBL]

:applaud: It has been a not-so-well documented fact that many people use sony Transports because they tend to be very good.
I also heard that if you go thru a inexpensive sony and tighten up all inside you will hear a BIG differance.
Sounds good to me!

[Hofmannhp]

Hi Figge,

long time no contact...:)

few minutes ago I ebayed a PS1 (Originaly packed) for 5,06 €.
Will also try Pangeas worldclass recommendation. I Think of balanced outputs....on XLRs.
Thanks also Roland for this nice thread.

HP

[Steve K]

Hi. Just secured a SCPH-1000 (first Japanese market model, picture attached) in a web auction in Japan. Paid US$ 28 plus shipping.
Roland, I couldn't find any -1002, 5502, or any of the other model numbers you've listed. I suppose they are US market designations. Anyway, according to the picture the seller posted, this one was manufactured in '95, so I'm assuming the innards are the same as what you've described in this thread. In any case, I am truly anxious to give it a try as as soon as I receive the player, probably in the next couple of days. Until then I have my fingers crossed.

Steve K

[Figge]

Hi Hp!

been offline for a while. but here i am:)

about the xlr´s: i suppose its no problem to modify a little and get balanced outputs. BTW im still rocking ur old TAE86! truly a fine preamp!

to steve: the unit in ur pic looks identical to my 1002. i also have a 7002 but it has no rca:s so i assume yours is the same as 1001/2 or even older!

i also have a xbox wich soon will be evaluated.

this is just too cool for school!

[gerard]

ok

I have to come back on my first impression .

In the beginning I felt the Ps1 was better on Brass etc...

Now after a long listening and upgarding my 43xx with new caps , I must admist my 200.00 $ cd /dvd/sacd pionner is not so bad and even better on some cd ....

Does someones has Bob dylan John wesley harding ?

ps1 : No real bass , voice is metallic etc ...
pioneer : real bass ( in fact there is a little too much bass also in the vinyl itself ( columbia us pressing ) voice is ok .

For now ; Ps1 sounds ok with brass instrument ; listening for long time pioneer is less tiring ....

May be my ear does not work as good as some of you .....

I will continue to compare ....
.

Gerard

[pangea]

now this is the kind of thread that makes us audiofreaks suspisious...i didnt believe a word of this, but i knew i had a old ps1 lying in the basement,(turns out it was a SPCH-1002) and thought heck i just gotta try this out! so i did and now i can only confirm pangea´s story. ps1 is the best sounding cd-player ive heard, i still have some trouble accepting this fact. how a ugly old toy can make those 4430:s sing. simply amazing!

Hi Figge!

Over the years I've learned to say what I mean and mean what I say!:)

But you couldn't possibly know that, since we don't know each other, although we live in the same country.

I also told you right from the start, that you wouldn't believe a word of what I was saying. ;)

I'm just glad you decided to give it a try anyhow. :D

BR
Roland

[pangea]

:applaud: It has been a not-so-well documented fact that many people use sony Transports because they tend to be very good.
I also heard that if you go thru a inexpensive sony and tighten up all inside you will hear a BIG differance.
Sounds good to me!

Although this toy, doesn't have much in common with other Sony CD-drives, from what I understand.

BR
Roland

[pangea]

Hi Figge,

long time no contact...:)

few minutes ago I ebayed a PS1 (Originaly packed) for 5,06 €.
Will also try Pangeas worldclass recommendation. I Think of balanced outputs....on XLRs.
Thanks also Roland for this nice thread.

HP

You're very welcome, Im only happy to be able to give something back to others.

BR
Roland

[pangea]

Hi. Just secured a SCPH-1000 (first Japanese market model, picture attached) in a web auction in Japan. Paid US$ 28 plus shipping.
Roland, I couldn't find any -1002, 5502, or any of the other model numbers you've listed. I suppose they are US market designations. Anyway, according to the picture the seller posted, this one was manufactured in '95, so I'm assuming the innards are the same as what you've described in this thread. In any case, I am truly anxious to give it a try as as soon as I receive the player, probably in the next couple of days. Until then I have my fingers crossed.

Steve K

Congratulations, I would say you picked the winning lottery ticket!!!
Try also to buy a spare laser/engine kit for about $ 70, just in case it ever needs a new laser transport, wich in the earlier models were made of plastics, and later it was made of aluminum, which is more durable.

BR
Roland

[pangea]

Hi Hp!

been offline for a while. but here i am:)

about the xlr´s: i suppose its no problem to modify a little and get balanced outputs. BTW im still rocking ur old TAE86! truly a fine preamp!

to steve: the unit in ur pic looks identical to my 1002. i also have a 7002 but it has no rca:s so i assume yours is the same as 1001/2 or even older!

i also have a xbox wich soon will be evaluated.

this is just too cool for school!

Your assumptions are correct, but forget about the X-box, it's no good.

Before mounting xlr's I would simply try it as is.
I have killed one 1002 motherboard this way, no need for you to do the same, unless you're an expert and know exactly what you're doing.
Also be careful the cupper shielding around the main board, doesn't come in contact with the fuse-holder!!!! Guess what happens if it does. Ask me I know. :o:

I would think you won't be disappointet with the original conections either.

BR
Roland

[pangea]

ok

I have to come back on my first impression .

In the beginning I felt the Ps1 was better on Brass etc...

Now after a long listening and upgarding my 43xx with new caps , I must admist my 200.00 $ cd /dvd/sacd pionner is not so bad and even better on some cd ....

Does someones has Bob dylan John wesley harding ?

ps1 : No real bass , voice is metallic etc ...
pioneer : real bass ( in fact there is a little too much bass also in the vinyl itself ( columbia us pressing ) voice is ok .

For now ; Ps1 sounds ok with brass instrument ; listening for long time pioneer is less tiring ....

May be my ear does not work as good as some of you .....

I will continue to compare ....
.

Gerard

I'm somewhat surpriced and puzzled over your impression, since my own and many others, have found that the much deeper bass, is what is standing out the most in comparison with other players and also the total absence of digital jitter should guarantee a presentation, which is anything but metallic.

The comparisons I've made, are simply pointing in the opposite direction from yours, but then again we all have a different perception, as well as different preferences and that's OK.

BR
Roland

[trueview]

I like my ps1 enough that I secured a second via ebay and await its arrival:)

btw...both units are scph-1001 models...
been unable to locate the 1002 or 1000...but believe they are very similar.

[pangea]

I like my ps1 enough that I secured a second via ebay and await its arrival:)

btw...both units are scph-1001 models...
been unable to locate the 1002 or 1000...but believe they are very similar.

the difference between 1001 and 1002 is between US and European models (110V vs. 230V).

The 1000 I think is the Japaneese model, but I'm not sure about that one.

BR
Roland

[rek50]

I like my PS1 enough that I secured a second AND a third ! I tried it first in the living room, some time ago. I liked it. Thursday, I tried it out in our sunroom. I was shocked. The sunroom being glass (ceiling, front wall, two end walls) and timber. The rear wall and floor are ceramic tile. I've tried three different sets of speakers, FIVE different receivers, speaker placement all over the map, different port tuning, even new speaker wires and interconnects, to try to get a decent sound that wasn't raspy, boomy, tinney. :banghead: It was the CDP, I had been using all along. I had thought, well all this glass and tile, what can I expect. And, it's NOT vinyl. It seemed as though the sunroom was doomed to be a poor listening experience. PS1 to the rescue. Thanks again for the tip!:applaud:

[Figge]

Hi Figge!

Over the years I've learned to say what I mean and mean what I say!:)

But you couldn't possibly know that, since we don't know each other, although we live in the same country.

I also told you right from the start, that you wouldn't believe a word of what I was saying. ;)

I'm just glad you decided to give it a try anyhow. :D

BR
Roland

Tjena Roland! :wave:

nånstans trodde jag nog lite på din grej, annars hadde jag inte grävt fram dessa gammla apparater. för nån månad sen så tänkte jag skicka dom på tippen. nu kommer jag nog försöka hitta fler! hur kom du på denna idé? skit ballt!

*just talking about this and that*

[Mr. Widget]

I have finally given the Sony PS-1, Model SCHP-1001 an audition.

I auditioned it on my non JBL system as it is currently the only system up and running. The system is comprised of a pair of Monitor Audio mini-monitor two-ways, bi-amped with a vintage John Curl designed Symmetry ACS-1 crossover to Scan Speak 6 1/2" mid bass helper woofers, and a Velodyne sub. The preamp is a PS Audio 4.6. The amps are a Hafler P3000 for the mini monitors and an AB for the helper woofers. The interconnects were gold plated cheapos.

I compared the PS-1 (no mods) with a ~$500 Sony ES model CD changer. I have two better players downstairs, but opted for this comparison as it was the simplest to implement.

I did all comparisons in an A/B scenario with identical CDs in each player. Matching levels was a little tricky as the PS-1 has significantly lower output. I auditioned both in a blind fashion (quasi double blind as my assistant, my wife, had no idea why I had asked her to switch back and forth between the two sources.) After I auditioned them I performed the switching duties for my wife and we both had virtually identical responses.

Our impressions.

The sound stage was slightly wider for the PS-1 and the sound was slightly mellower (possibly smoother). The Sony ES changer had slightly more detail.

I can't say that either player was distinctly superior... they were slightly different as stated above. The PS-1 is a bargain at $15, though less convenient to use than a dedicated player.

If anyone would like to buy this player for $15, send me a PM.

Widget

[pangea]

I have finally given the Sony PS-1, Model SCHP-1001 an audition.

I auditioned it on my non JBL system as it is currently the only system up and running. The system is comprised of a pair of Monitor Audio mini-monitor two-ways, bi-amped with a vintage John Curl designed Symmetry ACS-1 crossover to Scan Speak 6 1/2" mid bass helper woofers, and a Velodyne sub. The preamp is a PS Audio 4.6. The amps are a Hafler P3000 for the mini monitors and an AB for the helper woofers. The interconnects were gold plated cheapos.

I compared the PS-1 (no mods) with a ~$500 Sony ES model CD changer. I have two better players downstairs, but opted for this comparison as it was the simplest to implement.

I did all comparisons in an A/B scenario with identical CDs in each player. Matching levels was a little tricky as the PS-1 has significantly lower output. I auditioned both in a blind fashion (quasi double blind as my assistant, my wife, had no idea why I had asked her to switch back and forth between the two sources.) After I auditioned them I performed the switching duties for my wife and we both had virtually identical responses.

Our impressions.

The sound stage was slightly wider for the PS-1 and the sound was slightly mellower (possibly smoother). The Sony ES changer had slightly more detail.

I can't say that either player was distinctly superior... they were slightly different as stated above. The PS-1 is a bargain at $15, though less convenient to use than a dedicated player.

If anyone would like to buy this player for $15, send me a PM.

Widget


Hi Widget!

I'm very surprised over your findings, but cannot comment on them since I have no knowledge of the gear you have used.

If you are serious about selling the PS1, I would be very interested in buying it, if only to let it go a run against my own and see if there is a difference between them and possibly determine if there is something is wrong with it.

BR
Roland

[Mr. Widget]

Sounds cool... I'll give it to you if you pay the shipping. It will be interesting to see if you find a difference between this player and yours.

After I did my audition I went back over the entire thread. It seems that my findings are pretty much in line with others who have posted comments. Sure there are those comments like "It is the best..." but those that did direct comparisons and posted their findings did seem to pretty much say similar things to my post. I found this interesting since I had either completely forgotten them or never read them in the first place. I think it is a nice sounding CD player that has a mellow tonal quality and does present a good sound stage. In my system, not the end all of all High End systems, but not a slouch either and certainly more revealing than many, I didn't find audio nirvana... just a good solid player with a funky look and awkward interface.

Widget

[pangea]

Sounds cool... I'll give it to you if you pay the shipping. It will be interesting to see if you find a difference between this player and yours.

After I did my audition I went back over the entire thread. It seems that my findings are pretty much in line with others who have posted comments. Sure there are those comments like "It is the best..." but those that did direct comparisons and posted their findings did seem to pretty much say similar things to my post. I found this interesting since I had either completely forgotten them or never read them in the first place. I think it is a nice sounding CD player that has a mellow tonal quality and does present a good sound stage. In my system, not the end all of all High End systems, but not a slouch either and certainly more revealing than many, I didn't find audio nirvana... just a good solid player with a funky look and awkward interface.

Widget

Cool, great, thanks!!! :applaud:

BR
Roland

[Figge]

Sounds cool... I'll give it to you if you pay the shipping. It will be interesting to see if you find a difference between this player and yours.

After I did my audition I went back over the entire thread. It seems that my findings are pretty much in line with others who have posted comments. Sure there are those comments like "It is the best..." but those that did direct comparisons and posted their findings did seem to pretty much say similar things to my post. I found this interesting since I had either completely forgotten them or never read them in the first place. I think it is a nice sounding CD player that has a mellow tonal quality and does present a good sound stage. In my system, not the end all of all High End systems, but not a slouch either and certainly more revealing than many, I didn't find audio nirvana... just a good solid player with a funky look and awkward interface.

Widget


i see ur point. i said "the best cd ive heard" becouse it infact is true. now im not specially impressed by any digital source, therefore ive never been intressted in cd-players. (a cd is a cd) pretty much. therefore ive never bothered with mega buck machines. ive had a lot of diffrent "pretty good", "not so good" and "crap" players over the years, but last 1,5 years ive stuck to a denon dual dj cd, wich too my ears were superior to the rest. now to the point: ps1 was better in every way, exept its interface, not directly userfriendly as cdp, its a hassle to operate without tv (my stereo dont have a tv) so i will continue using my denon, but will definatley buy ps1:s if i come across them. to further test the idéa and try some modifications, it´ll be fun. and i can allways bust up my buddies in a round of tekken.

the idéa shure is cool, and i would like to now how roland knew about it.

[JuniorJBL]

Widget
Have you tried it aginst the Adcom at all yet?
I would really like to know what you think about yours vs others.
I did have a sony 777 at one time and did not find much difference between the two.:bouncy:

I do however wonder about the PS1:hmm:

[Mr. Widget]

Have you tried it aginst the Adcom at all yet?

No, I didn't and due to PITA factors I won't. Since I wasn't blown away by it in this comparison, I don't see the point.

I did have a sony 777 at one time and did not find much difference between the two.

The Sony 777 is fairly highly regarded in the audio press. Are you suggesting that the Adcom was just as amazing or that the Sony 777 was equally competent as the Adcom?

I have used several mid-fi and mid-fi plus players in my system, at $1200 retail I am calling the Adcom a mid-fi plus, and really haven't been blown away by any of them. With all of them and including the PS-1, there are subtle differences, but only subtle ones. The best player I have is a Sony 9000ES. It is a DVD/SACD/CD player, stereo only and is incrementally better than the others... but just. It is extremely heavy, has features like turning off the video circuitry and display to reduce the possibility of digital noise, (I think it is marketing hype... but the player was their flagship DVD/SACD player for about a month before they came out with multi-channel players.)

I have not had the pleasure to audition a $5K+ player at home and therefore have no idea what a difference they might make, but I have had one digital eye opener. When using the Sony 9000ES player as a transport and feeding the digital signal into my DEQX and using the DEQX as an upsampling DAC... there is a significant improvement in the soundstage. It makes red book CDs sound almost as good as a good SACD or vinyl. It also seems to make the highs just slightly more delicate, not brighter or duller but cleaner sounding.

Widget

[JuniorJBL]

The Sony 777 is fairly highly regarded in the audio press. Are you suggesting that the Adcom was just as amazing or that the Sony 777 was equally competent as the Adcom?

Widget

No! I had the 777 as a demo and the sacd portion did not work.
I should say that I was comparing in price vs performance. I paid $500.00 new from a local dealer for my adcom. At the time of the demo the 777 was no longer availible. Yes it did sound better but my system was not at the level that it is now.
I did pass up a chance to buy the SACD-1 for $1500.00 new!:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

I will regret that for awhile.:blink:

[Steve K]

I got the SCPH-1000 (Japanese market model) today and did a quick A/B comparison test against my current main CD player, an Arcam FMJ-CD23. I used the Tape input for the PlayStation 1 (PS1), using Philips interconnect RCA cables that came with a LHH-700 which I no longer have (sigh).

First off the volume gain of the PS is just slightly lower than that of my Arcam. I suppose this depends on what CDP you're comparing against, so I don't think there's an issue there. Actually, I started doing the comparison with Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" CD of which I just happened to have two copies. In that test the PS had a significantly lower gain level. To be sure, I switched the CDs around, and the opposite resulted. I found out that one of the copies, which had the higher level, was a Rudy Van Gelder edition, which was a newly re-mastered issue. So, I played other CDs and had to shuffle back and forth physically (can't win them all, huh?).

I played Grant Green's "I Want To Hold Your Hand", the Doobie's "Long Train Running" (my JBL sound standard), and a female jazz singer with a guitar only accompaniment doing her version of "I Wish You Love".

The Arcam's a good player, very musical with a slight warmth in tonality, and all in all, offers a well balanced output. I forgot to mention that the Arcam's connected with Kimber's PBJ interconnects, which I think makes it more neutral sounding.

The PS1. Well, I am suprised, and in a pleasant way. The overall tone I felt is a little brighter than the Arcam's, and that's with the Philips interconnects, which I think is on the warmer side. I thought it gave slightly more detail to the mid-to-highs. The bass is tight and well defined. And it's quiet, too. In "I Wish You Love", I could hear the vocalist humming away from the microphone during the guitar solo part, which I don't remember hearing before. How can I put it - a more 'studio' atmosphere? In short, I think it's very good.

Having said that, I'm still sticking to the Arcam as my main player, the greatest reason being it's got a way better user-interface than the PS1! And its sound is not crummy either. The PS1, I'll keep it as a second player for the time being, and maybe tinker with it, giving it better shielding, etc, as Roland suggests. But then again, I am truly impressed. I only wish that its controls were more friendly, and the build more sturdy (like it would be nice if it was made of precision machined metal!) If Sony only knew what treasure they had and acted on it, their audio business might just be competing healthily with the Denons and Marantz's today in mid-fi, where the market is, instead of coming up with $10,000+ products.

Well, that's it, folks. Thanks for reading this far.:bouncy:

Finally, thank you, Roland, for the great tip! You couldn't get a much better CD player for what I paid!:applaud:

[Alex Lancaster]

:) Steve: Is Your PS1 a 100V unit?, if so You should be using a step down trans or auto transformer.

[Steve K]

:) Steve: Is Your PS1 a 100V unit?, if so You should be using a step down trans or auto transformer.

I live in Tokyo, Japan, where the voltage is 100V (50Hz). Thanks for your concern though.:)

[pangea]

I got the SCPH-1000 (Japanese market model) today and did a quick A/B comparison test against my current main CD player, an Arcam FMJ-CD23. I used the Tape input for the PlayStation 1 (PS1), using Philips interconnect RCA cables that came with a LHH-700 which I no longer have (sigh).

First off the volume gain of the PS is just slightly lower than that of my Arcam. I suppose this depends on what CDP you're comparing against, so I don't think there's an issue there. Actually, I started doing the comparison with Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" CD of which I just happened to have two copies. In that test the PS had a significantly lower gain level. To be sure, I switched the CDs around, and the opposite resulted. I found out that one of the copies, which had the higher level, was a Rudy Van Gelder edition, which was a newly re-mastered issue. So, I played other CDs and had to shuffle back and forth physically (can't win them all, huh?).

I played Grant Green's "I Want To Hold Your Hand", the Doobie's "Long Train Running" (my JBL sound standard), and a female jazz singer with a guitar only accompaniment doing her version of "I Wish You Love".

The Arcam's a good player, very musical with a slight warmth in tonality, and all in all, offers a well balanced output. I forgot to mention that the Arcam's connected with Kimber's PBJ interconnects, which I think makes it more neutral sounding.

The PS1. Well, I am suprised, and in a pleasant way. The overall tone I felt is a little brighter than the Arcam's, and that's with the Philips interconnects, which I think is on the warmer side. I thought it gave slightly more detail to the mid-to-highs. The bass is tight and well defined. And it's quiet, too. In "I Wish You Love", I could hear the vocalist humming away from the microphone during the guitar solo part, which I don't remember hearing before. How can I put it - a more 'studio' atmosphere? In short, I think it's very good.

Having said that, I'm still sticking to the Arcam as my main player, the greatest reason being it's got a way better user-interface than the PS1! And its sound is not crummy either. The PS1, I'll keep it as a second player for the time being, and maybe tinker with it, giving it better shielding, etc, as Roland suggests. But then again, I am truly impressed. I only wish that its controls were more friendly, and the build more sturdy (like it would be nice if it was made of precision machined metal!) If Sony only knew what treasure they had and acted on it, their audio business might just be competing healthily with the Denons and Marantz's today in mid-fi, where the market is, instead of coming up with $10,000+ products.

Well, that's it, folks. Thanks for reading this far.:bouncy:

Finally, thank you, Roland, for the great tip! You couldn't get a much better CD player for what I paid!:applaud:

Hi Steve!

My pleasure entirely!!!:)

About the low gain, it's a known issue, it only has 1,5V out, instead of normally 2,0V.
The logical remedy would be to hang on a tube-stage, or simply turn up the volume slightly. ;)
http://www.playfidelity.com/Seiten/Playstation/SCPH-1002/Page.html

About the interface, you can buy the PS2 remote-control, it fits and works well on the PS1 (except the one made by Saitec) and for display I'm using a small 5" LCD TV-screen, it gives me the control I need. :D

Finally I also have to say something about the sound. For the first time ever, I know now how jitter sounds, since there is absolutely non to hear on the PS1, but on most other CD-players! :applaud:

BR
Roland

[Mr. Widget]

For the first time ever, I know now how jitter sounds, since there is absolutely non to hear on the PS1, but on most other CD-players!

A very provocative statement... I didn't hear an AMAZING difference between the PS-1 and the reasonably average player I compared it to. Please try to use words to explain the difference you do hear.

BTW: I need to get that player boxed and then I'll get back to you with the shipping details... sorry for the delay.

Widget

[pangea]

A very provocative statement... I didn't hear an AMAZING difference between the PS-1 and the reasonably average player I compared it to. Please try to use words to explain the difference you do hear.

BTW: I need to get that player boxed and then I'll get back to you with the shipping details... sorry for the delay.

Widget

OK, I'll try to describe my impressions the best I can, it's not that easy though, in a foreign language.

Over the years I've listened to quite a few CD-players, where most of them would be what you call mid-fi stuff. I have however on a few occasions listened to real Hi-End CD-players and also a extremly modified CD-player, done by a true HiFi guru. All of these CD-players, despite having presented the music very well although in different ways, they all left a sort of sonic imprint in my brain, so I thought, this is how the digital format sounds and haven't thought much else about it and whenever I listened to my vinyl's, they came across as a bit dampened or constricted in the highs and I got used to it.

Now as I listened to the PS1 for the first time, the first thing I noticed, as the grin on my face grew wider, I thought it sounded like analog but without any constrictions and without the crackle and pops usually associated with vinyl's.
My second thought was, now I know what jitter is and not until having listened to digital music without the jitter, made me realize that it had been so present and intertwined with CD's all this time, that I didn't know what it was, until it was gone.

But then again, I'm not excluding the possibility, or even the likelihood that there are plenty of CD-players out there, that also do not have any jitter, it's probably just that I have managed to miss them, or haven't been able to afford any of them.

Take your time, no need to hurry with the shipping, I should finish my MTM hybrids first anyway. :D

BR
Roland

[gerard]

I would like to make a comment and may be someone can help me ? .

When I first compare the ps1 ( 1002 ) to my dvd563 Pionner , the ps1 gave more bass and also a better sound on the low medium area ; only the uhf was less present .

Then I change the caps on my 43xx crossover clone ( 2x56uf for the bass ) Solen caps again electrolyte 30 years old caps !.

The sound was much better and tight on the low medium , the bass was also firmer ; the bass speaker le15a on my left side which I though needed recone now sound perfect !!!! .

Then I compare again the ps1 and the pionner and i DO NOT SEE any difference on the bass only the voice or trumplet are more ahead and metallic ; for trumpet it is ok even better sometimes but tot the voice .

I do not understand why I do not see the bass difference between the 2 palyer since I change those caps .

Gerard

[pangea]

I would like to make a comment and may be someone can help me ? .

When I first compare the ps1 ( 1002 ) to my dvd563 Pionner , the ps1 gave more bass and also a better sound on the low medium area ; only the uhf was less present .

Then I change the caps on my 43xx crossover clone ( 2x56uf for the bass ) Solen caps again electrolyte 30 years old caps !.

The sound was much better and tight on the low medium , the bass was also firmer ; the bass speaker le15a on my left side which I though needed recone now sound perfect !!!! .

Then I compare again the ps1 and the pionner and i DO NOT SEE any difference on the bass only the voice or trumplet are more ahead and metallic ; for trumpet it is ok even better sometimes but tot the voice .

I do not understand why I do not see the bass difference between the 2 palyer since I change those caps .

Gerard

I think it could be logical the difference are smaller now after the change of caps.

Deeper and tighter bass, I think, is what everyone has experienced.

You say the uhf became less present with the PS1. Could it be that the amount of presence is still the same and that you perhaps did mistake the jitter for more presence? Also, could it be that the voices now are more calm and settled and without the jitter, that it makes you feel there is something missing and the missing part, being the jitter?

If you're listening to vinyl's, do you also think there is less presence on those records?

Just wondering and trying to imagine if I could have drawn the same conclusions.

BR
Roland

[gerard]

Pangea


i would say for now , vinyl looks more like my Pioneer !!!

gerard

[Stonehenge Man]

My last 5 CDPs cost 5 dollars or less and all of them except ONE were Sonys. The fourth was a Magnavox and plastic cased as part of a system but I enjoy it's DAC also.

[pangea]

A very provocative statement... I didn't hear an AMAZING difference between the PS-1 and the reasonably average player I compared it to. Please try to use words to explain the difference you do hear.

BTW: I need to get that player boxed and then I'll get back to you with the shipping details... sorry for the delay.

Widget

Hi Widget!

Many thanks, the parcel has arrived and it's alive! :)
Are you sure you won't give me an account number where I can transfer the money?
If there is anything I can do to help you in any other way, please let me know.

Anyway, I had to replace the power supply and while doing so, I put in some of the shielding at the same time.
I think that this is necessary on the SCPH1001/2, since the laser unit is situated so close to the supply.
On later models the supply is a bit further away because of this.
As I hooked it up and put in the first CD, my first impression was that the 1001 is capable of digging even deeper in to the lows, compared to the 5502 I'm currently using.
Then I also noticed that some of my CD-R's didn't sound as good as previously on my 5502.
Why that is, I don't know yet, It could be that the one you sent me, doesn't like the CD-R's, like my old player, OR it could be that the 1001 is more sensitive/revealing than my own 5502.

The next thing I noticed, was that your PS1 isn't capable of playing most of the CD-R's, without frequent dropouts, some shorter, some longer.

Therefore I think it would be interesting to know if perhaps the 1001 you sent me, has been played a lot, thus causing the laser/transport, to "drop the ball" now and then, or if it has been in storage for a long time and perhaps it will take a while before things will loosen up again.
I can already sense that the dropouts are becoming somewhat shorter with every CD played.

But if they don't go away entirely, then I will try to replace the laser as well and at the same time complete the shielding.

Other than that I think the sound is comparable, between the two units.

It may well be true, that the PS1 doesn't have that last ounce of detail, as some of those esoteric players costing above the 10k$ mark, but then again, I would never be able to afford one of those anyway, so I'm quite happy with the performance this toy is capable of and I still think that with this player, I'm as close to the CD-nirvana, as I'll ever be and thanks a million once again! :applaud: :bouncy:

Is this forum great or what!!! :applaud: :bouncy:

BR
Roland :cheers:

[Alex Lancaster]

:) Pangea: My son gave an SCPH-101, is this usable?, I´ll try it Sunday.

Thanks.

[rek50]

Is this forum great or what!!! http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/applaud.gif http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/bouncy.gif Yes it is! Roland, I have four SCPH 1001 units. One of them wouldn't recognise a "Packed", as in loaded with songs, CD. I noticed the laser didn't seem to "Kiss" the spindle as close as the others. After I removed a bit of "Flash" on the end of the plunger/switch, it's nice and friendly with the spindle and recognises the packed CD. Three of the units sound very similar. The fourth sounds brighter, less mid/bass for some reason. I A/B'd them and even my wife could tell. I'll try the shielding task on one of them just for fun. It is fun to me.

[pangea]

:) Pangea: My son gave an SCPH-101, is this usable?, I´ll try it Sunday.

Thanks.

Hi Alex!

I have no first hand experience on the 101, but from what I have read there are those who say it's no good and will dismiss it, but on the other hand, there are those who use the 101 as base for some serious tweaking and modification.

If you go back in the thread I think you will find some of those links, although some of the links ar in German.

Best thing would be to simply try it out and see if there is anything you could improve.

If you need some help with the German, I'd be glad to help.

BR
Roland

[pangea]

Is this forum great or what!!! http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/applaud.gif http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/bouncy.gif Yes it is! Roland, I have four SCPH 1001 units. One of them wouldn't recognise a "Packed", as in loaded with songs, CD. I noticed the laser didn't seem to "Kiss" the spindle as close as the others. . Three of the units sound very similar. The fourth sounds brighter, less mid/bass for some reason. I A/B'd them and even my wife could tell. I'll try the shielding task on one of them just for fun. It is fun to me.

Could you please explain what you mean by:
"After I removed a bit of "Flash" on the end of the plunger/switch, it's nice and friendly with the spindle and recognises the packed CD".

Did you also have some intermittent "drop-outs"?
The shielding is necessary on the 1001. But be very careful, you dont short the fuseholder, as I did. :o:

Perhaps the fourth one is busted? I managed to blow one up, after having tried to improve the signal and connectors out.
After that, I experienced the same thing, no bass and no low mid's.

BR
Roland

[rek50]

"Flash"-slang term for a "Bleed through", through the parting line of a mold. There was some excess plastic on the end of the plunger activated switch, which can be seen if you slide the laser unit up from the mounting pegs (unplug first), and turn it over. I've never had any "Drop Outs" on any of them. I'd check for a loose connection. I have bass/mids on the one, but it sounds different than the other three. RichsPSXParts.com has new laser lens unit for cheap.

[rek50]

More "Drop Out" thoughts: Maybe the "Lid Closed" sensor/switch is bad/dirty. How about a capacitor on the power supply board being less than good? Dirty RCA jacks? Dirty laser lens? Scratched CD? Broken or bad spindle hub- Wobbly disk spin? :blah: :blah: :blah:

[pangea]

More "Drop Out" thoughts: Maybe the "Lid Closed" sensor/switch is bad/dirty. How about a capacitor on the power supply board being less than good? Dirty RCA jacks? Dirty laser lens? Scratched CD? Broken or bad spindle hub- Wobbly disk spin? :blah: :blah: :blah:

Finally, I've given it up. I think I have tried everything now, except replacing the power supply (haven't got another one), but haven't found a setting for the bias/gain, where it will play all the CD's without any drop outs or behaving otherwise strangely.

So, now I'm back with the SCPH 5502 with the automatic bias/gain adjustment.
Now at least everything works again, even though I think the 1001 was able to dig a little bit deeper in to the low's, but other than that I'm not sure if I would be able to tell them apart in a blind test.

BR
Roland

[Box]

First i saw of this thread. :blah:
I guess it was around '98 that my sony 5 cd player had problems with the drawer. People were coming over and i didnt have time to fool with it. A friend suggested i use my old PS1 as a CD player just to get by. He had never hooked it up to a stereo, just to his TV for his kids to play games and listen to their CD's. It has RCA jacks doesnt it? he says. Just try it.
I didnt like the idea. It probably sounds like a cheap piece of plastic dog poop. I even wondered about the possibility of it being so cheap that it might damage my amp or speakers or something. I was thoroughly surprised. It does have a clean, clear and full sound to it. I think it was missing a little something somewhere, but it was a great solution for that night. I did become concerned at one point in the evening though as the PS1 became so hot i thought it might damage the CD's from the heat. So, i put a ziplocked bag of ice on it. :D
Any ideas on a better cooling method for extended playing in case i should have to do this again?

[andywin]

Then I also noticed that some of my CD-R's didn't sound as good as previously on my 5502.
Why that is, I don't know yet, It could be that the one you sent me, doesn't like the CD-R's, like my old player, OR it could be that the 1001 is more sensitive/revealing than my own 5502.

The next thing I noticed, was that your PS1 isn't capable of playing most of the CD-R's, without frequent dropouts, some shorter, some longer.



Spoke to a Techno nerd about this problem. He reckons that it's all down to the fact that the PS1 was built to the "White book standard (CD-ROM) whereas audio CD players are built to the "Red book" standard.

Where an audio CD player can fill a segment of missing data, it would'nt be such a good idea to do the same with data. Imagine the PC second guessing missing data on a spreadsheet stored on CD.

The nerds suggested the PS1 may be more akin to some early CD players which were prone to skipping and dropout.

Does anyone have any data on the dacs and oversampling rates etc. for toe 1000 series and what improvements the 5000 series offered.

[pangea]

Spoke to a Techno nerd about this problem. He reckons that it's all down to the fact that the PS1 was built to the "White book standard (CD-ROM) whereas audio CD players are built to the "Red book" standard.

Where an audio CD player can fill a segment of missing data, it would'nt be such a good idea to do the same with data. Imagine the PC second guessing missing data on a spreadsheet stored on CD.

The nerds suggested the PS1 may be more akin to some early CD players which were prone to skipping and dropout.

Does anyone have any data on the dacs and oversampling rates etc. for toe 1000 series and what improvements the 5000 series offered.

I don't know what goes where and why in a PS1, but it feels like, if it's true what he said, then that problem would have to be present on all, or most of the early 1001/2 players, wouldn't it not?
But as far as I know this problem only occurs on some of them and only on a few even.

So, what els could be factored in?

Anyway, I,m back to my previous SCPH5502 which works beautifully. :D

BR
Roland

[andywin]

I don't know what goes where and why in a PS1, but it feels like, if it's true what he said, then that problem would have to be present on all, or most of the early 1001/2 players, wouldn't it not?
But as far as I know this problem only occurs on some of them and only on a few even.

So, what els could be factored in?

Anyway, I,m back to my previous SCPH5502 which works beautifully. :D

BR
Roland

I have a 1002 that will play new CD's without problem but drops out when playing some older discs that have those pinprick holes in them. Try holding a few over a light source to see what I mean. It also struggles with most CDR's. It does sound good when given a good quality recent disc though.
Virtually evryone I know who has tried PS1's has encountered this problem with the 1002.
Like you I prefer the reliability of the 5502 and it's my 1st choice.

[440hz]

I have been reading this thread with interest and managed to get hold of 2 old playstations, a 7502 and a 5502. The 7502 sounds fantastic, I don't have expensive players to compare it to, but I love what I am hearing and it has a sound more like vinyl which I prefer.

Like a lot of people have said detail is fantastic, imaging is great, etc etc. I think I actually prefer the sound of the 5502 but have not a/b these playstations yet. The 5502 tends to drop out a lot though, I think the CD is a bit wobbly and it is much noisier than the 7502 when it spins up. I might try swapping the transport unit over in these two as they have identical connections to PSU and the main board.

Thanks Roland for posting this info. I am going to put one into a heavy case I have and provide buttons on the front for Play, stop, next and previous track. I am trying to get hold of a 1002 model for this purpose because I want the RCA sockets that are already connected. I found a pawn broker close by today that told me he only buys the earliest models like the 1002 for the controllers and accessories and trashes the console because people dont want them! He even looked in his junk pile out the back to see if he still had some. He said he would hang on to them for me in future.

Does anyone know of any other links to people moding these units or how they are using them? I have only found references on here and a few comments on a couple other boards. I wonder how many people are a bit reluctant to share what they thought about the sound?

[pangea]

I would do what you're about to do and see if the 5502 becomes more stable as well as more quiet after the swap.

But don't throw the replaced transport unit away, because you might want to keep it for spare parts.

I my self gave up on the 1001, Mr. Widget was kind enough to send me, since I wasn't able to adjust the "Gain" and "Bias", to get rid of the annoying dropouts.
The 5502 sounds just as good and works more than well enough for me anyway and does all the adjustments automatically.

I think there is a bit of psychology working here, why some people seem reluctant to praise the PS1. A "simple" piece of kids toy, just cannot be as good as a mega buck piece of, heavy duty, high end, audiophile grade CD player.
Also, if I spend a lot of money on a CD player, I sure would like to be able to impress all my friends and I sure would want it to be better than a ten year old toy costing less than $20, don't you think?....

BR
Roland

[440hz]

I swapped the transport in the 5502 for the one in the 7502, took about 2 minutes, it just dropped staight in. They have a slightly different layout on the main board so I had use the 5502 wiring loom with the 7502 transport or it wouldn't reach the socket on the pcb, but they unplug no problem.

The 5502 works fine now, and I also discovered the problem with its original transport. It was simply the plastic clamp that holds the CD in place, it had cracked probably from kids pulling out CDs carelessly, I ran it in the other machine with the lid off and I could see it slipping,. By this I mean the CD would slow and sometimes stop for a moment while the spindle spun inside the CD hole, it kept loosing its grip on the CD. Explains why it was so noisy too :).

I am going to get a playstation 2 DVD remote as it seems they work with the playstation 1. just plug the reciever into the controller port and you have remote CD functions like play, stop, skip etc. I pulled apart a hand controller and was going to wire up play, stop and skip buttons to the case I am putting it in, but I might just go remote only, single button on the front of the case for power on and a nice LED smack in the middle, minimalist hardcore CD player ;)


The case I have weighs about 5kg now that I have gutted it, full size CD player with 3mm steel base and machined heavy black anodised aluminim top and sides which bolts to the steel subchassis. Picked it up from a parts pile at a pawn broker for $5 as a non working player, laser module was dead. I will replace the front panel and have to cut a hole in the top, its about 4mm thick aluminium, then we'll see who has the megabuck gear :p just kidding.

I am going to tryout a 1002 before I make any final desicions on which to finally stick with, I even like the sound of the 7502, it does slightly different to the 5502, maybe a bit more dynamic, maybe thats not a good thing though, more testing needed. I have A/B the 5502 and 7502 and the 5502 with a couple of deomestic CD players a budget technics and sony and the playstation gets the thumbs up both from myself and my gf who thinks everything sounds the same but still seems to pick the PS in these blind tests.

I would really like to see the results from other comparisons, I don't know if the PS can hold its own against the really high end stuff or not, but it is better than any player I own or want to pay for right now, so I am happy to experiment with it and enjoy the sound I am getting.

thanks again for pointing it out.

[Alan Fletcher]

Too bad I didn't see this thread a while ago... Had a PS1 and chucked it. I set up a small system for my girlfriend and she used it for games, I used it to play CDRs since her crappy DVD player doesn't play CDRs. One day it fell off a shelf and smacked the floor pretty hard. She was almost to the point of tears so I took it home and tore into it-- turned out one of the gears inside the drive mech was cracked in half and the motor spindle was bent. It sat around for a few months until cleanup time and then it went to the breakers.

It would have been good for parts. When I would listen to it, I was never impressed-- it was just a CD player neither bad nor good, one with ridiculously complicated controls and video display requirement.

-A

[440hz]

Hey Alan it is a pity you chucked it, as for the sound I really think some models definately sound better than others, After a lot of listening I prefer the 5502 over the 7205, I still haven't tried the 1002. A lot of people have said the 9002 etc sound bad. Not surprising they sound different either, they have different components and layout inside (anyone have schematics for them?). Some people really like the sound they produce, some think they sound as good as an average player. I haven't heard too many negative comments about the sound, personally I like the sound, but that wont stop me from trying other things out, If there is one thing I know its that I am never completely satisfied with ANY part of my system.

As for controls I have tried using a PS2 DVD remote control and it works great. Just plug the little square reciever module into the control port and the remote gives you play, pause, stop, next track forward and rev, and fast forward and reverse functions. I have heard you can use a learning remote with these too, so you can reduce the remote collection that will soon consume itself due to its ever increasing mass ;)

The 5502 I am using is destined for the full sized CD player case I have, I was going to try a 1002 first but I can swap it over later if I decide.

Theres plenty of room in the case for a valve output stage too, so that will be on the list, and remote control as well of course, will post pics when I'm done if anyone is interested.

[pangea]

Of course I want pictures!!!:bouncy:

About the remote, don't buy the "Saitek" remote, cos it won't fit unless removing a lot of plastic from the PS1 cover and after I did just that, it still didn't work. :(

BR
Roland

[440hz]

About the remote, don't buy the "Saitek" remote, cos it won't fit unless removing a lot of plastic from the PS1 cover and after I did just that, it still didn't work.

that sucks. I just bought a PS2 one because thats what they had at the pawnbroker I tried. Don't give up completely yet though, try one of those learning all in one remotes if you have one. Not all of the DVD function buttons on the PS2 control work either. I cant use the the usual play, stop buttons etc. that are present on the PS2 remote, I can only use the controller buttons that are replicated on the remote control at the bottom.

I have started work on mine, will post pics on a web page and let you know.

[panos29]

Just found this interesting thread! I got to say I am now using the 1002 for more than a year, my previous player was a stable plater pioneer707 and my all time favourite sony 50es( built like a tank). My opinion is that the 1002 joke is by far the best player I ever tried in my system in the sence it really makes music sound so effortless and so life like i wouldnt dare to think it could, something like after a long CD audition you put on your turntable and everything is so smooth and relaxed. Compared to the 50es is alot better in all respects except maybe a bit less analytical, compared to the pioneer there is no comparinson in any respect. I really cannot explain or reason why this happens but I take it as it is. I am in the proccess of designing a normal power supply to take the place of the pwm supply of the original and also build a dedicated aluminum box for this. My rest system is a DIY 6sn7 pre a la plack velvet, a push pull 6B4G amp at about 15W designed by me and a pair of Tannoy monitor 15" dual concentrics into a horn loaded cabinet designed by me. I really canot explain :banghead:how this nice "joke" makes good music, maybe its because synergy with the rest of my system.

[pangea]

that sucks. I just bought a PS2 one because thats what they had at the pawnbroker I tried. Don't give up completely yet though, try one of those learning all in one remotes if you have one. Not all of the DVD function buttons on the PS2 control work either. I cant use the the usual play, stop buttons etc. that are present on the PS2 remote, I can only use the controller buttons that are replicated on the remote control at the bottom.

I have started work on mine, will post pics on a web page and let you know.

I took the remote back to the shop, but haven't yet come around to buy the original remote from Sony, but it'll be soon.

I'll be waiting for the pics.

BR
Roland

[pangea]

Just found this interesting thread! I got to say I am now using the 1002 for more than a year, my previous player was a stable plater pioneer707 and my all time favourite sony 50es( built like a tank). My opinion is that the 1002 joke is by far the best player I ever tried in my system in the sence it really makes music sound so effortless and so life like i wouldnt dare to think it could, something like after a long CD audition you put on your turntable and everything is so smooth and relaxed. Compared to the 50es is alot better in all respects except maybe a bit less analytical, compared to the pioneer there is no comparinson in any respect. I really cannot explain or reason why this happens but I take it as it is. I am in the proccess of designing a normal power supply to take the place of the pwm supply of the original and also build a dedicated aluminum box for this. My rest system is a DIY 6sn7 pre a la plack velvet, a push pull 6B4G amp at about 15W designed by me and a pair of Tannoy monitor 15" dual concentrics into a horn loaded cabinet designed by me. I really canot explain :banghead:how this nice "joke" makes good music, maybe its because synergy with the rest of my system.

It certainly is no joke IMO!!!

I always get the same feeling as you, it sounds like vinyl, but without the cracks and pops. Only clean and effortless presentation of the music and that's also good enough for me.:D

It's always the weakest link that determines the sound quality and I would say, you need to buy some really expensive stuff before the PS1 becomes that weak point.

BR
Roland

[rek50]

"but haven't yet come around to buy the original remote from Sony, but it'll be soon." Hey, what's this? Soon after I read about the Sony remote, I grabbed a new one off eBay for cheap. Treat yourself and get one already!! It is nice to sit back and select with the push of a button. I'm still running mine BONE STOCK. When I show off my "New High Dollar" CD player, I keep a cover on it. Then I pull the cover off, and watch the jaws drop. "A lowly, old PS1, GASP, I payed XXXX for mine......" Sooner or later I'll try shielding the power supply, and maybe even adding a blue LED. But I will put it into a "Humble" looking box. :D

[440hz]

I have to agree with the comparison to vinyl sound with the playstation. I clean my records as much as I like but cannot completely get rid of the occasional click and bit of noise you hear in silent passages. Of course I want to improve my set up and maybe that will help. But the PS1 does have a vinyl like sound to my ears.

As far as the PS1 being a 'toy'. Well yeah but a very sophisticated toy, as is high end hi-fi gear. have a look inside, it wasn't designed and built in the factory where they make 'happy meal' novelty toys. :blink:

[pangea]

-rek50

I know, it won't be long now before I have one.

Nice party trick!:applaud:

Recently I had a few of my colleagues over for a few brewsky and I can assure you they all dropped their jaws after I fired up the speakers. They were all VERY impressed with the sound coming from my, mostly DIY gear. There were my hybrid MTM speakers with the surplus JBL drivers, a few DIY Hypex class D amps, a couple of big vintage Yamaha studio amps, two Behringer Ultradrive and one Ultracurve, one vintage Audionics of Oregon BT-2 preamp and of course the PS1.

They simply couldn't believe that the PS1 could be that good and when I told them that some of my JBL drivers are more than 30 years old even, I could see that they almost didn't believe me.

BR
Roland

[pangea]

-440Hz

I agree completely!

When designing the first PS1, the engineers were told to do what ever it takes and use what ever they wanted, to get to the top of the "hill"!

At first they made some technical improvements on the 5002 and 5502, but then they began cutting corners with each new model and sure enough they had managed to destroy the concept on the later models.
BR
Roland

[cruisaire]

Did the 7001 "make the cut"? Mine sounds great, but I haven't been able to check it against an earlier model yet.

[pangea]

Did the 7001 "make the cut"? Mine sounds great, but I haven't been able to check it against an earlier model yet.

Hi cruisaire!

First of all, very welcome to this great forum! I hope you will like it as much as I do.

Well then, I'm sure the 7001 will hold it's ground against many other good CD-players, but the difference between the 7001 and the earlier models, is significant, so if you can find one, I suggest you grab it as fast as you can, because if you like the 7001, you will absolutely love a 5001 or 5501.
Although the 1001 sounds even better, it has a few things that makes it less than ideal. One being drop outs which can be difficult to adjust manually.

BR
Roland

[andywin]

Although the 1001 sounds even better, it has a few things that makes it less than ideal. One being drop outs which can be difficult to adjust manually.

BR
Roland

This link gives tips on bias adjustment for the 1000 series

http://members.fortunecity.com/phreeak69/files/psxfix.htm

[rek50]

Nice link andywin! I have 1001's and can use the info. I stumbled on something today that maybe others know already, or may not. I have the Sony PS2 remote plugged in and working my PS1. I've been doing some crossover work and have a couple of "Test" songs/tracks, that I play, to "Ear-Test" the mods. Usually I would press Start, then R1, to advance to my "Test" track. Today, I inserted the disk, closed the lid, and pressed R1 (FIRST) to the desired track, then pressed Start. WoW man, it started where I wanted, on the selected track instead of the beginning. It was new to me:D ..............

[cruisaire]

Thanks for the welcome! I'll check back once I locate an older model as suggested.

[SSExpo]

Where would you look for the model #? SCPH1001/1002?

Thanks

[Alex Lancaster]

:) Will an SCPH-101 work well?

[pangea]

Where would you look for the model #? SCPH1001/1002?

Thanks

Second hand shops, auctions and private ads.

BR
Roland

[pangea]

:) Will an SCPH-101 work well?

From what I've learned, the 101, is said to be a big no no, by many. Although I've read somewhere that one or two companies in the US is using the 101 as base for some serious tweaking and modification and is then sold for a hefty price. Mind you I have not heard one of those, so I really can't have an oppinion on that.

If you can find one of the older ones as well, I think many of us would appreciate if you could compare them and let us know what you think.

BR
Roland

[440hz]

SSexpo, It sounds like you mean where is the model number located on the machine? Answer is on the bottom.

I just saw a 1002 in a pawnbroker with controller and leads, they wanted $38AUS for it and I passed it up, that how cheap I can be :P

[pangea]

SSexpo, It sounds like you mean where is the model number located on the machine? Answer is on the bottom.

I just saw a 1002 in a pawnbroker with controller and leads, they wanted $38AUS for it and I passed it up, that how cheap I can be :P

I'm not sure how much $38 AUS is exactly, but I don't think I would like to pay more than 20€ either, for one in good condition.

BR
Roland

[Mr. Widget]

When I searched for one it didn't take long to find a local one on eBay for $15. They are practically giving them away on eBay.


Widget

[cruisaire]

Ditto on that auction site, the 5501 I just won there was 13 + shipping with a 60-day guarantee. Don't know how useful that guarantee will be given that these haven't been made for awhile and finding a replacement would be an adventure:D , but it is nice to know the seller is open to working with a buyer. While headed to the Post Office to send payment, found a 7501 at the thrifty:applaud: , near perfect cosmetic and fully functional for 7.50. I'm checking it out at work using a tubed Magnavox power amp, Foreplay II preamp, and Ohm Walsh speaks now. Nice sound overall, coworker says it's a little shy on the highs to him.

[Jakeisuseless]

I don't know about the PSone... but my PS2 running optical into my amp sounds fantastic.

Though, the unltimate CD player to me will always be... the turntable. Compact enough right?

[pangea]

Ditto on that auction site, the 5501 I just won there was 13 + shipping with a 60-day guarantee. Don't know how useful that guarantee will be given that these haven't been made for awhile and finding a replacement would be an adventure:D , but it is nice to know the seller is open to working with a buyer. While headed to the Post Office to send payment, found a 7501 at the thrifty:applaud: , near perfect cosmetic and fully functional for 7.50. I'm checking it out at work using a tubed Magnavox power amp, Foreplay II preamp, and Ohm Walsh speaks now. Nice sound overall, coworker says it's a little shy on the highs to him.

Could it be your coworker just didn't hear any jitter and sharp ssss's?

Congrats on the 7501 BTW, I'd keep it anyway, if nothing else, for spare parts.

BR
Roland

[pangea]

I don't know about the PSone... but my PS2 running optical into my amp sounds fantastic.

Though, the unltimate CD player to me will always be... the turntable. Compact enough right?

I have never heard a PS2 being used as a CD-player, but from what I've read, the early PS1 models are much better and before all, much more vinyl like in their presentation, due to their lack of jitter.

So, if you dig vinyl sound, I think you should try to get an early PS1 for comparison at least and also be amazed.

BR
Roland

[cruisaire]

Perhaps I don't have sufficiently trained ears yet:blink:, I can't hear jitter or sharp ssssss's. Who knows? Since the preamp will take 3 sources simultaneously, I'll soon be able to do a A/B/C comparison of three units (5501, 7001, 7501) at the same time using three copies of the same songs.

[pangea]

Perhaps I don't sufficiently trained ears yet:blink: , I can't hear jitter or sharp ssssss's. Who knows? SInce the preamp will take 3 sources simultaneously, I'll soon be able to do a A/B/C comparison of three units at the same time using three copies of the same songs.

Listen to Diana Krall's voice, she's got a sharp S, which usually reveals a cheap CD-player right away.

The thing about jitter, is that you most likely won't hear it until it's gone, a bit like the fan in a big office building, that you won't notice until it's turned off.

If you have a certain high class record, on both CD and vinyl, you first play a song on the CD-player and then switch over to play the same song on vinyl.
Then you'll know what jitter is.

BR
Roland

[cruisaire]

Cool! I'll check into it further.

[Jakeisuseless]

I have never heard a PS2 being used as a CD-player, but from what I've read, the early PS1 models are much better and before all, much more vinyl like in their presentation, due to their lack of jitter.

So, if you dig vinyl sound, I think you should try to get an early PS1 for comparison at least and also be amazed.

BR
Roland

Well, I suppose $15 or so would be worth it. I'll get back to you.

I really like my PS2 as a CD player. I hate the interface, using a TV and all. The sound though, beats the hell out of my fathers Sony 101 disk changer that he let me borrow for a while.

[Fishstink]

I was skeptical until I found a 10001 and tried it. My friend and I were bowled over by the sonics. The difference is very noticeable. Have not done any mods like, shielding the power supply because I can't understand how this sound could be improved. What would shielding the power supply do to improve the sound? Please describe, thank you.

[pangea]

I was skeptical until I found a 10001 and tried it. My friend and I were bowled over by the sonics. The difference is very noticeable. Have not done any mods like, shielding the power supply because I can't understand how this sound could be improved. What would shielding the power supply do to improve the sound? Please describe, thank you.

Hi and very welcome to this great forum.

Part of the answer you want, can be found earlier in the thread.
I'm also not so sure the difference is that obvious, however the laser unit on the 1001 is located very near the power supply, which might cause some heat problems, as well as create some additional hum and noise, which the shielding will help to reduce.

One thing is for sure tho, it won't make it worse.

A word of caution also. Make sure any shielding doesn't come i contact with the fuse holder!!!

BR
Roland

[iamjack]

Just thought I'd post to people who are hesitant about the interface, Kmart currently has the LCD screen for the original PS1 on clearance for about 13 dollars; so I'd imagine that other retailers are clearing out their products at a similar price point. I imagine that ebay even has something comperable pricewise.

[pangea]

Just thought I'd post to people who are hesitant about the interface, Kmart currently has the LCD screen for the original PS1 on clearance for about 13 dollars; so I'd imagine that other retailers are clearing out their products at a similar price point. I imagine that ebay even has something comperable pricewise.

Hi iamjack!

Very welcome to the forum and many thanks for the info, which I'm sure our US members will appreciate.
It's like you said, a few have been hesitant about the interface, but don't need to be any longer. :applaud:

Hope you'll find the other sections of this forum interesting as well.

BR
Roland