Any experience with modded CDP?

[polkatese]

Guys,
My Philips SACD-1000 player is start to acting up, which is not unexpected, based on what everybody else's experience. So, I am thinking of having it mod, while it gets the fix. I am curious if anybody else have their players modded? thanks...

[pjdami]

Polkatese,

You may find this site an interesting read:

http://www.underwoodhifi.com/mods.html

BTW, no mods for me yet. I have found differences in cd players to be kind of subtle. If I have time tomorrow I will do the Rotel vs. Myryad vs. Denon (eight years old) CDP showdown.

Paul

[polkatese]

Paul,
thanks for the link! sorry, I've been slacking off reading the threads and missed your reply.

I took the plunge with an outfit in SF, the owner seem to be credible in actually finding the solution to the problem of this unit. He genuinely find the culprit and the solution, even talk to Philips on the fix. So, I sent my machine for the fix and the mod. I can't wait to hear the *improvement*.

The other outfit that I think also very credible is modwright. Based on what I read, it seems that the changes are pretty dramatic (compared to the stock unit), so, we'll see.

One think that I learned, since my Philips is in the shop, I've been listening redbook on my Denon-3800. I have to say, the AL24 Processing plus feature on it is not gimmicky! Shame on me, to actually just found an appreciation of this unit redbook ability. I know PQ is where it shines, turn out AQ is not bad at all!

so, how's the showdown?

[HBombToo]

I am a firm believer in modifations. I have a few ideas regrding an old fischer changer and player. I have even researched my audio research dac5 and have the chip set available for a swap.

Audio Research provided the schematic so there is no doubt in my decision to replace the CS8412 for the 14.

type to ya ya later, the race is ON!

Twin

[polkatese]

Henry,
glad to hear that, I am embarking onto a new audio quadrant. Trying to stay away from boobie trap and land mines of mod bliss :)

[polkatese]

My Philips is coming home tomorrow, after two months journey to mod bliss...it gain 13 lbs in electronics. This coming weekend would be a fun ride! To whom who might be interested, I'll do the shoot out between this, Sony XA3ES, and Denon 3800...

ps: tube stage for the output, should be interesting...

[dorokusai]

I am very interested. I am happy that your baby is coming home. :)

[F1nut]

Polkatese,

I'm with Doro, can't wait to read your review.

[polkatese]

alrighty, I will report back once completed...thanks

[polkatese]

good news, bad news:

Quick impressions: soundstage expands considerably, channel separation becomes very profound, details of instruments are so clear. I tested out using Night Sessions, Chris Botti. Simply amazing!

Bad news: one of the chip (that is a known to cause problem in 1 out of 5 machines out there) failed, corrupting the output stage. It plays for about 3 songs every time, and then it will stop outputing sound. So, it went back to the modder for replacement. oh well, at least it failed while it still under warranty.

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by polkatese
oh well, at least it failed while it still under warranty.

YUP! im all about that.
gives them much more credibility as a vendor. take another listen and don't forget we want opinions when its returned.


I have a blueprint for my own mod plus I'm starting with an Audio Research product so this will be FUN!... toooo, say the least;)



Twin

[polkatese]

sounds like a fun project, Henry!

ok, this is what bugs me ever since I tried the machine last night: if a *modder* can make the player sounds so much better (no subtle improvement here, folks) then how come the manufacturers don't think of them?

Let's take SACD-1000 and Sony XA777ES as examples, these are two units out there (amongst many) that are considered stock stereophile grade for mods. I am sure both Philips and Sony can invest a little bit more R&D to *tweak* this unit and get a better caliber unit and sound, which translate to more recognition and sales. Granted, perhaps the target market is small in comparison to the rest of the audio crowd, but still it would be a worthy investment *I think* With their clouds and volume buying, wouldn't it make sense?

A simple example: A stock XA777ES costs $1900 (street price), modwright absolute truth mods will add about another $1800. So, we have a $3700 that if Sony had done it in house, would translate to *perhaps* a $3000 machine (street). Don't you think then everybodys win? did I miss anything? :)

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by polkatese


A simple example: A stock XA777ES costs $1900 (street price), modwright absolute truth mods will add about another $1800. So, we have a $3700 that if Sony had done it in house, would translate to *perhaps* a $3000 machine (street). Don't you think then everybodys win? did I miss anything? :)

OH SIT word problems on POLK!!!!! next step is algebra folks

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Twiiiiiiiinnnnn; however, you are correct sir

[polkatese]

All,

I have my Philips back for a week now, had a total of about 30 hours play since then. It is actually surpass my expectations, in terms of its improvements.

To start with, Redbook playback is simply outstanding. Resolutions, channel separation, details, vast soundstage - breathtakingly open, wide and deep. The way I would characterize the new found details, is indeed the journey to the next layer. I am convinced that each level of improvements in CDP is really an exercise in retrieving, enhancing, and presenting details (i.e. instrumentation and vocals, imaging, and ambiance) in which the resolution and details are readily available on the album, to begin with.

SACD playback is a tad better, but doesn't have the same wow effects as redbook's improvements. What it does, is closing the gap between redbook and SACD single layer. On SACD Multichannels, channel separations, that enhance MC presentation and effect is the main difference, compared to the stock Philips (as I remembered it).

To say that I am impressed with the mods, and tube output stage improvement is an understatement. In comparison, there are great sounding tube CDP out there, Ah Tjoeb! Consonance, Shanling T200, etc. but most of them do not have SACD Multichannels enabled (which is a must have on my first one.) What's interesting is the fact that all of these units (in stock as is) are competing with themselves in their modded versions. Go figure, after spending upward of $2000, most will spend another $1000 to squeeze out more improvements, it's kinda ironic, isn't it?

There are a couple players in the market today, that supposedly very economical machines for the mods: Philips 963SA, and Pioneer 563.

Edit: One more thing, I would also credit LSis for reproducing very neutral, as is, and honest representation of sounds, for which it would be impossible to evaluate otherwise. For the money, I doubt it has true competition (bold statement, but I am sticking to it....)

ON to the next hunt.....

[F1nut]

I glad that you are enjoying the modded unit. It is amazing what a good source can do for your ears.

[rickfaldo]

Polkatese: Nice review, sounds like(excuse the pun) you are happy with your "new" player. Thanks for sharing your experience with all us out here in cyperland. Looks like I may have found just one more place to spend way too much money.....
Rick

[Loud & Clear]

Redbooks can be very satisfying when played by a good source. Congrats on the mods.

[polkatese]

Jesse,
that is the key, good source....btw, how is the tri-vista coming along? can't wait to hear your review.....one hell of a player, I might add..

Rick,
thanks, Christmas comes early for me indeed! Haven't heard from you for awhile. Didn't you purchase an all Lsis with Rotel setup a few months ago? How things? Here is the information of the modder, along with what has been replaced on my Philips, in case you want to know: www.aplhifi.com

L&C,
thanks, have you checked Underwoodhifi.com? they specialised in modding Jolida...;)

[Loud & Clear]

Seen the mods at various sites, but I'm really happy with the unit in it's stock condition (well, I did replace the stock Chinese tubes). At this point the only thing I'd be interested in is, if I could somehow get an SACD decoder on the player. THAT would be worth it to me.

[rickfaldo]

Polkatese: You have a really good memory! Wish I had the same recall. Yes, I did install all LSi's, Rotel RSP 1066 and RMB 1075 this year along with a Pioneer 563 which by the way is pretty darn good value I'd say....will get me through the next little while until I progress onto the next frontier. Also just purchased a Toshiba 57HX93 RPTV which I had calibrated by MichaelLTV...wow! I thought the set was good until Michael finished with it, truly amazing the difference. Calibration should be mandatory! My feeble attempt using S & V was a joke compared to the final product. Thanks for all your input over the years, it really helps to get opinions of real people without hidden agendas.
Rick

[polkatese]

Rick,
that is one of the outstanding item (calibration of my HDTV) by an ISF certified. One of these days...I am glad that you're enjoying your Rotel/LSi setup.

[dorokusai]

Polkatese - Very nice read, glad to hear you are happy again. I have been reading an some material on SACD/DVD-A dislikes, and Redbook praise....its interesting. I have heard some great Redbook's in my CDP also, and mine is just normal.

[polkatese]

Doro, thanks! yes, I am glad I've got the player back in action. As far as the player, its presentation enhance the sense of space around instruments and vocals, and makes them very distinct (airy). Now I know what is the fuss about tubes' sonic signature and presentation.

[organ]

Great review, polkatese! Glad to hear you're enjoying the mod. So what's next on the list?

Maurice

[pjdami]

I tested out using Night Sessions, Chris Botti. Simply amazing!

Polkatese,

Thanks for the tip. I picked up this cd last weekend and enjoy it very much. Highly recommended. His latest album is awesome too.

I took the plunge and ordered the modified Jolida cdp for the two channel rig. After I recuperate from all of these upgrades I have been making I think I will try out the modified Philips upgrade that you did for the living room rig. This will have to wait until some time next year though. Thanks for the emails and the links as well.

Always a pleasure bud.
Paul

[polkatese]

Originally posted by organ
Great review, polkatese! Glad to hear you're enjoying the mod. So what's next on the list?

Maurice

Maurice, thanks....on the list: another tube-modded CDP next year...! Gotta start collecting Mullards, eh? :)

[polkatese]

Paul:

Thanks for the tip. I picked up this cd last weekend and enjoy it very much. Highly recommended. His latest album is awesome too.

the credit goes to Frank Z, who introduced Botti to me, and 4 of his albums later, Botti is definitely on my radar, along with Rick Braun.

Congrats on your latest Jolida, I am definitely interested of reading your review/comments. Which one did you get?

[organ]

Oh yeah:) Better get those Mullards before they're gone forever lol. Seriously though, Mullards are amazing. I have a pair of 12AU7 in my pre amp and they make vocals sound so real.

You're getting another CDP before a tube pre amp? A tube pre should be cheaper and provide more tube magic than another CDP. But it's your call. btw, what tubes are you using in that CDP?

Maurice

[polkatese]

Maurice,
It's Sovtek 6H30pi Dual Triode. I am looking forward to "swap around" the tube.

I hear you about the tube preamp, but on my two channels system, I am more in need of an updated CDP than pro/power. It will be the preamp, after that.

[polkatese]

6H30pi Dual Triode


Lots of reading ahead for me....