Sony Playstation 1 for a CD player ???

I have been watching this thread, and thought I would chime in with my experience with the PS1. I was looking for a CD player to use with my solid state HT system in my basement. I have tube gear in my 2 channel rig upstairs, and ever since I got that, using my DVD player for 2 CH music downstairs just didn't cut it for me. But, I didn't want to spend alot of money. I bought a PS 1 about three weeks ago (model SCPH-1001).I was skeptical like most probably are, but for $25.00 on Ebay, why not? My experience was pretty jaw dropping like some others have stated. The detail in this player to me is really quite remarkable. Very clean and clear sounding. MUCH better than the analog outs of my Denon 2910 universal player. I have found the bass on the PS1 to be a bit of a weakness as others have found, but that's not to say it is bad. Certainly something I can live with, and not a deal breaker. I do think it needs to warm up for an hour or so, but not for three days as some others claim. I have been using some DIY interconnects made from Wal Mart patio extension cord and Radio Shack RCA ends, and it sounds REALLY good. Don't feel the need to go out and buy expensive interconnect for it right away- take baby steps with this, because you may not feel the need for them. I did try a Hi-fi tuning fuse, and it did make a difference, but for me was not as big of a difference as some others have stated. I got a C7 to IEC adapter, and am using a Tube Audio Design "Iron Lung" Jellyfish power cord with good results. I may try the PS Audio C7 Power Punch at some point.

Now, what I really like is running it through my Musical Fidelity X10v3 Tube Buffer. To me it gives it a little bit of tube flavor and warmth, and strengthens the bass a bit. It was when I did this that I said WOW, I think I have found what I was looking for, without having to spend alot of money. I have now bought a second PS 1 off of Ebay for experimental purposes, and will be trying some mods that are talked about in the forums.

I whole heartedly recommend you to try a PS1. Even without running it through a tube buffer, it really did drop my jaw. Is it as good as $6K player as the article in 6Moons states? Probably not, but then again I am not qualified to say if it is or not. But, it may convince you to sell what you have now and pocket the extra cash. I am actaully quite afraid to compare it to my Cambridge 840C player in my 2 channel rig, in fear that I just might prefer the PS1. It is finding things like this for so little money that sometimes remind me why this hobby is so much fun.

This morning, I decided to cut my Monster Cable Gamelink 300 AV cable down to 1m and solder on some Neutrik gold pin RCA connectors. I used the Cardas quad eutectic Silver solder compound. Using the AV Multi Out port bypasses the op amp buffered output on the RCA audio output jacks. I can't really hear any significant differences between using my Onix Blue interconnect cables through the RCA's and using the Monster Cable GameLink 300 cable through the AV Multi Out port. One thing is for sure, it still sounds good, and I was really enjoying my Jacintha and Bill Evans CD's. Perhaps the PS1 isn't the ultimate CD player, but it let's me enjoy my CD's and hear the interplay between musicians and the emotion of a perforance.

I agree Playstations as Red Book CD players may not be for everyone. The Playstation doesn't sound good if the laser intensity level isn't properly set, or if the signal and power connectors have heavy oxide buildup on them. I can't emphasize maintenance enough with these units. Most used units have been abused, or at least, not very well maintained. When I bought mine, I cleaned the laser lens, all connector contacts and adjusted the laser intensity level as described in Mick Feuerbacher's Web site.

glad this forum is getting some action. my ps power puch arrived but still waiting on my ebay replacements after my ps 1 died upon a week after it arrived. Ill report on the ps audio cord in a week or two

darn cant align a laser, as per above i cant even pop out a fuse....lol

this morning i cleaned the laser and took it out and put it back in to no avail. finally i slammed it against the wall a few times for fun. Viola it now works...

Re preliminary report on the power punch. Definate change in sound, lower bass, more clarity. A bit too much emphasis on the high hats. Overall, has toned down the midrange on this player. This is a preference but thats not what i was looking for. Note this a very prelimnary evaluation....ill update in a few or so....

on the bright sound...players are much more in the room and posses a bit more three d quality....

Update on the modified Monster Cable GameLink 300... After extensive listening and comparing it to my Onix Blue interconnects, I still prefer the Onix interconnects connected to the RCA outs. There's just more transparancy, more detail coming through like sustained piano notes and a much larger and better defined soundstage. In looking at the Monster GameLink cable, 3/4 of the cross-section is cheap mineral-filled PVC plastic. The conductors going to the RCA connects might be AWG 26 or 27 at best (lower gauge = larger diameter). The shielding is a thin foil wrap around each conductor. Compared to high end audio interconnects, these wires are very small. Overall, the sound is good, but I have heard better and I guess that's why we audiophiles pay more for interconnect cables.