Anyone tried the original Playstation 1 for CD?

Bob:

I would hold off on pursuing modifications to the PS1 for now. Checking some of the threads on http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31123&highlight=, there is no one standard power supply design that works flawlessly. Additionally, there seems to be no consensus on which output modification works best. The most important issue with modifiying the Playstation 1 is: how much do you want to invest in modifying a CD player with a laser system that is not bullet-proof? I think the Playstation 1 Model SCPH-1001 is a wonderful sounding CD player, especially for the money, but the laser assembly isn't the most robust. That's why I have a couple spare units. If you don't mind replacing the laser system once it goes out, then go for the mods. To me, the best thing one can do to extract the most from a Playstation 1 is to buy a good, shielded power cord with an IEC C7 connector (e.g., PS Audio Power Punch C7, Cardas TwinLink C7, etc.), use some good isolation/vibration tweaks, and use high quality interconnect cables.

Rich

Rich,
Thanks for your comments. I have been listening to the Playstation quite a bit and have been enjoying it very much. At your suggestion, I purchased the PS audio power cord and it made a nice improvement. I also used Stealth Indras between the Playstation and my Supratek Chenin.
The Playstation is very resolving and I love how much information that I hear. The one item that I hope to improve upon is that the Playstation still sounds somewhat restricted from a musical color standpoint. I have another budget player (Toshiba 3990) which illustrates this point well. The Toshiba sounds more transparent but it does not have nearly the resolving abilities of the Playstation. The Toshiba also has much more vibrant tonal color with the music. If I could somehow marry the virtues of both players it would be amazing. This is why I would like to pursue someone to do mods on these players. Obviously, there wouldn't be 65 pages of posts in DIY audio if other didn't feel the same as me. Bob

I just installed an Isoclean 5mm x 20mm 2A fuse in my Playstation and it actually enhanced the PS1's performance. The best way I can describe it is that it just built upon the same improvements that the PS Audio power cord made. For $30 this was a great tweak.

thanks for the fuse info. I stumbled on fuse upgrades looking for a better
polarized cord or adapter but may not have investigated further without your comments. I've had my playstation for just over a week and it is easily the best digital source I've used. My girlfriend thinks I'm kind of crazy but also thinks it sounds pretty amazing. Not bad for twenty bucks.

The Playstation 1's SMPS is actually good with the upgraded power cord and fuse. I chose an Isoclean fuse over the HiFi Tuning fuse since it is UL-approved. The dynamic range is noticeably better with the Isoclean fuse. A friend of mine who also uses a Playstation 1 for his digital source also installed an Isoclean fuse in his unit, and he started hearing more into the music. The Playstation does a great job at resolving subtle details. With the fuse upgrade on top of the power cord upgrade, I can hear a lot more of the interplay between musicians, especially where bells, triangles and other percussion instruments are used. Some background vocals are better conveyed as well.