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Mod for Sony SCD-1 or Different Player?

So it's possibly upgrade time and my system is shuffling around. I'm planning on a Pathos Logos or Inpol2 (depending on funds, and how much I like the new Sim i-7 or the BAT VK-300XSE) to mate with my Totem Forests, and at some point want to upgrade my Sony SCD-1. I'm debating over whether to go the mod route, or to get a different player alltogether. I love the sony's build quality, and the SACD is great as it stands, but the redbook playback is a little thin, and the load time is kind of a drag.

I'm probably (re)opening what is a can of worms here, but what do you guys think? I own some SACD titles, but do most of my listening in redbook. I'd like to keep it under a grand for the time being (but would love to hear about more expensive options).

For you SCD-1 loyals, what mods do you recommend (I'm assuming modwright will be in there somewhere) and what can I expect for redbook playback improvement?

Otherwise, if I decide to sell the Sony, what would be a good mate for the above setup (using Analysis plus cables and listening to all types of music) within the 2-3 grand range?

Thanks for your help guys (and gals).
mimberman
tvad
9,467 posts
 
My opinion is that the Sony SCD-1 is a classic piece of audio gear, and from a re-sale point of view you're better off keeping it in it's stock form.

Yes, there were (are) many folks who modified their SCD-1 players, and the results were supposedly really, really good. But, having the advantage now of looking back at the SCD-1's place in audio history, it seems a crime to mess with it.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
To a certain degree, I agree with Tvad. In it's stock form, the SCD-1 is no slouch.

For the same money, I'd first look at possible line conditioners, new ics, new speaker cables, and vibration control for all your equipment and speakers.

Thus you are able to leave your SCD-1 in its stock form (for now) while potentially realizing some excellent sonic gains throughout your system.

-IMO
mimberman OP
299 posts
 
Thanks guys. I agree that from a re-sale point of view an unmodded version will bring more in terms of money spent vs. money made. I'm by no means unhappy with the SCD-1, and there are definite improvements I could make in terms of line conditioners, power cords, ics, speaker cables, and vibration control. Another friend recommended getting an upsampling DAC to improve the redbook, which starts a whole nother search process (although a friend of mine has his sony mated with the tri-vista DAC and it's lovely!). So another question would be, what DAC to mate with the sony for between 1 and 2 grand?
clio09
2,978 posts
 
If you must mod it Tube Research Lab is the place to go. If you like Sony you may want to check out the other Sony CD players they have modded. This way you can keep your existing Sony stock. The TRL Sony 595 has gotten a lot of notice and great reviews. This will set you back about $700 ($150 for the CD and $550 for the mods). By the way, all TRL mod packages are $550 and don't ask me what they do, I don't know and they won't tell, but there are some threads here that discuss TRL so you may want to check them out.

For what it is worth I don't have a TRL Sony, but they modified my Alesis Masterlink 9600 with great results.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I don't have any direct experience with these, but from user comments I've read, and from reviews I've seen, if I were looking for a DAC, I'd investigate the Benchmark DAC-1 ($975 new/$850 used), or a Stello DA-220 . The Stello gets no love from the Audiogon crowd, but take a look at the review...

These are both more cost effective than modifications, IMO, and allow you to maintain the SCD-1 in stock form. Of course, you won't be hearing the benefits of what mods could do to the SCD-1 transport, but the DAC is a good place to start, and you can probably experiment without taking a big hit upon re-sale.
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