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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
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.
slowhand
605 posts
 
I have the Vacuum State mod on my SCD-1 which is an Allan Wright mod. This mod is different than most in that it has a it's own connections for the mod. You can either run the stock connections for the stock sound or the mod connections for the modded sound. In this way I can hear the differences by A B comparison.

There really is no comparison. The VSEI mod just kills the stock sound. I do most of my listening to redbook also. The sound is much more extended top to bottom. The top end of the stock player is somewhat harsh sounding once you have heard the VSEI mod. This mod is very well regarded on Audio Asylum, as you can check for yourself. You can contact me if you want the names of the people that Allan Wright has to do the mods in the states.
mimberman OP
299 posts
 
Anyone else heard the Stello DA-220 with the SCD-1?
gmorris
351 posts
 
I just completed a modification of my SCD-1 with the Audiocom Superclock3/PSU3 upgrade by Reference Audio Mods.
The sonic improvements are superlative. the sound is much more analog-like (smoother more relaxed) with great retreival of detail, especially spatial cues and better definition across the audio spectrum. The upgraded SCD-1 closes the gap with my Oracle Delphi MKV SE, Graham Phantom tonearm and Helikon cartridge. The upgrade is a no-brainer. The only issue is the long term reliabilty of the clock.
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