This topic has been addressed before, but I have some questions that are as yet unanswered. Most of you are probably aware that the PlayStation model SCPH-1001 has a reputation for being a superb CD player. My question is this (addressed to audiophiles or anyone who knows much about the SCPH-1001): would one need an extremely expensive amplifier to reap the benefits of the SCPH-1001? For example, I have a Pioneer VSX-D810S, an older, lower tier amplifier. Would I experience any better audio quality coming from a SCPH-1001 or would I be better off using a DVD player with an optical output? I figure that the audio has to undergo a Digital to Analog conversion at some point - is it better for the receiver to do this, or would a SCPH-1001 sound better since it has a better DAC? I'm confused.
The best possible connection in between 2 componets is optical. As its light you cant get any interference from outside.
http://dogbreath.de/PS1/index.html Contains the information needed to get the best audio out of the PSX. The key to it [it would appear] is keeping the audio signal path as clean as possible. This guy seems to know his stuff. I have seen other 'mods' which put push button audio controls on the case etc but these often require the addition of circuitry in the case and in some cases the removal of RF shielding [an audiophiles nightmare]. I can see how in some cases the earlier PSX models will out perform high end CD players but sadly I fear most PSX owners will not be able to afford the requisite amplifier to make the most of the Gucci signal being output. I'm very tempted to locate one of my own.
Not true, of the digital audio connections optical suffers the most from jitter. Balanced XLR connections are the best, though rare in commercial hifi components. If you are after a decent sperate DAC, the Cambridge Audio Dacmagic range are quality (though I've not heard the new edition).
Of course, the clock skew of a crystal oscillator absolutely RUINS 44 kHz audio. In order to minimize the effect, I urge you to connect your components using snake oil transducers.
Amazing post!! I was wondering what the fuck you were talking about until you got to the snake oil bit and then I seriously laughed out loud... I needed that!
Back to what I was saying before, optical may be a better connection to use but... Does anyone have a real answer to this?
Yes they do, but it's usually very subtle. As I said earlier to notice a difference you will probably need a fairly high end amplifier and similarly expensive set of speakers. I have located an SCPH-1002 and upon my return to Blighty in a month I will have a play (allthough I doubt my present AV amp will be up to the task). I'll report back with my findings... ps. S/PDIF (optical) is not technically an audio interconnect, it is a Data Link Layer Protocol for connecting digital audio equipment. So... Whereas in the case of the SCPH-100x the DAC is located in the CD player in a S/PDIF setup it is located in the amplifier. So if you were to attempt to connect your SCPH1001 through optical connectors (by way of an RCA to S/PDIF device) you would in theory be converting Digital to Analogue and back to Digital again. Then stuffing it down a fibre to your amp where it gets converted back into Analogue! This may well sound good (maybe very good) but it will not be as close to the original recording as if you had used high quality RCA cables or a custom made cable from the AV/Multi Out. The whole point of HiFi is to get as close to the original recording as possible right? /audio geek
