Playstation 1 as CD player

[wishihadtubes]

After reading on Stereophile and sixmoons about people using the original version of the Playstation 1 as a CD player, I looked around and laid my hands on two of the players (one that needed minor repairs to the lid) and another in very good condition. The fact that they cost Rs 250 and Rs 450 helped.
Cleaned them up and connected to my Denon AVR 1909 for two-channel playback. Like I said in my introduction, I'm no audiophile but I like the sound of the Playstation 1 as a CD player - very smooth midrange, good but not overwhelming bass and a very non-fatiguing sound even though I can only use the Playstation 1's analog output. Anyway, the CD playback sounds better than that of the PS3 Slim (which isn't saying much anyways).
Anyways, one Playstation 1 is part of my home theatre set-up after getting a new paint job to hide that horrible gray plastic body. (Pix to follow.) The second player is opened up for cleaning and a paint job.
Would love to hear from anyone else using the Playstation 1 as a CD player.
Some interesting links:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/leben2/system.html
http://www.stereophile.com/cdplayers/708play/
http://www.justblair.co.uk/ps1-as-cd-player.html
http://dogbreath.de/PS1/index.html

 

[kaushik]

Added spicy pic here ...i would love to beat cdp .If you can 1)do , a mini regulator power supply mod for the digital sections 2) kwack clock mod for clock

more info here :Jimmys Junkyard

 

[kendun]

Would love to hear from anyone else using the Playstation 1 as a CD player.
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Hi dude,

I have started to use a PS1 as an interim player since my previous CD player seems to have failed(it's a sony CD player). My initial impressions are that it sounds better than the previous dedicated CD player - I havent done any mods on it.

I am using the analogue outs into a budget entry level amp (Cambridge Audio 340A )+ Audio Nirvana 12" & 8" speakers. I have been impressed by this combination in terms of value for money and will probably just leave this setup as it is for the near future. I havent done any major critical listening yet but it does seem good. I guess if you are a bit tight on your budget there's no harm in trying this as a CD player and if it doesnt suit you ,you wont be losing a lot ofmoney as PS1s are relatively cheap.

Enjoy the music folks.

 

[strategy]

Only the 100x Playstation 1 are good. i dont think we can find the 1001 PS1s here .( ebay is the only choice )

I checked a big plastation 1 an year back it was not the one mentioned in the articles.

 

[kendun]

I dont know what this model/version of Playstation is as it was given to me by a hifi friend. It sounds good enough for me that I have put back plans of getting a dedicated CD player for the moment - will consider one if this player fails.

 

[wishihadtubes]

Am currently using 2 Playstation 1s for CD playback in two different set-ups. Havent done any mods as described on various websites and forums as i am still not confident about my soldering capabilities. However, I have given my Playstations new paint jobs to get rid of that drab gray colour (pix to follow) and I'm using them with a Playstation 2 remote (gives you basic controls).
Also have on hand a third Playstation 1 that I plan to put into a new case so that i can separate the power supply from the playback components.
Easy to identify the best Playstation 1s for CD playback: they should have the model no 1001 or 1002 on the sticker fixed to the bottom.

 

[strategy]

thats whai i am saying that models did not come to india, those are the very early models.

 

[kendun]

thats whai i am saying that models did not come to india, those are the very early models.

Cool,will have a look later to see what the model is.

 

[kendun]

Hi,
Tell me about to a best CD player.

Sorry Jitendra,I don't get you...

 

[soulforged]

Reviving an old thread...

I just landed with a PS1...SCPH1000. Not yet in my hands though but I hope to get it in the next week or so...

While SCPH1001 & 1002 are universally regarded as having really good SQ...I haven't been able to find much on 1000. A few do place it in the same league, in fact one well regarded PS1 modder goes to the extent of saying 1000 sounds the best but has other reliability issues. This one is supposed to have AKM4310 DAC as opposed to AKM4309 in 1001 & 1002...let's see how this one sounds...

Will post my experience once it reaches me. Don't plan to a lot of mods as of now...(not that I could if I wanted to)...if it feels worth it, might try...

 

[soulforged]

Bitter disappointment...

So my brother finally sent across the playstation to me...but alas! it is not an SCPH-1000 as I thought earlier :sad::annoyed:

It's an SCPH-5552. Apparently this also has the same AKM DAC but no built in RCA outs. Read somewhere that if modified properly, this might be a better model as it has better laser guidance and power supply...but I really dunno...

Will dissect it tonight and report...

sigh...

 

[spirovious]

Will post my experience once it reaches me. Don't plan to a lot of mods as of now...(not that I could if I wanted to)...if it feels worth it, might try...

Waiting for your review,did you compare it with another CDp?

 

[soulforged]

Waiting for your review,did you compare it with another CDp?

Sorry bro...just sat on the project...I was quite disappointed at landing with a 5502...didn't bother opening it up. Will do it (someday ) and report back...