Anyone tried the original Playstation 1 for CD?

It takes having the Playstation 1 to be turned on for about two days. You don't necessarily have to play CDs. The sound just seems to open up after a full day on.

Some friends found out I was interested in trying a Playstation 1 as a CD player, and bought a used SCPH-9001 for me. Apparently, they didn't know that the preferred model is SCPH-1001. Anyway, I hooked it up to my system and let it "warm up." Now on its third day, I can say that this model is pretty good. I have an Onix XCD-88 CD player which is an equivalent to the Music Hall CD-25 (version 1) for comparison. The tonal balance with the PS1 is different in that the bass is a bit more emphasized compared with the Onix player; however, the highs are a bit rolled off with the PS1. It's not so obvious that you don't hear cymbals, triangles and strings that well, there's just an ever slight roll off. I am using the stock A/V cable and IEC 320 C7 power cord. Since this particular model doesn't have RCA audio out jacks, I will have to make my own DIY breakout cable using the A/V multiport connector to improve the connection to my amplifier. For the power cord, I can either get a PS Audio Power Punch C7 power cable, Cardas TwinLink C7 power cable or a cryo-treated C7 to IEC adapter from VH Audio. I believe the cables will further improve the sound. I will also need to look into vibration/isolation tweaks. For the $20 or so spent on this PS1, it offers great sound. Would I sell off my Onix. No way, but I'll keep the PS1 for audiophile gatherings since I also got a really nice Playstation carrying bag with the unit.

I have since acquired a Playstation 1 Model SCPH-1001 (the "original" grey box PS1), and I am using it with my recently serviced Naim Nait 1 integrated amplifier. I purchased a PS Audio xStream Power Punch C7 power cord from AVOnline and connected the CD player to my Nait using a Chord Company Chrysalis RCA-DIN interconnect cable. I can say that I am no longer using my Onix XCD-88 CD player. The Playstation 1 just sounds so much better with excellent frequency extension (i.e., no rolled off frequency extremes), transparency, soundstaging, detail, and yes, PRaT. I concur with Jeff Day of Six Moons in his assessment of the Playstation 1's capabilities as a Redbook CD player. For $25, PS1 Model SCPH-1001 is a phenomenal CD player. For a few hundred dollars, this would still be a great player. I am not sure if it's a $6,000 player as I have never had one in my system.

As for Model SCPH-9001 that I previously referenced, I have given that to my five year old to play kiddie video games. I have purchased a couple more units for spare parts. I have to admit that the PS1 does look a bit strange with a substantial power cable connected to its power inlet. Now that I have the model with RCA audio jacks, I no longer need to roll my own breakout cable.

I was skeptical about the Playstation ravings, but my ears are confirming why people have taken to this little CD player bargain.

Jonathan1257

Which specific Playstation model did you purchase?

Spareribs

I have never heard a Denon 3910, but a friend of mine who had the Electrocompaniet CD player (retails for about $5700) with the acclaimed Anagram DAC, likes his Playstation 1 Model SCPH-1001 more in terms of overall musicity. The Electrocompaniet has the detail, transparency and frequency extension of a high end CD player, but he says the Playstation conveys the emotion of the music better. He paid $10 for his PS1 at a Game Stop game store. For the little one has to shell out for this, it's worth a try.

Baranyi:

You owe your daughter a Playstation! That's wonderful that you discovered how good this little game console can be for CD playback. For improved sound, try a good shielded power cord with an IEC C7 female connector on the component end like the PS Audio XStream Power Punch cable, the Cardas Twinlink or the Furutech G-320Ag-18F8 C7 cable. The Furutech cable will need to be tested and marked for polarity. Jeff Day of Six Moons uses the Furutech power cable. We both agree that a good shielded power cable can have a tremendous positive effect on sound quality with the Playstation (improved dynamic range, better PRaT, more detail). I have had great success with the PS Audio cable, and I am sure that the Cardas cable is very good too.

I would also suggest using vibration isolation or resonance control feet like Isonodes or cones/spikes. I actually use three low cost 3M Bumpon hemispherical polyurethane feet, and the botton end became punchier and much better defined. These are similar to Isonodes with very good dampening properties. Many guys like to recase their Playstations, but the stock ABS plastic case with steel subchassis is extremely rigid. The feet will elevate the chassis more to allow for better cooling of the power supply area. Please share your audition notes as your Playstation is allowed to stay powered on continuously a few more days.

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

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.

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.