Bargain Priced SACD Giant Killer?

Clio09:

I've had the TRL/Sony DVP-NS900V for over a month now and concur that it is incredibly musical, dynamic and natural ... in a very analog sense.

I spoke with Brian at TRL today and he said they recieved 9 Sony 900's in the past 2 days and were expecting another 3 by the end of the day. (one each belonging to all 3 exhibitors in the VMPS/Bruce Moore/Xtreme Cable room and one un-named reviewer).

Best wishes,

Jack

Clio09: There has only been one person making said claim and his motive is transparent.

And I whole heartedly agree that digital audio playback is one arena which teaches you that price does not always equate to better performance.

It's sad that the various major CD and SACD player manufacturers use additional circuits and filtering, ("Bells and whistles" which can degrade the sound) as a marketing tool to ask more money for a player, rather than just put the additional money into making it sound better. I suppose that isn't the way it works, though. A corporate engineer has to design an elaborate circuit in order to keep his job. His boss probably doesn't listen to the player anyway ...

That's why it is my firm opinion that we as audiophiles can do better with their lower level players with their simple circuits and have them modified to achieve a higher level of performance.

So, to keep this aimed at the original poster, I would recommend a modification of a lower level player with fewer "bells and whistles".

Jack

DTM: Yes my motive is transparent. It is to defend the good name of the manufacturer/mod shop whose amplifiers/pre-amplifiers/digital mods/cables/SACD's and CD's etc. that I've had the pleasure to own since the early 1990's.

And I stand by my statements above that additional circuits can harm the audio signal. Less is more, wouldn't you agree?

Best,

Jack

DTM: That's an unfortunate risk I take standing by those who I admire and respect. I found out in the schoolyard that if you are outspoken, not everyone is going to like you ... I can live with that.

I base my statements on first hand experience, which, of course is the only method to know for sure whether or not a particular piece of gear integrates well into your system and suits your needs. Making comments or assumptions without discloses that person a fool.

Certainly, with the comments of others above, you can see that it isn't just me that has found TRL's Sony 900 mod outstanding. In fact, most guys are trying to keep it quiet until they sell off their more expensive players ... although the buzz since THE Show has been hard to stiffle.

"I've got excellent reproduction with what I've got, and I'm very happy (for now!). :)"

That's all any of us are after. I only pray that your journey brings you as much pleasure as mine has I.

Best wishes,

Jack Seaton

Welcome aboard, Proken, with your first Audiogon post.

Greetings!

Jack

Bob: The battery power really does take the player to another level. :) (first hand experience)

Jack

I think that Mike Singer mistook Bon Aranyi's excitement and happiness of his treatment as a promotion post, which seems a little strange.

There are many choices ... thank God there are. One house sound will not please everyone, as evidenced at various "shootouts" in the past. 2003 VSAC is/was a good example.

Thankfully, we have choices and live in a free society, where folks are welcomed to share their opinions, openly, in a free, (yet moderated) forum.

Best,

Jack