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How good is the Philips 963SA as CD transport?

I hear this unit has a dual laser pickup unlike most other multiformat players, but I'm not sure if the bits that come out of the digital out is good as the high end Sony player/transports. Anybody ever compare it to other higher quality transports out there?
dracule1

Showing 2 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Sean - you were right. After doing a lot of power and digital mods I installed a Jensen cap and ran it for 2 days solid. The 963 really opened-up. Great as a transport now. Not compressed at all. To get that last bit of focus, it needs a more stable clock though. Trying that tomorrow.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
They are not very reliable for sure. With digital and power mods however, the output is virtually jitter-free. I've seen it on a scope. However, the DVD laser makes the thing sound a bit clinical compared to a Sony or a Pioneer, even though they have more jitter.
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