2. digital
  3. 1084403350

Philips 963SA normal characteristics?

I just got a Philips 963SA. stock player

1. I think it sounds rather flat, like most Japanese equipments (think Philips is Japanese?). Even with the 192K upsampling it's flat, uninvolving, and not that much better than without upsampling. I'm a bit disappointed, especially with all the praises I've heard for this thing and the SACD 1000. Does this sound about right to others, comments, opinions please.

2. Is it normal for the disc loading to be so noisy. It makes some weird robotic cartoon-like noises be4 opening up and while loading
fireflydl

Showing 2 responses by gregm

gregm
3,411 posts
 
Philips is Dutch, the 963 I have is made in Hungary. The sound is generally as you describe -- it gets better with time, as all others have noted.
OTOH, this player has a good DVD image and some very good components inside. It's a prime candidate for a good mod to the dac & the PS. Overall, for $~500-600 mod + ~400 for purchase, it's a very good deal.
gregm
3,411 posts
 
The mod's about replacing the PS caps with blackgates. IMO, before you do anything, check out diyaudio.com on the 963 and/or contact Guido Tent -- an engineer who works for Philips & also devises mods (site). Cheers
More to discover