When is digital going to get the soul of music?

I hear you, Tvad, mine has made a drastic sway towards a more musical presentation with the addition of the TRL/Sony DVP-NS900V. I still have the TRL/SA-14, but find that it is accurate, but not as anywhere near musical as the Sony 900.

I've had the SA-14 described as being more like a vdH Grasshopper, quick and accurate but not as musical as a Koetsu Rosewood Sig. Platinum.

It's funny how our journey changes in this hobby. Of course it's not as if I have no complaints about accuracy now.

Best,

Jack

Boa2: Subtlety wasn't the issue ... showing that we are all different with different tastes was.

Perhaps you missed this paragraph:

"There are, however, apparent differences in how and what we hear ... which is cool, we don't all like/prefer the same sound. There are folks that prefer SET tubes and horns over solid state or Push-pull tubes and cones or 'stats. and I'm sure that certain players integrate better into some systems than others."

I'm certain that your Wife hears differently than you do, too.

Best wishes,

Jack :)

Tvad:

Stock, the SA-14 is thin and hard sounding, with a sucked out mid-range and without much frequency extension in the bottom end. (To my ears, in my system) Not overly dynamic, either.

After the mod, that ALL changes dramatically, however it still sounds a little mechanical to some degree, especially when compared to a player that is both accurate and incredibly musical.

I could still live with the SA-14 (I don't plan on selling mine), but find myself desiring the musicality that I now enjoy. (And it is more accurate to boot).

"No TRL dig intended."

Thank you. It's pleasant when we can share our opinions, even though we may walk different paths. Don't you agree?

Best,

Jack

Tvad said, "I wonder if musicality blended with accuracy is a trademark of Sony DVD players in general, since I have noticed the same qualities in Modwright Sony 999ES and Sony 9000ES players."

Perhaps. Although the TRL/Sony 900 seems to be an entirely different beast altogether. I have yet to hear any player that is as musical, yet accurate.

There are, however, apparent differences in how and what we hear ... which is cool, we don't all like/prefer the same sound. There are folks that prefer SET tubes and horns over solid state or Push-pull tubes and cones or 'stats. and I'm sure that certain players integrate better into some systems than others.

My point, we are all different. I will point out that the TRL/Sony 900 is an excellent example of the TRL house sound which has its following, too, as noted when I stopped by the TRL shop last Wednesday. I saw 15 Sony 900's in various stages of modification. This did not count the 5 or 6 that shipped out last week, according to their "white boards". These all came in as a result of folks hearing Brian Kyle's TRL/Sony 900 in the VMPS/Bruce Moore/Xtreme Cables room at THE Show.

I'm sure that the other modifiers have noted the same success after showing their wares at THE Show and CES.

We all have different tastes.

My vote for the most soulfull, emotionally involving player goes to the TRL/Sony 900.

Best,

Jack

Dear Alex,

You should worry less about the ramblings of one man, (me), and more about folks like FX-Jitter and Ta-Chen Wu, whose e-mails still remain unanswered (over 18 months for Ta-Chen Wu). (Phone calls, too.)

Another issue: Why is it that the course of discussion always has to be centered around you and your APL products? If anyone posts about your competitors, (especially TRL), you and a handful of your supporters are quick to post derogatory comments and in extreme cases, sending unsolicited e-mails to us making rude comments about our choice.

If there is one thing that I've learned in my 30 plus years in the hobby it is that we all hear differently and all have different tastes. This is easily seen in the Inmate systems portion of AA or by viewing the gear of various members of Audiogon. SET versus transistor ... single driver horns versus electrostats .. we all have different tatses and likes/dislikes.

This said, why are you so defensive whenever the praise does not center around you? If you have the press from CES that you believe that you do, and the customer support and plenty of work, then why are you concerned about what a JES45 or a Clio09, or an Lkdog has to say? Why?

And, why can't you allow us the opportunity to share and discuss OUR opinion and likes/dislikes/tastes?

Best wishes,

Jack Seaton