Playstation 1 version scph 1001 as good as they say?

[Bluedroog]

Hi guys, my debut post so firstly let me say hello and also to say with what great interest I have read many posts on her over the last couple of weeks.

My question is to whether anyone has had first hand experience of using the much talked about playstation 1 version SCPH-1001 as a serious hi-end cd source?

I have read in various places online how it compares to purpose build machines costing into the thousands. I’ve no doubt this particular machine sounds good but are these claims a bit fare fetched or is there something in it?

I’m mainly skeptical, as most these claims seem to come from games enthusiasts rather than hifi enthusiasts. So I come to you, can these claims be founded. Have any of you tired an AB test or have any views on this matters?


Going by the claims my slightly dated and budget Arcam Alpha 7 would pale in comparison to the PS1, or is this just madness?

I’m not sure on technical level what is suppose to make the PS so great aside from the connections on the back. Is it as a transport? So what could I expect from this through a Beresford Caiman and to a decent amp?

Any views or anything you’ve heard would be greatly appreciated.

[john blackburn]

Hi Bluedroog

I've got a 1002 with a linear power supply playing here, I like it very much.

The power supply is easy enough to build, be warned mindst the bits to be removed from the playstation pcb are tiny.

I used new rcas on mine so I didn't have to deal with the smallest caps. Unless you have access to SMD tweezers or hot air I would recommend that as being the way to go. If you want to use the existing rcas you need to remove the tiny bits. The laser is the weak point in the 1002, later ones can be fitted if you cut the top casing to suit.

I take it you are aware of the "definitive" guide to the mods? If not it is here.. http://dogbreath.de/PS1/index.html

Give it a go, if you like the sound as much as I do you will be a happy camper! I took mine to a mates who owns an Arcam cd and he said he was very surprised how good the playstation sounded. It stayed plugged in for the rest of the evening.

John