Modding the PS1

I spent some time to carry out the suggested modifications at Mick Feuerbacher's site. I did not have the correct capacitor value for the output stage replacement, but since the PS1 is stripped to the pcb, i took the time to perform the other mentioned mods such as removal of the dc blocking capacitors after the DAC, and also removal of the muting transistors. I also removed what looked like the mod chip. Initially I thought it was removed as I did not see the same implementation as shown here.

Looks like different shops mod the sets differently. ;)

Will get some small value blackgates for the output stage replacement... Not sure if I can listen to this next week as I am expecting to pick up some Zebrano veneer for my speakers.

Some pics here.

A/B impressions of PS1

The anticipation of this moment since early this week... i pulled together my horses and men for this session. The other source is a Marantz CD50 using a TDA1541A dac. My 5687 preamp, d3A/VV302B DRD amps and my Diatone PM610MB speakers were called to duty.

Sequence of A/B is always PS1 first, followed by CD50 for each track.

Discs used are 1 - Plastic Flower from Op4, Lena Park (Korean Artist), 2 - The Power of Love Songs CD1, Fish Leong (Malaysian Artist), 3 - The Hong Kong Hifi show CD (2007 I think), 4 - You'll Hear Better Songs and Memphis Tennessee from Early Hours (Hybrid SACD), Eleanor Mcevoy.

Impressions are that the PS1 presents a lower output voltage to the preamp, the bass is rounder and not as profound, soundstage is less deep, and it has a more mellow presentation when compared to the CD50. It also seems veiled in comparision, with the CD50 giving a cleaner and clearer sound.

Perhaps after the mods, it will be better... I can only keep my fingers crossed.

Found... the elusive... PS1

Like they always say... Persistence pays off. This is quite true when I managed to find a Playstation 1 at a Cash Converters for SGD29 with 2 controllers, AV cable, one memory card and a power transformer for 240vac to 110vac.

This particular unit that I have is labelled a 100vac version. The store assistant asked if 100vac was ok. I immediately told him that I am ok. He then commented that I'm a confident customer... Actually I was thinking of building a PSU for the 7.6vdc and 3.6vdc that would be required by the unit.

When he brought the unit to the cashier, he also went to collect the accessories. It is in this bag that I spotted a transformer that seem to indicate 240vac. After paying, I went off to find a quite spot where I can inspect the bounty. And I was spot on. ;) It was indeed a step down transformer.

The moment I went back, I plugged in the AC and powered it up. The green LED was lighted. Hurray... I quickly did a test of the audio via the TV. Seemed that one channel is ok, but there was some hum. Perhaps due to wiring. Will do a real test soon.

Since the serial number or identifier sticker at the bottom of the unit is removed. My next instinct was to open the unit to determine if this was the real mccoy. I did not realize that the dac is actually quite small. I had to strain my eyes to verify the numbers on it. It was indeed the Ashahi Kasei Microsystems (AKM) AK4309AVM DAC 16 bit Stereo Delta Sigma chip. This mean the PS1 that I have is the SCPH100x version.

My next steps would be the output stage mod and the PSU mod as mentioned at Mick Feuerbacher's site. Let's take a real serious listen to how good this thing actually is. ;)

More pics here.