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Met with Philips' product manager this evening. 963A DVD/SACD player has been launched in S'pore at about S$1k, with mod version to be made available later on for upgrading enthusiasts thru' separate websites (not Philips' but in a style similar to Nelson's upgrade website for MSB Link III DAC). Will update you later. Meanwhile, for the benefit of Charismatic and ablaze, i have found an interesting review/article on this new product. Review reprinted below courtesy of Mr Anthony Lim in Malaysia : PERCEPTIONS again. Despite Philips’ excellent consumer product form in recent times, I haven’t really been drawn into the game. Never have, really. The truth is, I’ve never bought – if you discount the non-audio/video purchase of a hairdryer of 10 years ago – a Philips product. Strange, actually, given that the Dutch multi- national is cutting edge in terms of technology and innovation these days, but it as, and please don’t fall off your chair in laughter, all to do with light bulbs. Okay, so it may be part parochial, but a lot of it has to do with the subconscious. Things you latch on to at an early age tend to stick in your head long after the music has stopped. Still, it’s been chipped away at slowly, this, with the host of Philips products I’ve reviewed over the years reworking the brand’s stock in my eyes – you might even say that it’s all been all rather, err, illuminating. The arrival of the DVD 963SA DVD/SACD player a couple of months ago, depending on how things shape up, may finally change all that. This is the machine that has finally exorcised old opinions; in fact, you could even say it’s provided a whole new insight in lighting up one’s life, metaphorically, that is. Serious ambitions Claimed to have serious “audiophile†aspirations, with as much attention paid to its sonic as well as its video qualities, the Hungarian-made DVD 963SA is very well built. This is the best Philips machine I’ve come across in terms of construction; like the earlier, and more expensive, SACD 1000, the build quality inspires confidence, with a solidity in feel that’s apparent not just to the touch, but visually as well. Attention to vibration isolation has been paid – the stiffened chassis on the 4.6kg unit features a double bottom plate. Located on the brushed aluminium fascia is a centrally mounted disc drawer, seated below the LED display panel. Ten buttons dot the scape, power on/standby on the left, a group of six on the right (play, pause, stop, track skip forward/ reverse, repeat), a drawer open/close button and two smaller switch buttons located on both sides of the display panel (Sound Mode and Audio Direct, the latter a bypass switch to turn off all video circuitry, providing optimal sound quality). Two small blue LEDs help denote that upsampling and progressive scan operation is engaged. The unit’s built-in multi-channel decoders provide full decoding of Dolby Digital, dts and MPEG, and the Philips plays DVD-Video, multi-channel SACD, Video CD, CD, CD-R/RW and ISO 9660-format MP3 discs. DVD-Audio is naturally missing, what with Philips’ continuing commitment to SACD. How this exclusion weighs up depends on your perception on whether DVD-Audio is important; I think it’s about time to go universal, like how Pioneer have done it with their higher-end machines. Still, there’s a host of features and tech marvels to offset this omission, and then some. The unit features a dual laser pickup, one optimised for DVD playback, the other for CD. This isn’t new (both Pioneer and Sony have done it), but it’s a nice thing to have – the added promise is a longer laser life with this configuration. Specs include a 24-bit/192kHz audio DAC, a spanking 13-bit/ 108MHz video DAC and a new Faroudja DCDi (Directional Correlation Deinterlacing) chipset. To further reinforce the 963SA’s “audiophile†ambitions, the unit features the use of 12 discrete Class-A op-amps and fully separate analogue and digital processors and circuitry. Of note is a CD upsampling feature, which allows a 44.1kHz/16-bit Red Book signal to be digitally processed to a higher sampling rate; users can choose from 96kHz or 192kHz/24-bit. It’s a nifty trick in use, this one. On the video front, Digital Crystal Clear video adjustment allows adjustment of chroma delay, gamma correction, sharpness and toggling DCDi on/off; the latter works by computing and tracking edge angles and fills in missing pixels on the screen. The claim is significantly improved image quality, especially during slow motion playback. At the rear, output connections consist of a 5.1-ch multi-channel and a separate 2-ch stereo analogue output, while digital outs consist of a coaxial and an optical. A Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr output (with a small switch to select from progressive and interlaced operation), a S-Video and two composite video outs make up the video side of things. Another nice touch is the detachable IEC power cord receptacle. It’s all in the picture (and sound) The DVD 963SA ran in the HT system consisting of a Panasonic Tau 29-inch TV, Pioneer DV-S755Ai, DV-515 and Sony DVP-S3000 DVD players, Camelot Dragon digital interface/Octave Etude 24/96 DAC and a Denon AVC-A1D AV amplifier (with an Exposure XVII /Robertson Audio Forty Ten2 pre-power combo and Thule Spirit IA150B integrated handling stereo runs). Two speakers systems were employed, the resident Magnepan SMGb main/Signet LCR centre/Unity Audio CLA3 rears alternating with an Accuracy A-3.0S/A-C1.0/A-S1.0 setup. Cabling was the usual mix of AudioQuest, Wireworld, Kimber Kable and Audio Magic wiring. Setting up the player was easy enough – I’ve gotten used to the Philips set-up menus by now, and while not the smoothest interface in terms of navigation, it’s easy to work with, so nothing to complain about. Initial link-ups had the unit with its digital output feeding the Denon and the two-channel stereo output to handle CD, later on progressing to the multi-channel outputs (to both access SACD and work the onboard DD/dts decoders); video was via component cabling throughout. Now, I mentioned at the beginning of the review that the DVD 963SA has changed the way I looked at all things Philips. It has, and quite literally at that. With DVD, the Philips is, quite simply, superb. In fact, it’s more than a match for the other big ticket, the Pioneer DV-S755Ai, in this department, and you’d really have to toss a coin to choose from the two when it comes to picture quality. Both are shining examples of how 12-bit/108MHz (or 13-bit on the case of the Philips) video processing is the defining focal point for DVD-Video at the moment. It’s not just in terms of definition and detail, but the silkiness of the overall picture, extended depth perspective and ease on the eye that works the magic. Really, excellent doesn’t begin to describe it – 10/54 is definitely less dimensional and less well scoped, and 10/27, simply etched. Sure, there are differences in how both go about tailoring things, but they are rather minute, and you really have to be looking very hard. Side by side, with their on-board video processing turned as way down as possible, both machines are twins in a two-horse race; I had two friends over to help out with double-blind A-B testing, and the issue had to be resolved going into very fine details. Primarily, the Pioneer shades it in the colour department, having slightly better colour contrast integrity, and as such, overall rendition aspects (both machines have excellent, and fundamentally accurate, colour palette registration though). In its basest form, the Philips’ pix is a scale brighter, and this lends it a somewhat keener, vibrant feel, lively as the Pioneer is warm, but like I said, these are really small, almost imperceptible differences, easily levelled out when digital video adjustment is called into play. My vote? With the Pioneer, but it’s very close. Sonically though, it’s the other way round, with the Philips just winging it. Its 16/44.1 performance is undoubtedly strong, with a slightly different presentation tilt than the Pioneer (its perspective is more relaxed, and it’s tonally less incisive), though it’s not here, but on upsampling, that the neat tricks are turned. It doesn’t always work, and you can sometimes catch out the digital-based manipulation for what it is (especially if you’re out of the sweet spot or close to the speaker), but when it does (and it does for the most part; the better the recording, the sweeter the returns) the results are pretty catchy. Generally, the presentation is more open, specifically “adding†more perceived depth, air and space around instruments. While not quite MSB territory, it’s an interesting addition to have. The solid returns follow through with both two and multi-channel SACD, a run on the latter with a Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra (with Hartmut Haenchen conducting) version of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.5 proving particularly rewarding; organic and compelling would best describe it. You’ll have all the control you need with the DVD 963SA’s remote. Downsides? There are really only three (if you discount the omission of DVD-Audio capability), these being a continued persistence in not providing a drawer open/ close button on the remote (which is similar to the earlier DVD 956), no jog dial on the latter and a scan start/stop interface (again, on the remote) that’s a little sticky in use. There are supposed to be three speeds (4, 8 and 32x) for forward/ reverse scan, but only 4 and 32x is available as you scroll directly; the bugbear, however, is the slow reaction time of the interface – in 32x mode, pressing to resume play will inevitably mean you’ll overshoot the intended stop. Time for a new remote, Philips …. Going Dutch, delightfully Ah, but small tentacles on the remote do not a squid make. In every operational aspect that counts, the Philips DVD 963SA reels it all in easy squeezy. Make no mistake about it (to sort of paraphrase a president), this is one heck of a player, with enough in it to more than rival the Pioneer. This begs the burning question, now that I’m shopping for a frontline player to replace the ageing DV-515 and DVP-S3000 – which one to choose? Both have their little niggly cons, so the truth is, I really have no idea. We shall see. In the meantime, this one comes recommended. For: Excellent DVD pix, and audio performance right up there too; upsampling a real boon; in all, a class act worth the asking price. Against: Scan access doesn’t stop on a dime; still no drawer open button; err, no DVD-Audio?

yes, thank ablaze, i got it mixed up with RS-2 and my eyesight hasn't been too good lately, due to old age...but my hearing and hence the verdicts on the gadgets are still in tact and valid. btw, there is a concert by Jeremy Monteiro NYC Trio coming up on June 18 & 19. It will feature a rare jazz artist and legend Toots Thielemans whose mastery skill in harmonica is something to look forward to, as Quincy Jones once said : "Toots goes for the heart and makes you cry"

thanks ablaza. i will try them one day, but not sure if the in-ear plugs are suitable for me......and heard that it needs quite regular cleaning.

btw, Equinix will be formally launching its services here this friday, watch the news.

hi, could someone please help to explain the differences between 4S and 4P ? Thanks.

And of course there is the Exorcist (by Gryphon) to pass through a high pitch tone thru' IC to your CD player, making it sound smoother and more details thereafter.

using third-party hosting servers to hold your staff......full redundancy, scalability and 24/7 supports..........so your nitemare will be a past............try Equinix if u have heard of it.....

just a minor correction : it should be Grado RS-325, not RS-335.

I agree with Northern Oak on his ranking of importance for sonic features. The recording is the most important factor to consider, just like in any concert live performance, the most critical factor in determing your enjoyment is the sonic quality of the performers you choose to listen attentively to. In that mode, the compression processing should be minimal with greatest sonic purity, unless there is a substantial use of microphones, amplification and mixing stages that may introduce some distortions. In all recording formats, compression is a necessary evil, hence the lesser it is being introduced, the better it would sound when being played back. So, i always benchmark my music listening from headphones or speaker systems against actual concert hall experience. And you will know the differences, without using any word to describe.... In my humble opinions, every audiophile should attend the concert of their choice and listen to the real, non-compressed sound in concert halls, esp at the S$600 million Esplanade which has its acoustic system specially designed and tuned by the famous Artec Consultants ( http://www.artec-usa.com/projects/index_si...singapore.html) Try it and you'll know what i mean....

Hi Charismatic, I own a hybrid SACD/DVD-Audio player (of course no where near XA777) but i would suggest that at this moment the most cost effective way of enjoying music is still thru' CD playing, where if your budget allows, go for the XRCD format (esp the latest XRCD-24bit) to get the most out of quality stereophonic presentation. Most SACDs are on old prints using DSD Mastering, not recorded directly using Sony DSD system. Hence, you don't always get the full dynamics, details and hi frequency headrooms that SACD technology promises. I have just tried the Police Synchronicity SACD which was remastered in Poland (December 2002). It does not sound the way that i would expect, esp on track 7 (Every Breath You Take). It sounded quite dry actually. So pls don't jump onto the bandwagon (although the XA777 is now listed as Class A+ in Stereophile) until the manufacturers have achieved significant economies of scale and scope in producing new recordings. Of course, when you listen to genuine original DSD recordings (such as Autumn in Seattle by Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Red Rose Music by Mark Levinson), you will be thrilled by the richness and low floor noise level of the music it presents, but such opportunity is still quite rare and expensive to attain. Back to CD player, i have been using the Shangling CD-T100 for about 8 months. It was a well run-in set bought from Shanghai, no reliability or quality issues so far. I have compared it with other CD players in the S$5k range and it sounds comparable with very warm, slightly laid back tonal quality plus very good presentation of details. Although its speed would not be exactly as fast as those with full transistors running, but i have North Star Design M192 DAC to act as accelerator if need be. Both sets should set you back by about S$2k if you get them secondhand (which is my regular value proposition as newbie, except for headphones). Try playing Ted Gioia Trio's "the end of the open road" album (Brainbridge label)and you will be amazed by how good a normal CD can sound if careful attention is paid to its recording. Now the balance S$1k could be allocated for a Grado RA-1 (S$600+) or Corda HA-1 (S$500+) for headamp and Beyerdynamic DT880 ($400+) or Grado RS-335 (S$500+) cans. Ramiesh can provide u with more accuracy in the prices. Grado amp drives the music with ease, natural sounding with nice touch esp for high frequency range while giving enough emphasis to bass, just like the krells in full speaker amp set up. HA-1 exhibits similar characteristics but provides slightly more natural sounding owing to the crossfeed feature. It represents a bit more of the Audiolab-amp quality of the older days, ie. transparent, neutral and straightforward. For DT 880, it's a good bargain which has better transparency and stronger bass compared with HD600 and HD200 (which i still like its closed-circumaural design for my overseas use in outdoor / noiser environments but it lacks the headrooms that come with sopranos singing). But the RS-335 will give you slightly warmer feeling of the music you listen to although it does not compromise on the details and therefore show up any lacking in the sources. As it is a very good match for RA-1, i have just committed to acquiring a RS-2 (which is one grade above RS-335) in the coming shipment. Btw, i have not tried using OBH-11 with either of the cans before, so i can't really comment on their compatibility. Believe Ramiesh has tried that previously. When i choose interconnects, i view them similar to spices in the food we take. It helps to tone up or down the sonic characteristic of the system. But pls use it with care and system matching is key to realising a balance soundfield. One recommendation is to look for AudioTruth cables (now is back to old name AudioQuest i think) which offer both copper and silver interconnects at reasonable prices, esp from secondhand market. You may have to do some experiments to get the best matching for your system. I have tried almost the full range (of the older models like Diamond, Lapis, Emerald.....) and i think Lapis give quite a balanced match to the Shangling/NSD duo. Try getting it at S$150-180 from existing owner(s) who has help running-in for you. And one last bit, a good recording will always give endless joy to listening over and over again. So pls select your softwares carefully. Enjoy !!

yes.....looks like Rameish could help all of us a lot....esp to realise our dreams on RKV, EMP, Corda, Grado......

Just an old HD506 Ovation II retrofit lah, awaiting parts from Germany. As u can see, i am not a dealer, but more of a collector for equipment that produces nice and signature sound. I am not a techie either, so i seldom use technical terms like soundstage to describe music. Eg, I like to describe it as either warm, gentle tones or brighter sound in higher notes. But please remember, when you get a very good system matching and balance for the components, you know you are in for long term enjoyment, and would tend to play familiar tunes to great sensational satisfaction that no other activities can substitute. And please don't attach $ value to the sonic enjoyment. i tend to use EARS to sample (less of reviews but sometime can't help it:) and recognise the value regardless of its age, but when the craze comes, you tend to make multiple comparison (but your pocket suffers most of course). That's why i m also waiting for the arrival of RS-2 and HA-1 together, along with G&W T-2A slightly later on. Btw, i also hope to have a go with EMP one day (admiring the israeli young man who has just become the proud owner of your EMP), but it has got to be an ocean-blue one. Hope a friend could just bring that in one day as i was just chating with him yesterday !

unless....XcanV2 comes into life again me too is waiting for Corda and vintage cans to arrive in 3 weeks' time

Thanks for your friendly offer, ting. I have just gotten a PXC250. It sounds pretty impressive although i think it takes sometime to break-in before its true form comes into play. Btw, the NC facility is good to use only if the surrounding is very noisy,otherwise, the noise cancelling effect, in a very quiet environment, will kind of give u a "vacuum silence" feeling during the quiet passage of the music. I find this effect not totally natural (compared with the silence in a concert hall). However, i believe i would appreciate it most if used on the planes where the low frequency noise from the engine would be well managed by the 250. But this experiment will take quite a while to realise since travelling has now been postponed till SARS is less prevailing in the region...

So maybe the waiting time is 3 weeks to a month... i m also used to wait for good stuffs.....Accuphase, Grado, Totem.....most of them secondhand or display sets......but the satisfaction u get is hard to describe especially when the stock is in good condition, the price is right and the ex-owner is a nice guy to talk to (with good knowledge on the gears and domain area). But my main purpose is always to appreciate the fine music that the equipment brings to life and enjoy the relaxation and musicality that come with it. Enjoy !!

hmm........upgrading to hi-end Corda HA-2 or Prehead with crossfeed ?? (btw, congras to ablaze for making his good premium sales within a month ! )

Thanks Mackie. Will have them checked out !! Logging into Chinese websites soon......

Hi Mackie, I own a PD-77 with similar stable platter. My tweak was using CD Blacklight by AudioPrism which was exposed to fluorescent light (about 30sec) first before placing it on the platter. Put the CD on top of it with the shiny side facing up.The sound you get is richer especially the bass. Also, most if not all of Pioneer CD players have fixed power cable which is very thin in size, not very friendly to current flow. I have replaced it with IEC connector and then hook it up with right choice of power cord (Ensemble Powerflux), the sonic improvement is more than obvious. More hours of happy listening.

Hi Mackie, yes, i got the beyers thru' a friend that managed to buy it at old price. But i was travelling and hence didn't have time to collect it and run in till now. Also, a friend of mine is planning for a short trip to Tokyo in June to scout for the R10 and EMP (ocean-blue) that EMP is a perfect fit for R10. Do you have any idea of whereabout (shopnames) could these 2 rare gems be found (in Akihabara). Meanwhile, i m trying to see if i could get hold of the G&W T-2A headamp from Beijing (via courier of course!). More hi-end gears at entry-level prices are available nowadays in China (even Mark Levinson sourced his OEMs and OEDs there).

Hi Guyferd, could you pls show us the specific urls which cover R10. I think this piece of equipment will stimulate new level of interest and appreciation of cans music on this island.

Thanks for your interesting comments Mackieand Northern Oak. I am also trying to run-in the new DT880 which i've just brougt it home, i like its comfort design and the aluminium box is gorgeous ! Hope to reach sonic nirvana soon !!

Hi Mackie, I have found something of a review/comparison on DT880 : http://members.cox.net/yrogerg/headphones/...view%20rev0.pdf Not sure if you agree, after you have completed the run-in of your Beyers. Btw, could anyone kindly advise where i can find a review on Sony MDR-R10 ?

Hi, How much will be the damage (including fedex charges) ?

Oh yes, is it the HDC 451.....how does it sound, would the LF range of the music being attenuated also ? Believe its freq range is about 20-18k Hz, whereas PXC250 claimed to do better at 10-21kHz. i want to have quality listening in the planes to counter-balance all the discomfort in travelling nowadays.

Hi Suannan, saw your admiring image on CD3k, are you looking for one2 ?