SACDmods.com

sony scd-c222ES sacd player mods

    The SCD-C222ES is descended from the SCD-CE775.  The players have only three main differences other than cosmetics.  First of all, the C222ES is built with a heavier chassis, and has many Elna Silmic capacitors in its circuits.  The Elna capacitors are second only to the Black Gates in quality.  The C222ES also has one extra transformer in its power supply that is dedicated to the audio board.  This transformer supplies the clock, DACs, and op-amps.  The power supply board is the same as the CE775's except for the addition of a few connectors to enable the other transformer.  The other main difference is the addition of a coaxial RCA digital output to the player in addition to the TOSLINK on the CE775.  The C222ES has gold-plated RCAs already installed, so I will not be installing the Cardas RCAs unless specifically requested to do so.

    The addition of the extra transformer gives the C222ES a cleaner sound than a CE775, and it has more punch.  It completely separates the analog components from the digital, which gives the C222ES a large advantage over its predecessor.  This player is definitely what the designer wanted the CE775 to be before Sony's "cost cutters" got involved!

    Unlike a lot of the other companies that modify SACD players, I believe that simplicity is the absolute best way to go.  I will not bypass the Black Gates with film capacitors or change resistors to metal foil.  These methods get you a harsh, metallic sound.  The high frequencies would be emphasized to the point that listening is no longer a pleasure; therefore, only a carefully selected blend of components is used in my mod.  The resistors in the player already are a very neutral sounding component, and match well with the Black Gate capacitors.  Because of my philosophy to modification, I only concentrate in the following key areas that render the greatest improvement.
 

The upgrade consists of the following:

1. Black Gate Power Supply Filtering Capacitors installed on the +-11 volt power supply to the audio board.  Smoothes out the sound.

2. Black Gate Capacitors installed on the output stages (47uF  Non-Polarized NX HiQ series). Yields improved bass response and much more detail. Lower noise.

3. Replace stereo opamp with Burr-Brown OPA2134.  The stock opamp is replaced with a more detailed, but yet easy to listen to Burr-Brown (TI) OPA-2134, which is a low precision version of the 2132 used in Sony's European models.  The 2134 has the same performance as the 2132, but with a little wider DC offset tolerance.

4. Bias op-amps into true Class-A operation.  Front channels only.

5. DEXA "NewClassD" D-Clock Precision Master Clock Generator--This is a new clock design by Lars Clausen, formerly of LC Audio.  Accuracy is rated at +/-1ppm of rated frequency and the new clock generates a true square wave output.  The D-Clock has a unique microtransformer coupled output that eliminates ground loops in the clock circuitry.  This clock measures and sounds superior to the LClock XO3.  Clock modifications make any CD player sound remarkably smoother and more detailed.  Most notably, you may find yourself able to sit and listen for hours at a time when you may have become tired of listening to more than a few albums previously.

        Specifications:
                Accuracy: +/- 1ppm
                Jitter: 1.5pS
                Df(9-24V): Max 1Hz
                Control Functions: Host Vcc
                Power Supply Requirements: 9.00 - 24.00 Volts DC 20 mA

For more information on the DEXA D-Clock click image!

Total price (parts + labor) :

$362.00 for the Stereo Mods.

$386.00 for Multi-channel Mods.

$40.00 for IEC Receptacle

SPECIFIC PURCHASE AND SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS:

GENERAL PURCHASE INSTRUCTIONS:

Shipping Options

United States of America:   Return shipping and handling is $25.00 in the continental U.S.A. for cash/check orders,  and PayPal shipping is calculated by percentage (5% of mod total).  The shipping charge pays for shipping supplies, handling, extra packaging (if necessary), pickup, and the actual shipping costs themselves.  I will choose the carrier of my choice unless the customer specifies.  Typically, I will use DHL as their ground service is a day faster than UPS.  Customers in Alaska and Hawaii need to contact me for a shipping estimate. 

Next Day Air, Second Day Air, and Three Day are available at higher shipping rates.  If you want these services, then contact me for an estimate.  Please include your zip code, package dimensions, weight, and whether your address is residential or commercial.

Canada:  Please contact me for a shipping estimate.  Average shipping costs are $40.00 by UPS,  Canadian customers are responsible for all taxes.

International:  International orders are accepted, but a processing fee may apply.  Also, international orders are shipped by the carriers above only.  Be prepared to pay a lot of shipping if you are outside of North America.  Shipping typically by USPS.

Payment Options 

Google Checkout, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Personal Check, and Cash.   Make checks and money orders payable to "Matthew Anker" and enclose them with the unit.  Cashier's check, cash, or money order are preferred, personal checks may be held until cleared.  Please note that Google Checkout prices are 2% higher than cash prices; this covers a portion of the credit card processing fees. 

Contact me for more details.

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