SACDmods.com

Modifications for the Sony SCD-C555ES SACD player.

    I must say that the first time I heard this player in my system, I was impressed.  Although it was not as good as my modified CE775 or C222ES, it was not far away at all.  From that moment I was able to determine that this player has great promise as an AUDIOPHILE REFERENCE grade machine with a little work.  The modifications are not just corrections for deficiencies, but rather enhancements of the player's best qualities.

    If you think your 555ES is a great player, now, then you should hear what it is really capable of.  The player sounds markedly more dynamic, cleaner, more open, has a noticeable increase in soundstage depth, and it conveys among the finest digital playback I've heard.  It is not really digital sounding--it is more like an analog master without the noise!

I install the following:

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!

• LC Audio ZapFilter Mk II--The ultimate output stage for a CD player completely removes the need for a op-amp current to voltage stage, a low-pass filtering op-amp, and the buffering op-amp.  Essentially, it replaces 4 operational amplifier stages with a simple and absolutely superior output stage made of discreet components.  In addition, the ZapFilter includes its own power supply featuring a large toroid transformer and a schottky rectifier stage.  The sound is noticeably crisper, cleaner, more detailed, and open.  Bypassing the op-amp based output stage with this board transforms the 555ES into the real reference player because a player is only as good as its analog electronics.  It provides more gain than the stock op-amps, too.  Also included are a pair of 1,000uF Black Gate capacitors added to the ZapFilter power supply board.

        There are no coupling caps in the ZapFilter board, but rather a superior DC servo circuit.  This removes all chances

        of a capacitor smearing the sound.

• Cardas GRFA Silver/Rhodium RCA jacks--Installed for on the stereo outputs, the heavily machined and heavily plated Cardas GRFA RCA females provide the perfect termination for your ultimate analog stage.  The Cardas provide for a better connection for your quality cables, and feature a Teflon™ dielectric.  Connected with Cardas silver wire on the DAC output and Mogami Neglex copper on the Zap Filter output, all in Teflon tubing (if needed).

• Multichannel Op-Amp mod--Replaces stock opamps with the Analog Devices AD823 and AD826 opamps which more closely resemble the tonal characteristics of the ZapFilter board.  Price is $60.00 in addition to modification packages.  Do not purchase this if you intend to use Balanced Outputs.

• Balanced Outputs--A balanced output modification is available for the SCD-C555ES, but this will convert your machine to a stereo only machine.  To make room for the XLR jacks, the multichannel output block must be removed from the player and the stereo XLR's mounted in their place.  The multichannel capability will remain, but reverting to original form will be extremely difficult.  This modification is $75.00 with a new modification or $125.00 + S&H as a retrofit to an existing modification.  See pictures of this modification at the bottom of the page. 

Modification Packages:

THE REFERENCE: All of the above. Stereo outputs are modified for full performance!  $706.00

THE STATEMENT: All of the above, AND an IEC receptacle installed for use with premium power cords.  $741.00

Multichannel Opamp Mod:  $60.00

BALANCED OUTPUTS:  New Installation $75.00

All prices include several hours worth of professional installation.

Warranty is 1 year on modifications!

Note potential issues with the SCD-C555ES modifications:

• The headphone output is disabled.

• The multichannel front output is disabled, use the new stereo outputs since it's the same signal.

• The player will make 3 clicks when changing discs.  They are audible, but generally do not bother customers, and will not harm equipment.  The clicks are characteristic of a current output DAC resetting between discs since the player's built in muting circuitry is bypassed.

Try the SAPC-1:  Super Audio Power Cord

The only power cord with integrated filtering.  Click here to go to the product page.

 $299.95

SPECIFIC PURCHASE AND SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS:

GENERAL PURCHASE INSTRUCTIONS:

Shipping Options

United States of America:   Return shipping and handling is $30.00 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. 

See the Announcements page for current turn-around time.