SACDmods.com

Modifications for the Sony DVP-NS9100ES SACD/DVD player.

    The NS9100ES is the surprise player of the year.  This is a modern design with the latest video features like a HDMI 1080i upscaling digital video output.  The player has dual R-core transformers feeding highly regulated linear power supplies, one for the digital section and one for the audio section.  The design of these power supplies were specific to the driven load, an engineering feat until now unheard of from Sony.  The most unique design feature of this player is that the audio DACs are driven by a specific audio clock frequency rather than a signal derived from the 27MHz DVD master clock.  This means that the player will have much less jitter than any of the other DVD based machines such as the Denons or any of the older Sonys.  The audio DACs are Texas Instruments/Burr Brown DSD1796 current output stereo DAC, the latest available from Burr Brown.  With these circuit innovations, a fine transport, and a heavy chassis, this player is the best base machine for mods I have seen since the SCD-C555ES.

    The player originally used Burr Brown OPA2132 opamps in the analog output stage, with film bypassed electrolytic coupling capacitors between the opamps and the outputs.  The stock sound is just a slight bit harsh, but not particularly offensive, which can be attributed to the fact that the audio DACs have a dedicated clock generator.  The sound stage is fairly narrow compared with my reference player, with sloppy imaging, and a lack of air around individual instruments.  The high frequencies are particularly "veiled" compared to the reference player, a modified SCD-C555ES.

    The modifications remedy these issues completely.  The player has a far wider and more open sound stage.  Imaging is a little farther forward than the stock machine, but by no means "in your face."  As with all my players using the ZapFilter output stage, the dynamic range is greatly increased, and the player has a lot of power and slam.  Clarity is improved also.  The highs may seem slightly brighter than stock, but they are clean, so they will not bother you.  The closest analogy is like when you go to a concert and the sound is clean, you can listen to it loud and still enjoy it.

This machine easily equals my modified SCD-C555ES once it has been modified.  The NS9100ES is a better sounding finished product than any of the Denon machines I have to offer.  Unlike the other DVD based machines, this player does not have any residual harshness evident in the other players thanks to the dedicated audio clock.  As I write this, I've been listening to the modified NS9100ES for 3 hours per evening, for two days straight.  This has been the first player I've spent any appreciable time with, and I usually seriously listen to other players for an hour or less before sending them packing.  I highly recommend the NS9100ES!

SACDmods was the first to release modifications for the 9100ES, and the SACDmods 9100ES is the only version with a fully differential balanced output.

Details:

• 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 9100 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.

• Harris/Fairchild HEXFRED Diodes--Installed on the power supply to the analog stage and DACs, the soft recovery diodes provide clean power to enhance DAC performance. 

• 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 provides for a better connection for your quality cables, and feature a Teflon™ dielectric.  Connected with Cardas silver wire on the DAC output and Neglex oxygen free stranded copper on the ZapFilter output, all in Teflon tubing.

• Balanced Outputs--A new balanced output modification is available for the NS9100ES.  The 9100 uses balanced current output DACs, and the ZapFilter is designed for fully balanced operation with no phase splitting.  The board will amplify the positive and negative phase from the DAC, so true balanced operation is available.  The SACDmods balanced option will feature Neutrik XLRs in addition to Cardas RCAs for the MCH front channel.  The balanced output modification is available in addition to the standard modification package for $75 extra.

Modification Packages:

PLEASE READ ALL PURCHASE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW CAREFULLY!!!

Standard Mod: All of the above. Stereo outputs are modified for full performance!  $750.00

Balanced Outputs.  Available in addition to the standard modification.  $75.00 

All prices include several hours worth of professional installation.

Warranty is 1 year on modifications!

Try the SAPC-1:  Super Audio Power Cord

The only power cord with integrated filtering.  Click here to go to the product page. $299.99

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.