Price reduced.For sale is my Sony DVP-S9000ES with Vacuum State Electronics (VSE) level 5 modifications and unbalanced (RCA) outputs (mods performed by Warren Gregoire, the West Coast VSE representative). There are lots of posts in HiRez about the merits of this player with VSE mods which IME provide substantial improvement to BOTH redbook and SACD performance. It’s a wonderful digital front end and I’ve enjoyed it immensely. However, it needs a new laser assembly so I’m taking this as an opportunity to explore computer audio. Because of the need for a new laser, the player presently does not read discs. I’m quite sure it’s just the laser assembly that needs replacement – over time it developed intermittent read problems with hybrid SACDs that were rectified by the automated optical “tuning” or alignment procedure the machine can do. However, over time the alignment stopped helping and the player stopped accessing discs altogether. Discs will spin, and all functions work properly (drawer, other powered controls) – it just won’t read disc data. I’ve had this happen before, and with replacement of the laser assembly the player was good-as-new and provided several years of enjoyment. I’ve used it only for audio only (SACD and redbook), though I understand it’s also a very good DVD player. The required laser assembly is part KHM-220AAA, which costs $80-100 and is typically available on Ebay. This can be easily installed by modestly skilled DIYers (several sets of instructions on this site) or at minimal cost by most electronics technicians. I was going to do this myself, but just haven’t had the time due to work/family commitments. Because it needs service, I’m selling at what I think is a pretty good price. DVP-S9000ES units in good shape typically go for $200-300 ($1,500 new), and I believe the VSE mods were somewhere between $1,500 – 2,000 (I likely have the receipt around here somewhere). There’s presently a 9000ES with VSE level 6 mods at Agon for $1,500. So, if you’ve got decent hands (or know someone who does) you can have a comparable player for less then a third of the price. As shown in the pics the unit is in very good physical shape, and is fitted with a HiFi Tuning fuse and an ACME silver plated and cryoed IEC inlet. Don't really know how to rate its condition. It's a solid 8 - 9 based on physical condition, but requires a new part for function, so I've lowered the rating. It really is a great player, so would hate to list it as "for parts". However, at this price it really is a good deal even just for parts (e.g. the VSE boards/PS, HiFi tuning fuse and IEC inlet, etc). The final two pics show the VSE board and VSE power transformer/PS board (circled in red). I’ll ship double-boxed in the original box with original packing, manual, remote and (stock) power cord. Local pickup in the San Diego area is also quite welcome. FWIW, in addition to my AA Trader feedback I've got quite a bit of positive feedback at Agon (98 transactions going back to 2001). Member name there is "lparsons".
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