Up for sale is the legendary Tube Research Labs (TRL) modified Sony SCD-CE595 CD/SACD Carousel player. If you're reading this then you very likely already know what this is; if not, I've included links to two professional reviews and an Audio Asylum member review below. Paul Weitzel’s (TRL founder and Chief Engineer) modifications addressed the areas of increasing and upgrading/improving the power supply, circuit optimization including parts values, clock calibration, the addition and very specific placement of an IEC jack, and providing for acoustical damping of the unit. First of all, four large computer grade capacitors were added to the power supply of the 595; these are readily visible in the internal pics (look for the four large blue caps on the right side of the unit). Along with this a proprietary internal “power cable” (Paul’s secret "treatments" are concealed by a sheathing) is re-routed inside the chassis from the power supply board to the modified-installed IEC jack on the back of the unit (again see internal pics); having an IEC also allows for the use of an aftermarket power cord. It should be noted that the power switch has also been bypassed, which means the player is always on; many believe that digital components should never be turned off in order to maintain their optimum performance. Also note that the unit’s factory remote control (included) allows the user to turn-off the display—another option which some feel further “cleans up” the sound. Secondly, circuit modifications include bypassing the 20K brick-wall filter. In regards to this particular model, Paul believed that the SCD-CE595 (has) an exceptionally good chip set and any such ‘brick-wall’ filtering only served to degrade the performance potential of this machine by truncating some high frequency information. Other changes in the circuit board are covered with a dampening material that again effectively hide Paul's proprietary work. Finally, chassis resonance issues are addressed by the application of dampening material added to the top of the unit and also along the interior edges of the chassis and along the top cover edge where it comes in contact with the face of the unit. There are also stock-unit convenience features such as “disc exchange” (it really IS a handy feature) and a rotary dial on the front which allows easy track selection when not using the included factory remote. The TRL mods cost $575 (plus shipping to TRL).The SCD-CE595 originally retailed for $349.99, though it was usually discounted and available for under $300. I bought this player brand new and am the original owner. The total cost I paid for this package was well over $800 (cost of the new unit shipped to me and then the TRL mods +shipping to them). My experience confirms that the TRL modified SCD CE595 indeed competes with and in some ways even bettered some players in the $1500~$2,500 price range. Is it a “giant killer” that slays $3,000 and up to $5,000 stock Redbook CD/SACD players as others elsewhere have suggested? I honestly wouldn’t be able to say as I haven’t had such units in my own system (and FWIW I personally don’t assign ‘giant’ caliber status to sub $3K players). But at the price I’m selling it at of $495 (or I’d confidently suggest compared to anything else ~$1,000 new or used) there really isn’t anything “better”—it’s the proverbial “no brainer”. I am also including a 41-inch length DIY power cord made with a Marinco 15 Amp, 125 volt ‘Hospital Grade’ (Green Dot) plug and WATTGATE 320i IEC connector. Note: it does not have any fancy mesh sheathing but it is still perfectly fine to use with this player and if you chose not to use it then you still have ~$40 of parts towards perhaps making yourself an even better DIY power cord! I have the original remote, box/packaging, and owner’s manual (all still in perfect shape). Cosmetically speaking it is very very close to perfect, still has a "shiny" black sheen with no scracthes or untoward blemishes, marks, etc. I've given it a "8" rating to be conservative and because of age only; I could otherwise list its condition as "9". Please check my 100% positive feedback here (“Chuckster”) and on A-gon (“Soberdude") and eBay ("Superstar2k") and buy with confidence. Price includes continental US shipping via Fed-Ex Ground. Of course in-person local sale within 90 minute drive time is also welcomed. Payment details to be finalized with confirmed buyer. Thanks for looking! Six Moons Review: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/trl/595.html High Fidelity Review: http://www.highfidelityreview.com/tube-research-labs-modified-sony-595-cd-player.html Audio Asylum User Review: http://www.audioasylum.com/reviews/SACD-Player-Modded/Tube-Research-Labs/Sony-SCD-CE-595/hirez/203446.html
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