SCD-C555ES Clock upgrade - worth it?

strider

Anybody have any experience upgrading the master clock in a Sony SCD-C555ES SACD unit? Parts Connexion has Burson clocks on sale for $59.95, didnt know if it was possible, worth it etc. I know a couple of the OG's around here had this unit, I still do, just seeing what the skinny is.

Ben

SCompRacer

Hi Ben! Not in a 555ES but had them done in a Sony 999ES and 9100ES.

Low jitter is one of the keys to great digital. Of late much attention in the DIY world is spent on re-clocking before handing data off to the DAC chip whether it is I2S or S/PDIF. (I2S is communication between transport and DAC chip found onboard CD/SACD players and separates data from clock. S/PDIF has clock and data combined, can be sent longer distances but must be decoded). Jitter decreases resolution and can generate non musical signals offensive to our ears.

So a clock can be a very worthwhile upgrade. It all relies on reducing jitter from existing levels compared to the OEM clock/crystal. Not many have a way to test jitter to see a before and after; however it is also about price points and quality and you can hear the improvements. Fred had me replace just the OEM oscillator crystal with a better one for a DAC upgrade I did a year or so back.

If you DIY it requires removing the OEM crystal and attaching the clock module wires to the correct terminals. You also need to provide/locate suitable power for the clock module. If just doing an oscillator crystal, it’s R & R.

EDIT: Oh, I 've used and highly recommend Burson discrete op amp modules but have not used their clock modules. They do have some solid engineering and great products coupled with great support.

strider

Thanks for chiming in, Rich. Are the models you upgraded universal players? I'm more concerned with improving the 2 channel SACD playback, I don't care if I have to get rid of the surround/center/sub channels to do it. I've got other ways to skin the redbook cat... Heard good things about Burson in general but never anything about their master clocks. The price is killer, compared to other brands I've seen. I'm just not certain yet that it'll work in my application.

Here's a link the the Burson units: http://www.partsconnexion.com/burson/clock.html

SCompRacer

Yes they were universal although the Sony's didn't do DVD-A IIRC. ModWright did the tube output mods to them. They sounded fantastic with redbook or SACD out of the two channel outputs. The Denon I have will do CD/SACD and DVD-A. DSD (SACD) and I2S (CD) are similar except DSD has one clock and a R and L channel stream from the transport to DAC chip. Some DAC chips actually share inputs between I2S and DSD from the transport.

If you were so inclined you could research previous mods done and follow the same path. Usually clock, cap and chip op amp upgrades. Sony had a SCD-555ES in the European market that was said to be better built than the US released SCD-'C'555ES. One thing about the Burson discrete op amps is they require more power and space than is usually available inside a player. The three Bursons I installed required 57mA versus 7mA for the OEM chip op amps. I've also seen folks gut CD players leaving transport in and install better DAC, output boards and power supplies. No more watching movies/surround sound but better two channel CD/SACD playback.

I got my Burson discrete op amps from Parts Connexion along with the rest of the parts to mod a Music Hall DAC. I basically followed their formula like most folks did. I may have been one of the first to add Belleson regulators instead of the conventional LT1033/1085 regulator mod.

F1nut

Ben, the first thing you need to do is check the frequency of the stock clock to see if Burson offers a matching one. If they do, upgrading the clock is a no-brainer.

strider

No bueno. Looks like my "vibrator" is 11.2896 MHz and the Burson is not available in that frequency. Not looking to spend the $240 on a clock that is, at least not right now.