I'm dumping my 963SA. I actually love the sound of it, but I've been wanting to check out HDCD decoding and DVD-Audio, and I just have a general desire to mix things up because my experience with dedicated hi-fi components is extremely limited and I want to experience another sound signature.
See photo.
This is a rather famous player in the budget hi-fi arena. Here's a rundown of some of its best qualities:
- Excellent SACD playback, with pure DSD (no PCM conversion)
- Wonderful CD playback
- Optional upsampling of CD audio to 24/192 or 24/96 (makes things fuller and smoother, sounds stunning with some music)
- Audio Direct mode to turn off all video circuitry
- Rock-solid transport mechanism (or so I'm told; haven't had much to compare it to)
- Reputed to have excellent video playback
Also, I've updated it with the most recent official firmware for optimal disc compatibility.
Cosmetically it's about 8 out of 10 on the Audiogon scale. Its looks reflect its real-life condition: used, but never by someone who didn't treasure it. There is a minor manufacturing flaw on the metal chassis, where the top left corner meets the front faceplate. The crease of the sheet metal is imperfect in that spot. Here is a picture of the
flaw, and here is a picture of the
unflawed right side for comparison.
Functionally it is 100% perfect.
Includes the remote, the owner's manual, and a dinky IEC cable which you may replace with your favorite audiophile power cable at your leisure.
Selling for $210 plus exact shipping (from 60625), or you can pick it up if you are in the Chicago area.
FS: Philips DVD-963SA SACD/DVD player with CD upsampling, pure DSD
