bundee1 is right. Just change the audio output to 2ch. It will then default to play 2ch track if available, if not it will downmix the 5.1 to 2ch.

I would recommend putting some of the Cardas end-caps on unused connectors.

Dear all, I would highly recommend the 100uf NP from Blackgate. You just need to make sure that it is above 20V. It will give more clarity, extension and significantly speed up the bass. The 150uf will probably give you more warmth and bass compared to the 100uf but will probably sound slower.

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My hypothesis that the end caps worked exceptionally well with the 963 is because that the 963 has much more un-used connectors compared to your average CD player. This trick will probably also work with other DVD players. With the end-caps, you can hear a drop in noise floor and the...

You are welcome and I really urge all of you to try the Cardas end caps. The difference is NOT subtle. Also the 963sa will reacts very well to a good power cable. The 192khz, when activated, will make the noise floor drop another 10-15db in the critical audio range. Hence it is not digital...

Dear Mathew, I have already shared one of the best mod to all the reader here. Ie, cover all unused terminal with cardas end caps. You will be amazed by the improvements. Other mods are: Change front L/R caps with Blackgate NP of similar value. Use Cerafine caps for the L/R buffer...

Yes I am, Hence I have the fact to prove what I say is correct.

quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Philips seemed to think that the AD1955 was so good that they decided to relegate it to the stereo outputs destined for the TV. The primary audio DAC in the player is a Cirrus logic 6 channel chip...

Actually, I mean even comparing wrt to player in the 1000-2000 region. You should check out which DACs and opamps are the Sony using. It should be much lower in specs than that of the 963sa. For example, the Meridian DVD-A players uses the OP275 which are only 9Mhz grain bandwidth.

I disagree that the 963sa has inferior build quality. It uses ultra high-speed (>100Mhz), low noise op-amps which are rarely used in other player. It also uses the AD1955 A/D converter (M_Ankler is completely wrong here) that is has the highest spec in the industry. The 192khz ADi upsampling...

orl2222, Just wonder if you have done the following on the 963sa.... Use the L/R output from the MULTI CHANNEL output Turn "ON" the audio direct Try the 96khz upsampling. I find that all these steps can substantially improve the sound of the 963sa.

Just some tips for you Jazz, You can disable the CD text using the "display" key on the RC. Also the upsampling is indeed 192khz. It actually uses the same ADi upsampling chip as the Bel Canto DAC2.

Yes it does. A special feature that the 963sa has is the ability to also output 96khz or 192khz via SPDIF output.

Tuberoller, Be carefull about applying TOO MUCH Dynamat to player. It can "deaden" the sound of the player too much. I have tried it and found that sticking more than 2 square inches of Dynamat will make the player sound too "constricted". I simply place a small piece of mable (2" X3") and...

Yes, it is a Audio Research VT130SE with some NOS tubes. I am lucky enough to inherit it from a friend who have decided to upgrade(?) to a Negra. I would also like to clarify that I am an employee of Philips and have helped in the "voicing" of the player. Hence, my opinion may be bias...

I already have one in my system

Don't worry guys... Had news from some reliable sources in Philips that the 963sa will really hit US market end Jan. Delay is due to the shortage of stock due to demands in other regions.

fierce, Thanks, I feel welcome already! Forgot to mention a neat feature on the 963sa. Not only you can get good sound on the analog output, you can also get upsampled SPDIF signal from the digital output when you activate upsampling. Ie, if you have a high-end DAC with 96 or 192khz...

I have a 963sa and Sony 9000ES at home. From sound quality point of view, the 963sa is better than the 9000ES by at least 10-20% IMHO. Thanks to the upsampling, not only the 963sa it is clearer AND smoother than the 9000ES. It also has a way bigger, deeper and pin-point soundstage. The 9000ES...