XSACD563 Universal Disk Player

XSACD563 level 1 Universial Disk Player

XSACD563

The XSACD563 is Audio Crafters Guild modification for the popular Pioneer DV-563A universial CD/SACD/DVD-A disk player. The DV-563A was selected for this project because it is widely recognized as a universial player which delivers high performance on both DSD based SACD and PCM based CD/DVD-A formats. Very reasonably priced the stock DV-563A yields a sound quality which even a few years ago would of been unthinkable in a $250 player. The reasonable cost allows entry into the wonderful world of high resolution SACD and DVD-A disks without breaking the bank.

Like any product which must be engineered down to a price point there are things which can be done to the DV-563A which make it more suitable for use in the context of an audiophile caliber system. Using experience gained from modifying CD players starting if the 1980's and designing stand alone hi-fi DACs since the 1990's Audio Crafters Guild offers the XSACD563 for your consideration. The 'level 1' modification concentrates on delivering high value musically significant improvements through parts upgrades. This strategy refines the unit's sound while keeping costs contained and reliability high.

The photos above detail some of the modification. At Audio Crafters Guild we do not pretend to be audio shamans practicing some secret black art. Our philosophy is to be open about what we do explaining to our clients how a mix of sound engineering trade-offs and a keen ear lead to our products. The XSACD563 level 1 is a case in point. As shown above we swap out critical capacitors around the DAC and analog stage for higher performance equivalents.

Electrolytic capicators used in the circuits to filter noise off the power supplies and store energy are upgraded to OS-CON types. OS-CON is short for "Organic Semiconductor" a completely new type of capicator. OS-CON's have much lower high frequency impedance characteristics compared to typical alumnium oxide electrolytic capicators. This allows OS-CON types to shunt more high frequency noise into ground and away from the active devices. In the mixed digital + analog world of a disk player this results in the lowering of 'grain' and increases in transparancy across the audible range as the DAC and amp circuits operate in a more ideal less noisy environment.

When examining the DV-563A's analog stage it was noted the audio stage filter capacitors were already sized in values available as polystyrene types. This is a wonderful bit of serendipity as

polystyrene capacitors have long been recognized as the king of audio quality capacitors owing to their outstanding Dielectric Absorption characteristics. The units used are correct from both electrical and physical size standpoints. Too often modifications are executed using parts which have outstanding electrical characteristics but are so large physically they must be mounted remotely with long lead lengths. The extra wire length both adds impedance to the circuit and can act as antenna picking up noise. These conspire together to largely undo the gains which could of occurred from the part's superior electrical characteristic. The

serendipity we experience in XSACD563 is the

polystyrene

capacitors of the correct electrical value are a perfect fit on the circuit board so the known benefits of a

polystyrene

dielectric can be realized in actual practice. These deliver a very sweet and finely filigreed sound with especially delicate high frequency reproduction.

The final change in the XSACD563 level 1 program is swapping out the analog stage op-amp. This is a surface mount device on the bottom of the PCB so it is not visible in the photos. The Analog Devices AD8034 is used replacing the stock JRC NJM4560. Analog Devices' 8000 series represent this industry leaders latest generation devices incorporating the current state-of-the-art topology and fabrication technology. The AD8034 used in the level 1 mod features 80 V/mS slew rate (its fast), 11 nV/rootHz noise (its quiet), and the correct pinout to mount on the PCB (maintains compact layout). Replacing the industry standard op-amp with the state-of-the-art AD8034 results in audible gains throughout the musical spectrum. The advanced device is better able to keep up with the complex musical signals it must pass and high frequency noise it is to filter off. Digital hi-fi's all too typical glare and edge disappear as the fast AD8034 has the slewing capability headroom to avoid TIM (Transient Intermodulation Distortion) effects. The device's low noise allows a further lowering of 'grain' and low level noise, the music springs forth with greater clarity, transparency, verve, and drive.

The photo above shows the level 1 modification installed on the DV-563A Video/DAC/Analog board. The OS-CONs on the left of the board clean up power as it enters the board stopping noise before it can get to the audio circuits. Just right of center are the OS-CON and

polystyrene

capacitors installed around the DAC, its regulator, and the analog stage. This photo shows the stereo version of the modification. In the multi-channel version additional OS-CON caps are installed on the far right side of the board servicing the surround, center, and subwoofer channels. It should be noted that the DV-563A uses its main L/R channel DAC and analog circuits to serve both stereo playback and the front L/R channels of 5.1 programs so the stereo only mod is effective on the L/R channels of a 5.1 program.

Pricing of the XSACD563 level 1 mod is as follows:

Turnkey XSACD563 player stereo - $477

Turnkey XSACD563 player multichannel - $605

XSACD563 stereo mod installed on client's DV-563A - $281

XSACD563 multichannel mod installed on client's DV-563A - $408

SPECIAL A limited time the turnkey XSACD563 level 1 stereo is available for $425. This price reflects the discounted street price currently available for the DV563 used as a base for the modification. This price will be raised should the cost of the DV563 go up so order now and lock in this deal!

Thank you for investigating the XSACD563. Please feel free to e-mail us any questions to ntracy@fullnet.net.