Old Playstations as Audiophile CD Players

An unmodified Sony PS1 that is in the same league as some high-end audiophile grade CD players... What in the hell is going on here?

The first Playstation's to be imported had a custom MIPS R3000 processor and of course the games were all CD-ROM based. It turns out that Playstation 1's with the model number SCPH-1001 have separate audio and video RCA output jacks that allow for the use of one's own quality cables. The later models had the audio and video outputs bunched together and used one of Sony's own branded cables. The two different models are easily distinguishible from the rear as you can see in the picture above.

According to the author of the MSN article, the PS1's sound best when left on all of the time. He also stated, "They also held their own against my top-of-the-line, Class A+ rated Sony SACD machine." That's good a good enough excuse for me to buy one and try it out.

I just looked on ebay and there is one of the good models currently at $10. Definitely worth a shot for the price and it is a perfect excuse to play some of the old classic games while you are at it.

- Source: Gizmodo
- Source: MSNBC