23 September 2025

SONY SCD-DR1 (2004) - Super Audio CD Player

 

Sony SCD-DR1 Super Audio CD player front view

The SCD-DR1 was created to deliver the faithful playback quality of Super Audio CD, unique to the original sound, and to unleash the full potential of CD. It brings together the best of Sony's disc playback technology, cultivated over many years. A crystal-clear sound field that makes you feel as if you can see the performers swaying their bodies. A supple depiction that conveys the texture of each and every layer of instrument tone. The SCD-R1 uses a rigid mount that surpasses the typical floating mount method in pursuit of highly accurate signal reading. The base unit, which includes the optical pickup and drive motor, is fixed to a sturdy chassis. This blocks external vibrations and suppresses resonance caused by disc rotation. Discs are loaded using a tray-loading method with a newly developed loading mechanism. The disc tray is pulled horizontally into the body, then drops vertically to deliver the disc to the fixed base unit. This combines a mechanism that is as resistant to vibration as a top-loading method with smooth usability. A master clock is located close to both the digital output section and the D/A conversion section. By using the dedicated master clock depending on the situation, jitter is minimized. This improves the time axis precision of signal processing, achieving outstanding sound quality for both digital and analog outputs. In addition, the external input terminal is equipped with word sync, and by using an external clock, even more realistic sound can be reproduced. 

R-core transformer power supply. The power supply section not only separates the digital and analog systems, but also the servo system, each equipped with an R-core transformer. Voltage fluctuations in the servo system, which controls the movement of the pickup that reads the signal, can be mixed into the digital signal processing, causing distortion in the pulse waveform. This adverse effect has been eliminated to achieve clean digital signal output. In addition, the analog signal processing section blocks high-frequency noise from the digital and servo systems that enters through the power supply, resulting in low-noise, high-quality, stable sound quality. The chassis is highly rigid, combining a frame made from a machined aluminum block up to 15mm thick with beams (leaves) that secure the base unit. The width was set at 340mm to allow for optimal placement of the parts used and to take into consideration strength and vibration prevention. This size is unconventional for audio components and was conceived to improve sound quality. The digital output terminal is equipped with four systems: i.LINK terminal, optical, coaxial, and balanced digital. The i.LINK terminal output has a high transfer rate of up to 200Mbps, allowing for the transmission of Super Audio CD multi-channel DSD data with ease. Furthermore, it is compatible with H.A.T.S (High Quality Digital Audio Transmission System), further enhancing the appeal of Super Audio CD. Width 340 x Height 140 x Depth 465 mm (including maximum protrusions), Weight 18,5kg, Original sale price: $11,000

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Sony SCD-DR1 interior build quality and rigid drive chassis

Sony SCD-DR1 rigid drive chassis

Rear panel of Sony SCD-DR1 showing digital and analog outputs

Rear panel of Sony SCD-DR1 remote