Many audiophiles swear that the sound quality of the original PlayStation’s DAC (Model SCPH-5501) makes it a great CD player. I don’t buy the hype.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this specific model, the measurements tell a different story. While measurements don't always guarantee good sound quality, they clearly show how poor its performance is compared to modern standards and equipment.

According to measurements by Archimago, the PlayStation’s DAC achieved a 15-bit dynamic range with an 88.8 dB—lower than the full 96 dB dynamic range of true 16-bit CD quality.

A modern DAC is far more capable than this, even a modest entry-level model easily outperforms the original PlayStation’s DAC, offering better linearity, lower distortion, and vastly superior jitter rejection.

Less accurate digital-to-analog conversion can produce a smoother, more forgiving sound. In some cases, the resulting distortion may mask flaws in lower-quality recordings, making certain albums more enjoyable to listen to. That’s likely why some people appreciate the sound these DACs produce.

My DAC allows me to introduce harmonic distortion through its filters, but I don’t really like the effect because it smears the details. I leave them off.

If you’re into music production, a valve amplifier, particularly cheap ones with a built-in DAC and tube stage — will color your sound. That’s fine if you want warmth and smoothness, but not great if accuracy is your priority.

Many audiophiles swear that the sound quality of the original PlayStation’s DAC (Model SCPH-5501) makes it a great CD player. I don’t buy the hype.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this specific model, the measurements tell a different story. While measurements don't always guarantee good sound quality, they clearly show how poor its performance is compared to modern standards and equipment.

According to measurements by Archimago, the PlayStation’s DAC achieved a 15-bit dynamic range with an 88.8 dB—lower than the full 96 dB dynamic range of true 16-bit CD quality.

A modern DAC is far more capable than this, even a modest entry-level model easily outperforms the original PlayStation’s DAC, offering better linearity, lower distortion, and vastly superior jitter rejection.

Less accurate digital-to-analog conversion can produce a smoother, more forgiving sound. In some cases, the resulting distortion may mask flaws in lower-quality recordings, making certain albums more enjoyable to listen to. That’s likely why some people appreciate the sound these DACs produce.

My DAC allows me to introduce harmonic distortion through its filters, but I don’t really like the effect because it smears the details. I leave them off.

If you’re into music production, a valve amplifier, particularly cheap ones with a built-in DAC and tube stage — will color your sound. That’s fine if you want warmth and smoothness, but not great if accuracy is your priority.