Power supply improvement for CD player

MR P- I missed your post(12-9). Sorry! I'm in Indianpolis, IN. The mods would require someone that is adept at desoldering and soldering. The components that would be replaced are easily accessed, on your equipment. Where are you located?

If you haven't already; the simplest place to start is a
high quality power cord(ie: Synergistic Research or Analysis
Plus) and HI-FI Tuning Supreme main fuse. Replace the
diodes with HEXFRED or Cree Schottky
rectifiers(http://www.partsconnexion.com/rectifier_diode_cree.html), the regulators with
Bellesons(http://www.partsconnexion.com/regulator_belleson_main.html) and as many capacitors as possible, with Sanyo OS-
CONs(http://www.partsconnexion.com/capacitor_ele_oscon.html)
and/or Nichicon Fine
Golds(http://www.partsconnexion.com/capacitor_ele_nichicon_fg.html). Parts Connexion has a sale on right now; 20% off
on everything and deeper discounts on the Bellesons.

If the power supply components are replaced with those as
outlined, and of the same values as the OEMs; the only
characteristics that will change will be a quieter/blacker
background, greater dynamics, more natural highs and
improved sound staging/imaging. I've done these mods, or
similar, to a wide variety of components, over the past 35
years. The reactions/appreciation, from my customers, were
unanimous and always enthusiastic. Virtually every piece of
equipment I've personally owned, has also undergone power
supply mods, with nothing but a more realistic presentation
as a result. I listen to way too much live music, every
week, to accept otherwise. I don't hand out advice lightly.

Your statement regarding the, "ultimate" power
cord being found a Home Depot, has me wondering if you
actually believe research has been static since your
schooling, back in the day. I would think these guys(or
their customers) might take issue:
(http://www.analysisplusinc.com/) The results of the
circuit mods, as outlined, would neither be subjective OR
subtle. ie: The TacT RCS 2.2X preamp(a very well designed
digital unit) that I am presently using, was modded
similarly(the Bellesons weren't available then), the
improvements: obvious to anyone within earshot and much more
like the real thing(the common reaction). I feel no need to
enter a pissing contest regarding my
schooling/degrees/experience, or the guitars I've
owned(always loved the old Les Pauls, but only had a '69
Fender Strat, under the couch for a while). However,
addressing the topic: I would bet that you've never compared
any actual, "high-end" power cords(let's just call
that, over $300), with your Home Depot cord, or auditioned a
component, with it's power supply circuit modded as
outlined(be honest now). The total price of the components
listed(on sale at Parts Connexion), for Mr P's unit, would
come in under $100.00(minus the cord and fuse upgrades). If
he limits himself to your advice, he will rob himself of
much musical pleasure(not to mention the gratification of
personally performing the operation). I always manage to
enjoy the music, but- I refuse to settle for what a
manufacturer's R & D department's budget may have limited
them to. Raw electronic components have evolved and vastly
improved over the years. I like to keep up. Help yourself
to the ubiquitous 'Last Word', if you feel the need. Happy
listening.

Mr P- As a possible, low-cost experiment, contact The Cable
Company and see if they have a sample of this PC:
(http://www.thecableco.com/Product/Power-Oval-10) If so- it
should cost around $30.00 to audition, in your system.
Synergistic Research offers a money back guarantee, if their
fuses do not provide the audible improvements claimed:
(http://www.partsconnexion.com/fuse_syn-research_main.html)
Together, they should result in an audible difference. I
would be very interested in hearing your impressions, should
you try this.

Digital circuits(anywhere in your house) will generally
cause noise(high freq interference) on your AC, so-
isolating them is a good call. Turning anything digital off,
while listening to analog, is also beneficial. The MIT AC1
is an excellent cord. I don't know how resolving the rest of
your system might be, but- if you are able to discern
improvements, related to your other AC tweaks; the fuse(s)
mentioned should make obvious/audible changes. I would
still suggest trying one of the Analysis Plus cords(higher
line than what I suggested earlier/more comparable to the
MIT), just for the sake of comparison. You may find the
presentation more dynamic. Of course; the tweaks are easy
to reverse, should you not appreciate the
differences(unlikely, in the case of the fuse). If you do
try another cord; give it time to settle(or burn-in), before
doing much critical listening. Too bad you're not closer to
Indy. I've always enjoyed teaching others how to do their
own mods. Shipping gear is somewhat risky, with the
gorillas that work for the carriers nowdays. BTW- This is
another cord, that some prefer to the AC1:
(http://www.thecableco.com/Product/Spirit-Mk2-Digital)

Hello Mr C- I only mentioned my experience, directly
related to modding, not overall schooling, etc. You'll
notice that I never put your advice down. I never
personally hardwire PCs, because I like to be able to try
different PCs on my equipment. IECs facilitate that, not to
mention being able to keep a valued cable, if I sell the
gear. Some of the first mods that I ever tried, involved
ferrite beads on every internal wire, as you recommended on
the PC. I further recognize the value and wisdom of
eliminating contact points and isolating power supplies from
adjacent circuits. I'm actually big on removing the power
supply from the chassis altogether, when practical. I do
still(or otherwise) extensively use the shielding I
mentioned in this thread: (http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?htech&1328289757&&&/Shielding-components-from-EMI-RFI-Help-p) (http://www.emsclad.com/examples/emi-rfi-shielding.html)
This stuff would be my choice, in place of your
foil/cardboard idea, though at a much higher price point:
(http://www.tweekgeek.com/stillpoints-ers-rfi-killer/)

Been tempted, but- never have tried any. Sorry!