Comparing these CD players with my gear...
Why not look at the analog section of the dac as well?I think you’ll find all the players mentioned use dac data textbook I/V stage and output stages, which are just opamps. Yes power supplies are, important and they all have very capable multi well regulated power supplies, the Cal has a beefier one than the rest, having what they call the Power Boss. Cheers George |
@charles1dad +1 You are right on it. The power supply and analog output stage is where it's really at as regards quality digital sound reproduction. Modwright Instruments Inc. places the emphasis of their modifications right there. The only enhancements to the DAC side of the player is enhancing the power supply to the DAC. The results speak for themselves. |
Hi Mgreen27, Your comments/observations are true. Placing emphasis on the particular digital chip is short sighted. 10 CD players or DACs could use identical chip sets and sound completely different from each other . I’d pay more attention to the "quality" of the analog output stage and the power supply. These 2 factors in my experience are more influential and impactful in the overall sound quality. Charles |
The Cambridge Audio Azur 851C is superior CDP with DAC and pre amplifer capabilities, Really great contender to your list. http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/cambridge-audio-azur-851c-cd-playerdac/ |
"Looking at the dac converter chips, and transports/lasers, for Redbook cd replay. I'd go for the CAL Icon, it's got a very good Burr Brown PCM1702 Multibit chip, and the HDCD PMD100 filter chip." Why not look at the analog section of the dac as well? It accounts for half of the component and has just as big of an effect on SQ as the digital half. Also, listing individual parts like the dac chip and filter shouldn't be relied on too heavily. The overall design is far more important. There's plenty of CD players that share the same parts, but sound completely different. |
NAIM AUDIO CD3.5 = TDA1305 CDM12.5 / VAM1205 CAMBRIDGE AUDIO azur840c = AD1955A Sanyo SF-P101N MYRYAD MCD600 = CS4396-KS KSS-213C California Audio Labs Icon mk II HDCD = 2 x PCM1702 – PMD100 Panasonic RAE0113Z MARANTZ CD6005 = CS4398 Sanyo SF-P101N ROTEL RCD-1072 = PCM1732 KSS-213C / KSS-213CL Looking at the dac converter chips, and transports/lasers, for Redbook cd replay. I'd go for the CAL Icon, it's got a very good Burr Brown PCM1702 Multibit chip, and the HDCD PMD100 filter chip. Cheers George |
Personally, I have a preference for old Sony ES models from the 90's. They are built like a tank, 40 lbs plus.. Currently using an X779 ES as a transport. It was purchased over 17 yrs ago for 350.00. The Sony continues to run long after the Linn Karik bit the dust. I use the Hugo as the dac for the Sony with a Tara RSC digital cable and Morrow Ma 3 interconnects. This is redbook at its best. The Oppo 105D is unlistenable in comparison. BTW the Sony is a better transport than the Oppo as well. |
