Update: I have tried some NOS 12au7 tubes with my CD-50T.
Phillips Miniwatt 12au7/12au7a 1950's /1960's sound way better than the standard valve - more detail yet not fatiguing - still dont have the solid state slam though.
AWV Super Radiotron 12au7a - OMG this tube absolutely rocks in the cd-50T. Huge soundstage, awesome dynamics, and the level of detail is astounding.
Playing the Stones SACD/Hybrids the cd-50T plays the cd layer better than my Denon 3910 plays the sacd layer - in comparison the Denon sounds "bloated" and confused in the midrange and the treble is veiled.
So if your willing to spend 5mins and $50 rolling tubes the Cayin cd-50t for me now has no competition at the price regardless of muscial tastes / genres.
I listened to a Cambridge C640c and Arcam cdt73 the other day which are around the same price as the Cayin cd-50t give or take $50.
The Cd-50T completely outclasses these two by a country mile. In fact to me the Arcam and Cambridge sounded boring - which is a bit tough too say because if the Cayin didnt exist I'd highly reccomend the Arcam or Cambridge in this price range.
Only my opinion though, I'd still reccomend auditioning any of these players. Although the ability to roll tubes in the Cayin is the icing on the cake for me.
cheers everyone
Phillips Miniwatt 12au7/12au7a 1950's /1960's sound way better than the standard valve - more detail yet not fatiguing - still dont have the solid state slam though.
AWV Super Radiotron 12au7a - OMG this tube absolutely rocks in the cd-50T. Huge soundstage, awesome dynamics, and the level of detail is astounding.
Playing the Stones SACD/Hybrids the cd-50T plays the cd layer better than my Denon 3910 plays the sacd layer - in comparison the Denon sounds "bloated" and confused in the midrange and the treble is veiled.
So if your willing to spend 5mins and $50 rolling tubes the Cayin cd-50t for me now has no competition at the price regardless of muscial tastes / genres.
I listened to a Cambridge C640c and Arcam cdt73 the other day which are around the same price as the Cayin cd-50t give or take $50.
The Cd-50T completely outclasses these two by a country mile. In fact to me the Arcam and Cambridge sounded boring - which is a bit tough too say because if the Cayin didnt exist I'd highly reccomend the Arcam or Cambridge in this price range.
Only my opinion though, I'd still reccomend auditioning any of these players. Although the ability to roll tubes in the Cayin is the icing on the cake for me.
cheers everyone