2. digital
  3. 1234191366

Researching the CD/HDCD Players from China

I have gotten 40 plus responses regarding CD players built in China. However, the more research I've done It appears to me that most CD players and many other audio pieces are made in China or in Japan. I recall back in the early 1960's working as an audio salesman, we not only carried hi end audio equipment, but table radios and certain consoles. I would always steer customers away from anything made in Japan. That was my mindset back then and remained so for some years.

Now it appears that this is the same mindset of many audio buffs regarding anything made in China. Much of my restarch as been trying to find high quality CD players that are built well and can render classical choral and orchestral as well as jazz small and big bands well. In particular it must be able to give me a good presentation of the human voice in song. Plus it must be able to render an wide sound field throwing music outside of the speakers. And there must be sufficient height to the sound field as well. I am also particular about being able to pick out each jazz instrument and/or voice from within the sound field.

I have heard (for short periods)an Original 2008 Mk2, a Shenda SD100S, Doge 6, and a Bada HD23. All of these players produced a very pleasent sound. However, my primary concerned is with "LONGEVITY" and being able to improve on the sound with tube changes, upgrades, etc.

Finally, the reason I've spent time researching these and other CD/HDCD players has to do with funding. I don't have a large amount of $$$ to spend, but still want hi end sound. This may be a foolish notion, but that's what I am looking for. I understand that there are some HDCD CD's now on the market. Has anyone heard any and is the sound quality superior to the redbook CD's? By the way, the rest of my system will consist of the following:
1. Elite Rock turntable with Excalibur arm (Sumiko cart)
2. Audio Research Pre-Amp
3. Threshold S/300 power amp
4. Mirage OM-9 Omni (soon to be upgraded to Mags 1.6)
5. Various Kimber Cables
I have many classical and jazz LP's i've collected over the years especially many from Germany. I may have just as many redbook CD's. I plan to purchase HDCD's if they can present better sound than my redbooks.

Again thank you for your comments because I really need them. I hope to purchase something within the next few weeks depending on what I get in the way of your responses.
rbwinterlink
Post removed 
motberg
18 posts
 
Hi,

I grew up as a USA audiophile since before CD's (Carver Amazing Platinums, ESS Heils, B&W DM7's, B&K/Fosgate/Carver electronics, ...that level gear...). I now live in China and have the Jolida S100 and Original CD A8II CPD's, Behringer DEQ, Dussun and Classic Amps, ShengYa and Xindak pres, Xindak DAC, M&D Rubies with Omni Harmonizers. TV system is Aurum Cantus Leisure 5's with economy QinPu integrated. Everything was made in China and working well for over a year or two... The sound is fantastic (especially considering the main system is in a tiny square room), the tube gear responds well to tube changes, I am still tweaking cables so I think not yet at the final sound. I am not in the electronics field, but have been working in China factories for many years. I feel confident most of the current export-bound production here is up to best commercial practice standards for workmanship when compared to similarily priced items in the global marketplace. Best of Luck!
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,443 posts
 
Tvad - there might be another reson for quality problems in China that has nothing to do with China. I had Cambridge amp (A3i) that failed after couple of years. I found out that four LED diodes used as voltage reference were soldered too short and got overheated. There was certain "know how" that missed "special instructions" or "test procedure" but it could happen as well in Switzerland. Surface mount process is better controlled and boards are made in China or India anyway.
Post removed 
jimmy2615
444 posts
 
The issue, as some have pointed out, is how well can you expect to get good service if something bad happens. Not sure. However, I know what you are saying - I have seen many ads and reviews apologizing for the product having been made in China. OTOH, things from Germany or Sweden get top billing. There is some reality and history (of course) to these paradigms and stereotypes. However, to pay a fine craftsman (worker) in Germany is a huge expense, which is reflected in prices, whether Burmester or BMW. And you can be sure to get a pretty good product, but you will pay. There are a lot of smart and talented people in China, who may be very well and reasonably laughing at our stereotypes. While I'm sure some of their products are created for quick sales based on market desires, I'd also bet there are some fine products coming from there made by those who care. Overall, I think it's time for a paradigm shift. Ultimately, for this kind of discussion it would be helpful for someone with technical credentials to weigh in on the quality of what is coming from China compared to the U.S. and Europe.
More to discover