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Memory Players

Hi Folks.

Well, the upgrade itch has got me and it may be time to once again dip my toe into the technology pool. It's actually been a while since the last "itch", so I'm O.K. with it.

I am still using a Denon DVD500 as my digital reference source. This unit was a giant killer in it's day with it's heavily constructed chassis, extensive shielding, and those wonderful Burr Brown 1704 24/96 dacs.

Unfortunately, CD quality has worsened. The discs seem thinner, the discs sometime vibrate, then vibrating the dacs, blah, blah, blah.

Who has experience with either the Nova or PS Audio Memory Players (or others like it) and what could you tell me?

I extracted the information below from what I believe to be the old Nova website. It's very interesting.

"“Read-until-Right” is the principle that lies at the heart of the Nova Physics Group Memory Player and that enables it to achieve its stunning sonic effects. When a CD is placed in the Memory Player, the laser will first read the disc like any other CD player, but what distinguishes the Memory Player is what happens when the laser encounters a hard to read spot on the disc (and this happens hundreds or even thousands of times per disc, either from dirt, scratches, surface imperfections or eccentricity). A standard CD player at this point will introduce Error Code Correction or Error Concealment Correction (ECC) and Parity Bits. The Memory Player disables ECC and Parity Bits and engages its Read-Until-Right (RUR) and Dynamic Laser Positioning (DLP) software. RUR attempts to retrieve the original information on the disc by engaging its DLP that repeatedly shifts the laser angle. Only when the information can’t be extracted after hundreds of attempts do Error Code Correction and Parity Bits kick in, creating as perfect a theoretical facsimile of the missing information as possible, as in standard CD players."
buscis2
buscis2's avatar
buscis2 OP
468 posts
 
Well you see... That's why forums can be such a great exchange
of ideas. As a matter of fact, here's another:

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue57/memory_player.htm
chayro
3,022 posts
 
That's a nice article and the person seems to like the sound. My point being, the technology doesn't mean squat unless it translates into sonic benefit.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Chayro,
I can`t argue with your bottom line, judge components based on sound, not hype and promises.
My PS Audio PWT is memory based and it`s excellent. Very natural,open,dynamic and very transparent. A truly well performoing CD transport in my system
chayro
3,022 posts
 
Exactly. It seemed to me that the OP was considering the Memory because he was attracted to the technology, which is, IMO, not the way to go about it. So many audiophile products are sold on that premise- this DAC uses the Sabre chip or this turntable uses a magnetic repulsion bearing. There are so many design aspects of each component in the chain, that the alleged superiority of one of these design principles does not mean a thing. I believe the AMR CD player uses some old chip design and it certainly sounds better than an Oppo using the Sabre chip. Anyway, sorry for the bit of a rant, but I just think that people should read less and listen more. Just my opinion.
phaelon
1,053 posts
 
11-29-11:Buscis2
" Who has experience with either the Nova or PS Audio Memory Players (or others like it) and what could you tell me?”
"It's very interesting.”

11-30-11: Chayro
"It seemed to me that the OP was considering the Memory because he was attracted to the technology, which is, IMO, not the way to go about it.”

Chayro, I’m sure you are very well meaning, but I can’t find anything to take issue with in Buscis2’s posts. He is simply intrigued by an alternative technology and is making inquiries. IMO, that is using Audiogon to its best effect.
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