I've found the cd player for analog lovers

Mmakshak,

The most interesting info on this thread is that you "find volume really critical". You've said this several times.

Needing to play at one very precise gain setting to avoid distortions or edginess is a symptom. The problem is usually somewhere in the amplification chain.

This symptom can be caused by inadequate power supplies, poor circuit design or poor quality components, but in any event it's clear that one of your components is a weak link.

Not trying to raise a ruckus, just trying to raise your awareness. The inability to play cleanly at different volumes is a problem that can be solved.

I kinda' disagree with Dougdeacon. First, there is a "natural" volume for any purist type recording that relates to the distance from the microphone to the performers. It's not critical that you playback at that volume, but if you do it will present a more realistic portrait of how the musicians actually sounded in the original recording space. This obviously doesn't apply to studio manufacturered/multitrack/overdub type recordings. Second, if there are problems when the volume gets too soft or loud it's usually a problem with room acoustics and not amplification. That's not some hard and fast rule, but just a general observation.

Mmakshak, you sing the praises as one newly converted. Hallelujah, brother!

Onhwy61,

We don't disagree. We're talking about different phenomena.

I agree that "purist" recordings sound most lifelike within a certain volume range (though it's hardly a knife-edge adjustment). As classical listeners (and a little jazz), all of our good recordings behave this way.

They do not, however, suddenly become distorted or harsh when played back at other volumes.

Room acoustics can of course cause harshness/distortion of certain frequencies. But IME, when one PRECISE setting on the gain control tames the problem then a component is to blame. Room mode problems often ramp up with volume. They don't appear out of nowhere when the knob is twisted .1db too high.

We've experienced this with several (well known and non-cheap) amps and preamps. Our present equipment does not behave so. Since our room has stayed the same...

At any rate, we both agree that there's room for further improvement, even as he's enjoying his newly musical digital source.

P.S. I have a stock Denon 3910 and I've demoed an Underwood-modded one. I haven't heard the APL version but I doubt it's involved in this particular problem. Amp and/or preamp are more likely candidates.

"I haven't heard the APL version but I doubt it's involved in this particular problem. Amp and/or preamp are more likely candidates."

Dougdeacon,

I agree with you that the APL unit is not involved with this problem. I have the APL Denon 3910 with the new AKM chips and I do not experience digital glare/edginess/harshness/distortion even at very loud volumes. Mmakshak's problem must be elsewhere in his audio system: amp, pre-amp, AC quality, room acoustics, etc. I do agree with Mmakshack that the APL unit is superb. I prefer it to some units that cost as much as $14,000.

Best Regards,
John