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What seperates "hi-fi" from "mid-fi" in cdp's?

I find that in my search for the right CDP I really don't know what, mechanically, seperates the good from the not-so-good. Although I understand which brands are more highly regarded than others, I don't understand why.
Along those lines, I would also really appreciate a very brief description of the primary working parts of the cdp and how they differ among "levels". For instance, how does the number of bits matter? Or is it just another useless audio stat?
Or, if I am asking a bigger question that I think I am, maybe you could direct me to a good reference for this issue? Thanks JB3
jb3
gthrush1
241 posts
 
To make life simple, forget about parts, designs, and specifications. Just listen. Demo as many units as you can, in your system, and then buy what you like.
rcprince
3,068 posts
 
Gthrush is right, in my view, but if you're looking for a philosophical analysis, my feeling is that better power supplies and analog stages, rather than bits and digital chips, are what separate the pedestrian CDPs from the best.
dmitrydr
221 posts
 
Straight listening helps, IMHO, only if one has an experience in that - one should know what to listen to, and what nuances to pay attention on...
I don't think there are characteristics that would clearly distinguish mid-fi from hi-fi... Too many manufacturers claim such things as "oversized power supply", but only some of them really benefit form it from sound quality perspective. Price doesn't mean anything eiher. I think the only way to evaluate a component is a combination of gathering info about unit's design advantages along with looking for opinions, and with listening.
hepl
147 posts
 
You may want to limit your selection to those models with
a 24/96 or 24/192 DAC. Players with a 16/44.1 are outdated,
there are several models with the 24 bits DAC to fit every
budget. 24 bit DAC will give you the best sound with regular compact disks. Hope this hepls.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
I strongly w/Hepl. Slightly obsolete digital gear sells at a dramatic discount. I would think if you were looking for entry level prices for a CDP, you would go with an older model from a high end manufacturer, like CAL, Wadia, Meridien, EMC, Mephisto, even Sony (for example, DVP7000ES for $2-300.00, which also plays DVDs)
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