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Parasound CD-1

I know this is a recent release but has anyone heard this yet?
It sounds like a poor mans (comparatively speaking: $14,000 vs. $4,500) Laufer Memory player. It reads until it's correct and not a pS sooner, playing from a memory buffer. It's Linux based Intel chip is devoted to music only. And its VCXO clock can go <1pS though it measures at <6pS. Femto clocks come in at 0.140pS so that's not too shabby for a CDP.

I've always wished for someone to combine the best of a CDP with a PC and maybe Parasound has pulled it off. Hopefully others will follow and prices should come down in a couple of years.

All the best,
Nonoise
128x128nonoise
larryng
10 posts
 
I have the unit for a while , I had it modified to improve its performance , mainly power supply and better USB inner connecting cable , to be frank , you can say it "top" within its asking price , but not to be compared with my MPS-5 , not even closed to my Burmester 069 . Of course , given the price difference , it should be .

nonoise's avatar
nonoise OP
10,825 posts
 
Heys guys, sorry to not posted sooner but I've not heard it yet. I'm sorry if my last post gave the impression that I had and thanks for thinking my impressions would amount to something :-)

All the best,
Nonoise
calvinj
2,315 posts
 
@larryng did the power supply mod help the player a whole lot.
larryng
10 posts
 
Certainly , just look that small computer grade SW power supply , one can't help taking up a hot iron . The SWPS supplies also the DA board , there is a separate PS for analogue section which you can say adequate but far from Hi-end to me , the @9" of USB cable is also computer grade , I made my own USB using much better wire and shielded off by layers of copper foils . Of course , I am risking warranty but Parasound does not honor such to 2nd owner and CD-1 is not imported here . I bought my CD-1 from Audiogon . That gives me the courage to modify it .

Yes , a lot , I would say worth my effort . Everything you would expect from improved power supply .
calvinj
2,315 posts
 
Thanks. I have narrowed my choices down to the cd1 and the Marantz sa7s1. They are used in my price range. I also may look into mods eventually when I educate myself more on what they can and can't do. I will be on the lookout for one of these two. They are in my range.
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