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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
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audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
great write, This is awsome, I will keep this in mind, However, I need a player with a volume control, the last wadias look intriguing!
calvinj
2,315 posts
 
Just on further review of my parasound cd1 I will discuss the the output stages. It gives the listener two choices. Discrete will give you a more lively or open sound. The op amp will give you a smoother relaxed sound. I played with the settings for a few hours tonight. I think it is great because it will allow you to adjust to recordings a little bit. It all starts in the recording studio before audiophiles spend a dime. The cd1 allows you a little leeway to adjust. This is system dependent but is great to have.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
great read calvinj.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,578 posts
 

Anyone still enjoying a CD-1 in 2023?

 

Happy Listening!

allears4u
134 posts
 

CD's here about 95% unless a vinyl recording brings more quality. Some older CD's sound like they were dubbed from 8-track. Yet I too am on the chase the best CD playback. Therefore I'm keen to hear the above discussion. Streaming is hopeless in my location due to crappy download speeds. Still need excuse to get out of my chair every hour or so. Presently using Audiolab 6000 and Nuprime 9SE DAC which I bought as demo/open box from audio advisors as a temporary fill in as I look for my forever player. (Which is elusive) If I could have back all the money I've wasted on CD players I could buy whatever I would want. I sure most of us could say the same! I disceved myself in thinking the $3500 Yamaha would do me. And for an all in one its probably about as good as it can get. But this Audiolab Nuprime combo completely shames it. No dah, separates always will rule. I'm a slow learner and have paid royally for it. Watching carefully this discussion to see which unit is kept until dusty and which gets returned. Break changes can be hell.

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