I need a new CDP

[toad]

As the subject says I need a new source. My Solo/AKG K701 combination really needs to be treated to an upgrade. At the moment my source of choice is a Sony DVP-NS76H followed by my old Pineer PDM6 which is hooked up to the Solo's second input.

The Sony is impressive for a DVP but I feel a dedicated CDP should be able to improve things. Meanwhile the old Pioneer gives a lovely warm sound... provided you don't mind a lack of detail and punch

The Sony lacks warmth with the AKG K701s but suits my HD595s beautifully.

So... basically what I'm after is a half decent CDP for around the £350 - £500 mark that suits the Solo/AKG K701 combination. Maybe something a little on the warm side of neutral but not overly so. I just want a bit more warmth and emotion in female vocals. If I can get that right the rest just clicks into place.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice

Ian

[Deleted]

There is also the Audio Analogue "Paganini", in MkI or MkII guise.
New they were £600 and £800 respectively.
I had a MkI in the past, very sweet sound with that slight warmth you mention.
You may find a second hand bargain.

The Copland machines are a shade warmer still, but rarer 2nd hand.

[toad]

May 18, 2008 12:52:39 GMT mrarroyo said:

How about the Cambridge Audio 740C? www.techradar.com/products/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/cd-players-recorders/azur-740c-94956/review

I have looked at the 740C in the past (and the 840C, drool) It has very nice specs and I've yet to see a bad review however it hasn't ever been classed as warm. Still tempting though as it has two digital inputs. Maybe I can roll some opamps in the Solo if I get one of these

[toad]

Anyone had any dealing with the Rega Apollo CDP ? It seems to impress the reviewers.

www.techradar.com/products/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/cd-players-recorders/rega-apollo-78188/review

www.stereophile.com/cdplayers/606rega/

I love the look of it too.

Ian

[dotnet]

I've never tried the Rega Apollo, but I bought the Rega Planet once. It was a complete disappointment, given the reputation Rega had earned with the Planet turntable. Firstly, it was extremely flimsily built, something you'd expect from a $50 player. The whole transport and lid mechanism was simply repulsive. Sonically it couldn't match my aging Sony 33ES, which is was meant to replace. I returned it after a week for a refund.

The Apollo could be all different and better, who knows. In that price range I'd go the Cambridge without hesitation.

Cheers
Steffen.

[cyreg]

Hello Ian, it's not in your pricerange but the Marantz CD5001 has lows, warmth, detail and reasonable attack and is certainly not screechy or sharp in the highs.
Try it before you are spending a lot of money on a dying format.

I was astonished by it's good sound allround.
Maybe the Marantz CD6002 is better still, but I have no experience with that.
Good luck Han

[toad]

Looks nice for the price Han. Your comment about a dying format does make me think, should I buy a cheaper solution now and save the cash for the next generation player in a year or two? Come to think of it, if the PS1 I got off ebay keeps improving I may just stick with that.

[Deleted]

Come to think of it, if the PS1 I got off ebay keeps improving I may just stick with that.

I have just received most of the bits I need to perform the "Dogbreath" mods, except the line stage mod, as I'll just use AV out. I have the sony cable, so let me know if the other brand is noticably better, although I'll probably make my own in the meantime.

I've a fair bit on my plate work wise at the moment so may not get round to this very soon.

The end result will be compared to my resident Meridian 506/24, which although not the last word in CDPs is at least pretty decent.

If a novice like me can make it work well, anyone can. I'll let you know when done.

[toad]

I'd forgotten the Oppo. Thanks for reminding me Miguel. IIRC Alex has modded his hasn't he? I'm way to rusty with a soldering iron to attempt anything with a bit of expensive kit. I may have a go at some of the simpler PS1 mods one day.

[Deleted]

As promised, modded PS1 report, running from cold...

see rockgrotto.proboards39.com/index.cgi?board=c&action=display&thread=1268&page=7#32108

[Deleted]

I'd forgotten the Oppo. Thanks for reminding me Miguel. IIRC Alex has modded his hasn't he? I'm way to rusty with a soldering iron to attempt anything with a bit of expensive kit.

Toad

I must have missed this one.
If you are going to feed into a DAC, or use HDMI, the mods needed to improve it are very basic, and simple to perform. Just a few very easy changes to the Switch Mode PSU - replace 4 normal type diodes, and stick a capacitor across the underneath of the big electrolytic filter capacitor.
The other major improvements to both picture and sound are due to added adhesive felt to dampen the case and mechanism. It would be best done after warranty runs out, but if you keep the removed diodes, it would be easy to restore in the unlikely event of a problem elsewhere in the player. Players that are O.K. for the first 3 months or so, are usually very reliable from then on.

If you are going to use Analogue Out from the player, and do not intend using it for watching DVDs as well, then a dedicated CD player may be a better option.
Alex

[XTRProf]

Don't forget the newer UK brand Astin 3500 which have a Trichord superclock in it! It also has switchable upsampling or normal oversampling options. I heard it today and I was first impressed with the air, space, imaging and neutrality. Dynamics was there as well showing that superclock does work wonders for a dac. Not the last word for bass though although dynamic. For the price, I will go for the CA 840C anytime.