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Post by classicdelights on Apr 5, 2012 13:59:53 GMT
Gentlemen I am a newcomer to this site and could do with some advice. I have been using an original X-Ray CD player with X-10D and X- PSU. I changed the X-10D valves for a matched pair several years ago and have been very pleased with the results, the sound comparing favourably with my Michell Orbe record deck. My general question is: can I improve on the sound, I now only listen to CDs, by: - Performing an upgrade on the X-10D as advised on this forum
- Adding an X-Dac V3, the original X-Ray being non-upscaling
- Adding an X-10 V3
- Replacing the original X-Ray with the X-Ray V3 (plus above additions)
I reiterate I have always been happy with the sound I have but I would like to know if a substantial improvement is possible whilst still retaining the analogue like sound I currently have. Regards Phil |
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Post by puffin on Apr 9, 2012 9:34:53 GMT
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Post by classicdelights on Apr 9, 2012 15:57:17 GMT
Rob
I am happy to try the upgrades mentioned for the X-10 D or X-10 V3. I guess my real question is:
1. Is the X-Ray V3 significantly better than the original X-RAY?
2. Will the X-DAC V3 added to either player give a significant improvement?
3. Is the X-10 V3 better than the X-10D?
4. Is a combination based on original components against V3 components likely to provide the best and most analogue sound quality?
Phil
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mrarroyo
Been here a while! 
Our man in Miami!
Posts: 1,003
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Post by mrarroyo on Apr 10, 2012 10:08:16 GMT
Hi Phil, I have had both the X-10D and the X-10 V3. I find the X-10D has more of what most consider a tube sound than the X-10 V3 which I sold.
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Post by eightdigitword on Apr 24, 2012 9:26:30 GMT
Hi Phil, If you are happy with the sound then think wisely about messing around. You may never be able to get that sound back once you start modding. Out of all the mods you mentioned the X10D makes the most sense. The colouration to the original sound is mild but the difference in dynamics is huge. this is also an easy upgrade as Mike sells all you need and I believe he has upgraded these for people in the past. I have both the x10d and the v3 (modding it for a friend) and I prefer the V1. I would expect the xray v3 and the xdacv3 to have very similar (if not the same) circuitry. If you are after up-scalling you could add an x24k, pick up on ebay around 150gbp. This also has huge potential for upgrade and would be in keeping with the X-can aesthetics. I have not heard the xdacv3 this too can be modded but is slightly more complex. There are lots of non MF Dacs available with better DAC chips for not too much cash. I have an X24k Modded and the sound is very impressive. the Xray V1 is a great transport i would leave it un modded and pursue the dac route. that way you can always get your sound back if need be. If you want a simple project that keeps your original sound but gives you more of it try this mains conditioner i was very impressed at the results: lampizator.eu/AC%20FILTER/SILK/FILTER.HTMLObvious warnings about mains voltage need to be understood. |
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Post by classicdelights on Apr 26, 2012 7:54:29 GMT
My thanks indeed for your help, this was just the sort of advice I needed. I never thought about the X-24K as I assumed a similar layout was already inside the X-RAY Mk 1. I will embark on modifying the X-10D using Mike's kit, I have done plenty of soldering so know which end of the iron gets hot. I will also look out for an X-24K as you suggest.
Many thanks again
Phil
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Post by eightdigitword on Apr 26, 2012 15:56:28 GMT
No worries Phil, An upgraded X10D is a hell of a thing. Its also great fun to mod.
I think the x-dac v1 and x-act will be similar to the xray v1 dac. The X24k has the CS8414 96k chip and the PCM1728e (BurrBrown) dac chip.
PM me anytime about modding the X24k once you get hold of one.
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Post by classicdelights on Apr 27, 2012 8:08:23 GMT
Hi Kevin
A couple of points if you can help please:
1. The schematic diagram of the mains conditioner does not show how to connect 4 outlets (or not to me). Also, is there a list of where to obtain components and what to order? The photographs of the unit show voltage DIN rails but I cannot see anything like this on the schematic. At present there would not be enough information for me to try making this even though it is probably simple for experienced workers.
2. The MF X-24K does not seem to be an upsampling DAC if you read the MF handbook on line. It says it accepts and differentiates between different source values but I cannot see anything about it upsampling. Did this feature not first appear in the MF range with the NuVista 3D CD player?
All the best
Phil
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2012 19:48:54 GMT
2. The MF X-24K does not seem to be an upsampling DAC if you read the MF handbook on line. It says it accepts and differentiates between different source values but I cannot see anything about it upsampling. All the best Phil You are correct Phil, the X-24K can decode a 24/96 signal input to it, but does not upsample, Jeff |
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Post by eightdigitword on Apr 27, 2012 20:35:24 GMT
2. The MF X-24K does not seem to be an upsampling DAC if you read the MF handbook on line. It says it accepts and differentiates between different source values but I cannot see anything about it upsampling. All the best Phil You are correct Phil, the X-24K can decode a 24/96 signal input to it, but does not upsample, Jeff Yes, My mistake, ability to play higher sample rates but not to up sample. sorry if that was misleading. |
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Post by eightdigitword on Apr 27, 2012 20:39:34 GMT
Hi Kevin A couple of points if you can help please: 1. The schematic diagram of the mains conditioner does not show how to connect 4 outlets (or not to me). Also, is there a list of where to obtain components and what to order? The photographs of the unit show voltage DIN rails but I cannot see anything like this on the schematic. At present there would not be enough information for me to try making this even though it is probably simple for experienced workers. 2. The MF X-24K does not seem to be an upsampling DAC if you read the MF handbook on line. It says it accepts and differentiates between different source values but I cannot see anything about it upsampling. Did this feature not first appear in the MF range with the NuVista 3D CD player? All the best Phil Phil, I will start another post with a parts list and 'how to' for the mains outlet box on another post as this is off topic. Kevin. |
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Post by eightdigitword on Apr 27, 2012 22:13:01 GMT
Hi Kevin A couple of points if you can help please: 1. The schematic diagram of the mains conditioner does not show how to connect 4 outlets (or not to me). Also, is there a list of where to obtain components and what to order? The photographs of the unit show voltage DIN rails but I cannot see anything like this on the schematic. At present there would not be enough information for me to try making this even though it is probably simple for experienced workers. 2. The MF X-24K does not seem to be an upsampling DAC if you read the MF handbook on line. It says it accepts and differentiates between different source values but I cannot see anything about it upsampling. Did this feature not first appear in the MF range with the NuVista 3D CD player? All the best Phil Phil, I will start another post with a parts list and 'how to' for the mains outlet box on another post as this is off topic. Kevin. under DIY post: Lukasz AC filter parts list |
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