CDPs that live up vs. CDPs that don't

Shahrukh schrieb:

Similar to Manek's thread about amps. Which CDPs do you think are overated? Which ones do you think offer stupendous value at their price point? How far do you think that the source is of prime importance in a stereo setup? Would a regular DVDP do for you?

INHO even something as basic as the NAD C542 will outperform not just the entry level DVDP, but also universal players costing upwards of Rs 30,000.

How much should/would you pay for a CDP ? Now that really depends on how you choose to deploy your budget.

Also remember that at the very top end you are paying a great premium for a incremental difference.Is there a difference between a CDP costing upwards of Rs 1 Lakh and the humble entry level CDP.Yes there is!! but are you willing to invest that amount to hear that difference ?

You decide.

Cheers

P.S - I am 'broadbrushing' the issue, so please do not jump on me.All that I'm saying is that more money does not mean a proportionate difference in sound.But this hobby is really that quest for that perfect sound, is it not.

Krish schrieb:

P.S - I am 'broadbrushing' the issue, so please do not jump on me.

No no.. I won't jump at all! In fact, your point is absolutely relevant to the post. I would appreciate it if u added your list of fav (and not-so-fav) CDPs, though.

An entry level NAD521BEE CDP (17k) beats almost any DVDP under 60k. Not only that, to get a significant audible improvement over a 521BEE, one has to spend around 3 times that money on a CDP as well.

I havent auditioned many CDPs, but whatever little I have heard, NAD is a big time champ in the entry level. There are others like Marantz CD63, CD8000 etc, but I havent tried them out.
One dissapointment at entry level was Cambridge Audio AZUR 540C. Very lean and lazy presentation

At the top end I have tried out Wadia 302 (dont remember the model well), priced around 1.5 Lacs, just too good a sound. It has volume control, which eliminates the requirement of a Pre-Amp. Definitely VFM at the higher end.

I have a Cyrus CD 6 and another pioneer DV45A elite uiversal player.

When i play the same SACD in Pioneer and only cd layer in Cyrus cd6 ,the cyrus beats pioneer easily..

A dedicated CD player would always be good , i guess...

The 521 bee is an “ ok “ player in my opinion. Spend some more on a CA Azur 640c V2 and you get one of the best players out there below 40k. The player costs only around 24k.

Cambridge is where a lot of people have different opinions. Their players (and amps) have one section of folks feeling they're absolutely brilliant.. and another section - me included - who think they are overhyped. Marantz players have a certain mellowness to them - which I quite like. I've never done a Cambridge/NAD AXB though.

Lately I have heard that CA have revamped their 640C CDP (may be thats the V2) and have used higher quality DAC (correct me if I am wrong). Some find it really good while reviews also say that they sound COLD and STERILE when compared to a NAD.
I havent checked it out myself though....
But the particlar phrase COLD and STERILE made me feel actually cold and sterile
I know reviews are just reviews, one has to go ahead and jump into the well to find its depth (thats the way its in audio I suppose)

abhi.pani schrieb:

Some find it really good while reviews also say that they sound COLD and STERILE when compared to a NAD.

Now I always found NAD a little cold when compared to Marantz CD players. Has anyone else experienced this??

Now I always found NAD a little cold when compared to Marantz CD players. Has anyone else experienced this??

Yes you are right Marantz 63 will beat the pants out of NAD 542 too and has better presentation.

Lately I have heard that CA have revamped their 640C CDP (may be thats the V2)

Are they going the TATA way by adding some improvements and a V2 tag in assumption that it will be a hit..must be true

IMHO marantz 63/67 are VFM provided they are stock or with good mods ..there are some with mods and sound very pathetic , Marantz Cd 17, NAD 521 BEE, CD 94 will kill most in $1500- 2000 with it's weight, tight bass, liquid vocals and excellent highs .. Overrated??? All of crazily priced CDP's are overrated as you pay a lot to get to hear subtle diffrences..wise to invest in better speakers or amps

abhi.pani schrieb:

Lately I have heard that CA have revamped their 640C CDP (may be thats the V2) and have used higher quality DAC (correct me if I am wrong). Some find it really good while reviews also say that they sound COLD and STERILE when compared to a NAD. I havent checked it out myself though.... But the particlar phrase COLD and STERILE made me feel actually cold and sterile I know reviews are just reviews, one has to go ahead and jump into the well to find its depth (thats the way its in audio I suppose) ;)

The 640C V2 is quite the opposite of cold and sterile. I have a friend who is running it with proacs. He is a Jazz/ blues/folk music lover who can’t stand anything cold and sterile. I have heard his system at least a dozen times. I feel it is a fantastic player for the money.

square_wave schrieb:

abhi.pani schrieb: Lately I have heard that CA have revamped their 640C CDP (may be thats the V2) and have used higher quality DAC (correct me if I am wrong). Some find it really good while reviews also say that they sound COLD and STERILE when compared to a NAD. I havent checked it out myself though.... But the particlar phrase COLD and STERILE made me feel actually cold and sterile I know reviews are just reviews, one has to go ahead and jump into the well to find its depth (thats the way its in audio I suppose) ;) The 640C V2 is quite the opposite of cold and sterile. I have a friend who is running it with proacs. He is a Jazz/ blues/folk music lover who can’t stand anything cold and sterile. I have heard his system at least a dozen times. I feel it is a fantastic player for the money.

Cool....good news infact.

Wonder if anyone has done a A-B between NAD and CA CDPs

abhi.pani schrieb:

An entry level NAD521BEE CDP (17k) beats almost any DVDP under 60k.

I remember Viren comparing his entry level Philips DVDP (costing about 3 - 4 K) to his NAD CDP sometime back. He had said that the Philips had "no right to be this good". And continued to say that the differences between the two were rather negligible. Viren, if you're reading this I'd love you to comment.

Hi,

Yes, the Philips DVD player still sounds good, especially at its price (4k). It lacks in ultimate refinement, but is well balanced, and portrays the energy and life of music very well. Enjoyable to listen to.

A player in contrast is the older Cambridge Audio Azur 540C. I brought it home some time back to listen to it since I was looking for a replacement CD player. Very smooth sounding, what some may say is "refined sound". Too smooth for me; it's as if all the life is squeezed out of the music. No involvement for me; I'd rather listen to the Philips player.

Now, the newer, improved CA models may be better, but I haven't heard them. You have to listen to each individually - models by the same manufacturer often differ substantially in sound quality.

Sorry to say, but I am not enamoured by NAD, atleast in India (LaKozy). I was quite happy with the NAD T550 DVD player, one of those rare players that plays back CDs equally well. The lens unit gave up - and I have been waiting for 6 months for a replacement. Inspite of over 10 calls to LaKozy, absolutely no response from them. Inspite of reminders from the international NAD site. I have given up on NAD in India.

Now, I have settled in with the new Marantz budget player, the CD 5001. It makes music! I think it outclasses their earlier efforts, and especially their universal players. I just haven't been able to like their universal players for music, unless you go into the stratospheric price category.

And in those intervening 6 months, I enjoyed music through the Philips DVD player!

Viren.

aah... Viren's always there when you need an answer, isn't he? Thanks for your inputs Viren.

Hi, Yes, the Philips DVD player still sounds good, especially at its price (4k). It lacks in ultimate refinement, but is well balanced, and portrays the energy and life of music very well. Enjoyable to listen to.

Exactly no wonder I still enjoy it and feel why spend unnecessarily 3- 4 folds to get subtle changes... Infact many suggested except ALS that I immediately replace it with a CDP and my question was what would be the quantam of diffrence and they were baffled...So here again we apply our audio mother theory.. listen to beleive it.

I want to try a DAc with DVD transport as Philips has tretty rugged transport and see if it can kill those baby NAD's and rest.

Abhi Pani wrote :

An entry level NAD521BEE CDP (17k) beats almost any DVDP under 60k.

This is exagerration dude.. cool.. If you are talking about Sachi's HK player it's fantastic and it can play 90% as good as a CDP, play movies excellent and ofcourse MP3's so you have clear winner here, instead a CDP just playing boring old audio CD's only

Okay...I feel I ought to mention my Denon DCD-755AR here. I know many would thumb their noses at a Denon CDP but this one's a rocking model and I mean literally...the sound is fast and punchy ideal for rock and some forms of Jazz as well though it may lack a little depth when it comes to classical but that is a flaw only for the very discerning.

I also liked the NAD 521BEE, a great entry level player.

The one I didn't like was a Yammy CDP, can't remember the model. Very bright, sounded very 'tinny' but that could be because I was listening to it via a Yammy amp and Mission m33i's...sort of an all bright setup...

SUB_BOSS schrieb:

Abhi Pani wrote : An entry level NAD521BEE CDP (17k) beats almost any DVDP under 60k. This is exagerration dude.. cool.. If you are talking about Sachi's HK player it's fantastic and it can play 90% as good as a CDP, play movies excellent and ofcourse MP3's so you have clear winner here, instead a CDP just playing boring old audio CD's only :D

Buddy lets not talk about which player can play how many formats etc..that way a Philips can as well play Roti
I havent auditioned too many CDPs or DVDPs. Even my journey in hifi is just 1.5 years or so. In the mean time whatever little research I have done in terms of going around stores and listening to setups at our own buddies's places and ofcourse going through mags, reviews on the net etc etc....I found that if a DVDP even higher end ones performs good on audio CDs thats a big credit to them. Infact in DVDP shoot outs also (under 1 Lakh shootouts), while all the major players take part, very few players do well on Audio CDs one of them being Arcam and they are given a lot of credit due to that. Brands like Denon, Pioneer, Marantz, Yamaha all of them are given good reviews and high ratings but all that for Picture quality and stuffs like that, not for ACD playback (ultimately they do what they are supposed to do best). I know reviews are not the ultimate point of referrence but they are certainly a pointer....pointer to the basics...and most of them do agree that CDP is any time CDP and DVDPs shouldnt be compared to CDPs. Its "SOMEWHAT" like AVR Vs Stereo Amp for 2 channel playback.

Lets not take exceptionals here (like Philips and Arcam)..IMO CDPs have a significant edge DVDPs in general.

the main reason for DVDps and not so good CDPs failing in 2 ch are the same and usually
1. DAC not being good enough
2. ouput power bing wimpy hence not acting like the constant current source it needs to be.

on adding an external DAC and if your system is in the srteing to mid-fi level, the difference between a dvdp and a cdp (both used as a transport) could be very very negligible.

Decent DACs are rather expensive, Arj.

not really. there are some excellent Made in China products these days (Xindak, Lite OH etc) for the cost of a CDP. you just need to add it to a regular DVDp

.. availability in India might be a problem though.

also some very good kits/designs available in case you want to get them DIYed.

IMHO DACs are usually the safest to get DIYed as they usually have the simplest designs and worst come to worst if disaster strikes and it blanks out.. your music system is not really crippled.

Buddy lets not talk about which player can play how many formats etc..that way a Philips can as well play Roti I havent auditioned too many CDPs or DVDPs. Even my journey in hifi is just 1.5 years or so. In the mean time whatever little research I have done in terms of going around stores and listening to setups at our own buddies's places and ofcourse going through mags, reviews on the net etc etc....I found that if a DVDP even higher end ones performs good on audio CDs thats a big credit to them. Infact in DVDP shoot outs also (under 1 Lakh shootouts),

hey buddy when we talk of absolute comparision yes there is a diffrence between CDP and DVDP, but when we talk of entry level CDP's and DVDP's costing upto 60k the diffrence is thin. In the bottom category I would still prefer the Marantz 63/67 or 6000KI.Is much better than NAD. As far as Philips playing roti it's the ad dude, but can really play some screwed up CD's very well.

Arj schrieb:

not really. there are some excellent Made in China products these days (Xindak, Lite OH etc) for the cost of a CDP. you just need to add it to a regular DVDp .. availability in India might be a problem though. also some very good kits/designs available in case you want to get them DIYed. IMHO DACs are usually the safest to get DIYed as they usually have the simplest designs and worst come to worst if disaster strikes and it blanks out.. your music system is not really crippled.

Arj, it's nice to know there are options. Any net shops that sells these? I read the Lite AH sells for about $150 or so. Not bad at all!!

A player in contrast is the older Cambridge Audio Azur 540C. I brought it home some time back to listen to it since I was looking for a replacement CD player. Very smooth sounding, what some may say is "refined sound". Too smooth for me; it's as if all the life is squeezed out of the music. No involvement for me; I'd rather listen to the Philips player.

Can't agree with you better..
I see that if you are using a DVDP to listen to music it's almost like a crime, I have done A-B's with entry level CDP’s dudes and found that entry level CDP's are no better and hardly some improvement in sound for which I'm not crazy to spend 3-4 folds... I found entry level CDP’s have too mjuch of transport noise, they cough and sputter with silly vibrations, they skip if you fart, so I will spend big money if it offers big diffrence yes with decent transport..for 'stance would be happy to spend 40-50k for a CDP and get a sea of change than foolishly spending 20k and sitting tirelessly in front of system to identify the little changes the new CDP brings. I agree a dedicated CDP is anyday better,but how much?? Please enlighten me.Entry level ones don’t do much of justice so when choosing it’s better to choose in a wise manner by spending more to get a decent one… … IMHHHO dudettes.

Arj schrieb:

IMHO DACs are usually the safest to get DIYed as they usually have the simplest designs and worst come to worst if disaster strikes and it blanks out.. your music system is not really crippled.

Disagree Arj

The design might be simple...but how the design is translated into a PCB layout...and kind of components used are very important. I think some of the best DACs today are SMD based...and hence quite difficult for DIY.

However,...you can DIY a good transport though, provided you can write some 'c' code !! (this is really intresting stuff)

I agree with you on the chinese stuff...especially the Lite Audio DAC. I get my motorized remote control (for the preamp) from them....and they are good stuff. I've seen a lot of Lite DAC on ebay...

Cheers
Siva.

I like the nad 542/521bee and the Rega line of CDP's. Very nice. I also did enjoy the Jolida tube cdp. The opera tube cdp was good too. Arcam and Roksan are nice too.

CA cdp's I would tend to avoid.

Manek.

sivat schrieb:

Disagree Arj The design might be simple...but how the design is translated into a PCB layout...and kind of components used are very important. I think some of the best DACs today are SMD based...and hence quite difficult for DIY.

thanks for that info.. it was something i had no idea o

so a cheap moddable DAC might be the way to go !

Shahrukh schrieb:

Arj, it's nice to know there are options. Any net shops that sells these? I read the Lite AH sells for about $150 or so. Not bad at all!!

yeah surprisingly cheap !.. try audioasylum. you could get a lot of info there on the modding

Hi Guys,

Can you please tell me if the Philips DVD, plays NTSC DVDs, out of the box ? ( Without any software unloking, via the remote ?

A pal wants to buy, for Video use.... mainly for use with DVDs from the library...

Thanks

I see that if you are using a DVDP to listen to music it's almost like a crime

No its not..

I have done A-B's with entry level CDP’s dudes and found that entry level CDP's are no better and hardly some improvement in sound for which I'm not crazy to spend 3-4 folds...

I am astonished...ok we will do it again when your system is up
I am sure you wont get a difference thats 3-4 times better, but you will certainly hear the difference in critical areas.

I found entry level CDP’s have too mjuch of transport noise, they cough and sputter with silly vibrations, they skip if you fart,

Yes I agree that entry level CDPs skip more than a Philips/Onida DVDP. But that can be resoved if you have your CDP placed on proper stands and spikes IMO.

so I will spend big money if it offers big diffrence yes with decent transport..for 'stance would be happy to spend 40-50k for a CDP and get a sea of change than foolishly spending 20k and sitting tirelessly in front of system to identify the little changes the new CDP brings.

Now you dont exaggerate buddy...if my immature ears could find a significant difference in 10 secs why would you require to sit tirelessly to identify the same.

I agree a dedicated CDP is anyday better,but how much?? Please enlighten me.Entry level ones don’t do much of justice so when choosing it’s better to choose in a wise manner by spending more to get a decent one… … IMHHHO dudettes.

I feel that good entry level CDPs like Marantz and NAD are the face of hifi in CDP arena. They truly expose what a CDP can do over any DVDP or Universal Player even costing more.
So "IMO" if you dont find enough difference between a good entry level CDP and a decent DVDP then it would be even harder to justify an investment of 30-40k over a better CDP, thats because the difference gets subtler and subtler while the price increases exponentially. All this is purely from SQ point of view...I havent taken transport and robustness into account as I understand that you mainly pay for SQ.

I am astonished...ok we will do it again when your system is up I am sure you wont get a difference thats 3-4 times better, but you will certainly hear the difference in critical areas.

Dude you better keep NAD and marantz asideas I have stated in my earlier posts.

Yes I agree that entry level CDPs skip more than a Philips/Onida DVDP. But that can be resoved if you have your CDP placed on proper stands and spikes IMO.

It's not placement but transport that matters. Good weight on CDP resolves this isssue easily. Try a thin piece of granite and see the tightness in bass.

Now you dont exaggerate buddy...if my immature ears could find a significant difference in 10 secs why would you require to sit tirelessly to identify the same.

Exagerrate and me! gosh ! holy cow ! You listen to a Philips DVP and the rest I don't bother, then you can conclude that for a 4k it's too bad to be soo good. When i make a mention it's 3-4 folds we are talking of 15-16 k and what good cdp is available??

So "IMO" if you dont find enough difference between a good entry level CDP and a decent DVDP then it would be even harder to justify an investment of 30-40k over a better CDP, thats because the difference gets subtler and subtler while the price increases exponentially. All this is purely from SQ point of view...I havent taken transport and robustness into account as I understand that you mainly pay for SQ.

It's not the debate about hard to hear the diffrences but it's a debate of it is hard to hear a diffrence when they are so subtle, But yes it justifies larger investment as I find a big leap in sound from DVDP to 30-40 CDP than a subtle change from a 20k CDP.A good cdp like Marantz CD 17 is eons ahead in maturity compared baby models. A robust transport is all contributes to good SQ. People world over have gained excellent leaps in small mods to transport and rest untouched. So you can get better gains by just playing around like placing weights, spiking and ofcourse a couple of large Peter Scot..

Lets see what others have to say about this...
Wheres our buddy square_wave nowadays ?? He should have been here by now.

Guys,
I am not qualified or experienced enough to comment on the factors which affect sound quality of players at different price points. All I know is that they exist. There are other experienced guys out here who could comment.
Form my limited experience, sound quality differences exist in players at their various price points. After a certain point, the changes in sound are subtle for the casual listener but it is those differences that take you much closer to the actual performance and such changes are very important to people who makes such investments. What is more important differs as you are more experienced and the price becomes secondary to what you achieve with an optimal player. To most of us with mid-fi systems with sub-optimal setups, it may not make sense. To the serious audiophile, what lifts the veil to reveal the reality with all its glory is what matters.
As the dvd players for music. I belong to the school of thought that the source is the most important part of the chain. I need the source to be clean and non-distorted with all the harmonics intact. If the source is screwed up, then it becomes the case of “ crap in “ and you get “ amplified crap out “. I always feel even a budget stereo system should have an entry level cd player or at least a mid-level “audio-only” universal player.

Oh so you are here
Ok did you get a chance to an A/B between a decent CDP and a decent DVDP ?? If yes what were the differences you found if no then why did you discard DVDP from your list of sources

Hi, Just newly signed in. From what little I know the recommended norm is that you spend ROUGHLY 1/3rd the total cost of the audio system into each of the following: source, amplification & playback. Goes to show that all 3 are equally important for good sound. I think most people tend to compromise on the source. Personally wouldn't recommend that.

As to A/B comparison with dvd players with my current player (TS Lim modded marantz 67se) and another Nad 541i with a pioneer dvd player and another HK player (dvd25), the improvements were many.
1. Harmonic structure.
2. Timbre.
3. Focus
4. Resolution.
5. Tighter and cleaner bass.
6. Highs have more body and sound real.
7. Mids are more real and believable.
Overall, this translates to more musicality and getting closer to the performance.

...in favour of your Marantz, I assume.

Not necessarily. The Nad is also a good player but with a slightly different sound but still very enjoyable though

Abhi,

If you enjoy DVD player as a source and believe that it is good ...then it is good indeed. Different people would have different opinion....forget all that ..and enjoy what you like

Sub Boss,

I agree with you on Marantz. Most budget CD players from Europe is not as good as Marantz (in my opinion). Marantz does not roll off highs like many budget players from Europe..but still manages to sound a bit euphonic (by actually coloring the sound through a very clever technic) or valve-like, while still retaining the detail & air.

On the negative side....In comparision, Marantz might lack a bit in Dynamics...but thats okay, as a proper frequency balance is more important in my opinion.

Cheers
Siva.

Abhi, If you enjoy DVD player as a source and believe that it is good ...then it is good indeed. Different people would have different opinion....forget all that ..and enjoy what you like Sub Boss, I agree with you on Marantz. Most budget CD players from Europe is not as good as Marantz (in my opinion). Marantz does not roll off highs like many budget players from Europe..but still manages to sound a bit euphonic (by actually coloring the sound through a very clever technic) or valve-like, while still retaining the detail & air. On the negative side....In comparision, Marantz might lack a bit in Dynamics...but thats okay, as a proper frequency balance is more important in my opinion. Cheers Siva. ________

Sivat thanks alot for reading my prefernces...

Btw when I made a statement that spending 3-4 folds wouldn't fetch a good CDP..Look at it

Philips DVDP = 3.5 K and 4 folds would be 15k??
tell me is there a player worth considering and when I did an A/B with some players costing 20k the diffrence was not too much, but when 40K CDP comes into comparision it was difrrent world altogether.. BTW if anyone contradicts this please do an A/B and let me know.Please don't include other A/B's here..only a comparo with Philips and as Viren wrote..it's too good ..yes I have done it and found one to be ahead by leaps and bounds and that is KI signature CDP with me and it surely makes a diffrence over Philips DVDP and it's class apart.Rest I give them a wide berth..or a burp rather..

it's like you graduate from Maruti 800 to zen?? or Zen carbon?? huh what big diffrence does it make...Lets see a baleno atleast by paying more to make sense.

SUB_BOSS schrieb:

it's like you graduate from Maruti 800 to zen?? or Zen carbon?? huh what big diffrence does it make...Lets see a baleno atleast by paying more to make sense.

not so great an analogy my friend
A lot of improvement to a zen..not in size and power , but in smoothness, gear shifting and handling comfort.. not including safety

not so great an analogy my friend A lot of improvement to a zen..not in size and power , but in smoothness, gear shifting and handling comfort.. not including safety

Not good your's too either to me.. You may find the thrills in ZEN over 800, but not me.Yes I do agree it has 200 cc more capacity,an extra cylinder, better suspension , smoother gear shifts, power assisted breaksetc. But does it justify the price diffrence is my question?? For me these diffrences are way too subtle. Yes I do agree Santro makes a valid diffrence.

I would prefer to stay with 800 and use Baleno ( KI sig )
Than using Zen which is a little better than 800.

P.S : I'm not telling you which CDP's are Zens here as people will pounce over me.. Cheers French Man

I would still stick to my initial statement..

An entry level NAD521BEE CDP (17k) beats almost any DVDP under 60k.

Its not a Baleno but it does qualify as an Ikon

No NAD 521 is like Esteem. a good three box saloon which has everything at a price.

Huh I don't have an enamour for Ikon..If it was a Josh macine then how come no private racer is using it on tracks..we know it's credidbilty.. My apologies to all Ikon owners here, My gang are all die hard motorists and do crazy things and we know what are worth and what not. BTW just for informatiom.. out of our group of 6 , 2 hold a record of travelling bangalore to delhi in 27 hours non stop and also covered 5000 kms in 5 days in a 87 model 800 with modded Esteem engine. Yes yes we have spent sleepless nights to do it up to withstand the beating in garages and pool in cash...Beleive me this one will suck away all big modded City's and Baleno's.

Dude's auto's I'm open to debate anytime..hehehe

No NAD 521 is like Esteem. a good three box saloon which has everything at a price.

I am talking about 521BEE which is a better variation of 521...and I would certainly place it above Esteem...buddy Esteem might have a good engine but thats it...they are outdated in most other respects. I couldnt find a car above Esteem and below Baleno so I called upon Ikon

BTW arent we (mainly you) getting too carried away with auto which we just used for analogy

abhi.pani schrieb:

I would still stick to my initial statement.. An entry level NAD521BEE CDP (17k) beats almost any DVDP under 60k. Its not a Baleno but it does qualify as an Ikon :)

Cayin CDT-17A

http://www.cayin.com/

This is a lovely CD Player.
Definately worth the money.
It is available in India @ Rs. 60/- K

It is a 'serious' audition candidate.
I have heard it several times & think it does a great job in a 'mid-fi set up'.

Bhagwan69

http://www.sparkaudio.com/ecp02.asp?id=141
[the web site for the player I mentioned]

Adopting the newest 24bit/192kHz current outputting style DAC PCM1792 designed by American BB Company for D/A conversion;
◆True wholly balance design.
◆Lowpass circuit adopts acoustics special operation OPA604 designed by American BB Company.
◆Adopt PHILIPS Cd7 li digital servo system.
◆Analog circuit and digital circuit use absolute power transformers and regulators systems for power supply. Use the effective toroid power transformer which are low magnetic leakage and specially manufactured for CAYIN CDT-17A.VFD lattice display, Aluminium and stainless steel panel that made the appearance looks luxury, and easy to arrange in group with different brand acoustics equipment. Adopt 2mm armor plate for the chassis, the driver are disposed in hermetical for dustproof.

Output level:2.3V ±0.5dB
●Frequency response:20Hz~20kHz ±0.5dB
●Distortion and noise:<-70dB
●S/N ratio:92dB
●Dynamic range:120dB
●Channel separation:-100dB
●Digital output characteristics:According to the IEC958 standard
●Power requirements:Refer to the indication on the rear panel
●Weight:16kg
●Dimension:440×390×130mm(W×D×H)
●Power consumption:40W

Is there life beyond NAD and Marantz? The Cayin CDP sounds like it's worth auditioning. Are there any more lesser talked about brands? I wonder if there is a Cadence of CDPs. Exceptional product - Excellent VFM.

Shahrukh schrieb:

Is there life beyond NAD and Marantz?

At the very entry level NO
Atleast not in India IMO. If there is then it would be a revealation to me as well.

Shahrukh schrieb:

Is there life beyond NAD and Marantz? The Cayin CDP sounds like it's worth auditioning. Are there any more lesser talked about brands? I wonder if there is a Cadence of CDPs. Exceptional product - Excellent VFM.

Our forum should be re-christianed 'NAD521 BEE fORUM'
That is all we talk about !!!!

To get a little more serious, there is no Cadence CD Player around, simply because there is no one that makes one in India.

Cadence is at the price it is, only because it is made in India.

If you had to look at Cadence Speakers prices Internationally, you would not touch them with a barge pole. They are ridiculous.

Actually Cadence used to distribute a brand 5 to 6 years back called Helios [France]. It used to make great CD Players. I had actually heard them @ Cadence many times & had the chance to audition their top of the line 'Stargate' in France - Avignon & it was a 'fabulous' digital machine. I had really liked it.

The cheaper options in the digital domain are DAC's from Benchmark. Great VFM products.

I also like CD Players from Primare & Cayin.
This model in particular :-

http://www.sparkaudio.com/ecp02.asp?id=141

I will think of more options & get back to you.

Bhagwan69

There is:
The arcam cd73 and the CA azur 640c v2.It all depends on your taste.

The arcam cd73 and the CA azur 640c v2.It all depends on your taste.

Very good ones and yes they are in the 35 and above price category which intersts me..