2. digital
  3. 1099609297

I want a change, but what?

I am using a Proceed CDD transport and a Audio Note One.1x dac. The digital cable is a Zu model I paid $70.00 new. I find the combination a little too laid back. I want more impact and detail. I was thinking of the new single box Audio Aero Prima 24/192. I don't need a voume control on the cd player, but I would like RCA and balanced outputs. I would like to spend under $1500.00 and used is preferred. I realize the new Prima 24/192 is more money and new. My system includes a Karan KAi180 integrated amp and Merlin VSM -M with a balanced bam. I have read the reviews about the Cairn Fog V2.0 with upsampler and the Arcam units that are in my price range. Arcam does not have balanced outs. Any info would be great.
stereo

Showing 4 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Read this and you might decide not to buy new, more expensive gear:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue15/modsnugent.htm

Also, your digital cable should be 1.5m long:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue14/spdif.htm
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
If you read the article, you will find that it is not poor transport design, but the manufacturer taking necessary steps to avoid failing FCC testing. After my mods, the transport can take a 1m cable, but stock transports have very slow risetimes, so the longer cable is necessary.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Tobias wrote: "Have you tested a good many stock transports to find that they all have the slow rise time "bug", or is there a "good" group? If so, is Stereo's Proceed in it? How about my own TEAC VRDS T1?"

Yes, I have modded a few different transports for customers, including:
Pioneer DV47A
Pioneer DV-09
Pioneer PD-65
Sony DVP-S7700
Sony DVP-S7000
Sony DVP-S9000es
Toshiba 3960
Toshiba SD6915
Electrocompaniet ECD-1
Philips 963SA

Have not modded a Proceed or the Teac, but all of them have similar problems that need fixing. There is no "good group" stock. The ones that turn out the best are the Pioneer DV47A or Ai and the Sony DVP-S7700. These can become truly world-class transports. The reason is the mechanisms and the lasers in them.

steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Stereo - 0.5m is a no-no. I cannot even use this length on my modded transports. Only the fastest risetime S/PDIF can use a 0.5m. Not surprised that it sounds worse.
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