NEC CD-803 cd player

NEC CD-803 Compact Disc Digital Audio Player

The CD-803 is no ordinary CD player, or it is based on NEC's many years of experience in all major areas of electronics and communications engineering - digital, optical, semiconductor laser, electronics, communications and precision machinery. No other CD player manufacturer has the technological background of NEC, the reason why the CD-803 provides unusually good sound quality and reproduction accuracy. Serious audiophiles and audio critics are now discovering what we already know; the CD-803 is the best executed CD player on the market.

What is a Compact Disc Digital Audio System.

Compact Disc Digital Audio is a system whereby an original analog signal is converted into a digital signal - a series of 0's and 1's in the binary code. This information, stored in the form of microscopic pits on a flat disc, is retrived by an optical (laser) beam, and finally converted back into analog form by a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter. The piece of audio equipment that retrives digital information from a CD and converts it into an analog audio signal is a CD player. The CD system offers tremendous advantages over the conventional analog system. For instance, dynamic range and s/n ratio both exceed 90 dB, and channel separation is better than 70 dB across an audio band extending from 5 Hz to 20 kHz. No wonder audiophiles and serious music lovers throughout the world have been awestruck by this new source of ultimate fidelity music.

Ease of operation

The CD-803 enhances ease of operation every bit as much as it improves sound quality. Advanced computer control means that it takes only minutes to learn every operating feature. Simply insert a disc into the front-panel door and touch the Open/Close button. As the door quietly closes, the disc rotates for a few seconds to enter encoded program data into the memory, and then stops. Now, by just touching the feather-touch operating buttons, you are ready to enter the realm of digital sound.

Memory play of up to 99 selections.

Up to 99 selections (tracks) on a disc can be programmed for play in any order. Moreover, by pushing the Repeat button, you can replay programmed selections as many times as you want. The average time it takes to locate  a selection, or access track time, is only three seconds. For your convenience, when you've completed initial programming, you can confirm each programmed selection (its track number and order) on the display by just touching the Memo List button.

Digital-domain technology

A Compact Disc contains a sophisticated error correction signal. By extrapolation, it is possible to reconstruct the original digital pulses accurately in instances where some are unreadable. However, severe dropouts, caused by external noise or damage to the disc, may prove too much for the error correction system. This led NEC to develop a three-stage servo for the disc motor which accurately detects and corrects for dropouts. Faithful reproduction is assured.

Digital-analog interface technology

Digital signals are composites of both left and right channel information in alternating sequence. A switching circuit divides the composite signal  into its left channel and right channel components. For this purpose, NEC developed an electronic switch which allows high-speed switching at a rate 10 times faster than commonly used C-MOS devices or analog switches. This significantly lowers high-frequency distortion. With the NEC electronic switching system, the signal runs in parallel with the Circuit rather than in series (as is the case with other switches(, so signal integrity is maintained.

Analog-domain technology

Once digital signals are converted into analog by the D/A converter, the sampling frequency (44,1 kHz) and its harmonic components must be eliminated completely by a low-pass filter. Commonly used active and passive filters suffer phase-related distortion called group delay, which led NEC to develop the ND (Non-Delay) filter. It reduces group delay at 20 kHz to 1/25 the value of other filter designs and significantly reduces unwanted spurious-frequency response.

Specifications

Player Section

System:  Compact Disc digital audio Player

Pickup:  GaAlSi Semiconductor laser

Sampling Frequency:  44,1 kHz

Quantization 16-bits linear/channel

Channels:  2

Frequency Response:  5 Hz - 20,000 Hz (±0,5 dB)

Dynamic Range:  90 dB or more

Signal-to-Noise-Ratio:  90 dB or more

Total Harmonic Distortion:  0,01% or less (5 - 20,000 Hz)

Channel Separation:  70 dB or more (5 - 20,000 Hz)

Wow and Flutter:  Equal to crystal oscillator accuracy

Output Level

Fixed : 1,5 V, 470 Ω 

Variable :  0 - 1,5 V, 2,5 k Ω 

Program Search Function:  program number or sub-number

Memory Functions:  Random memory access to up to 99 programs

Access Time:  3 sec. average

Power Requirements:  100 /120 /220 /240 V AC, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  58 watts

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 150 x 360 mm

Weight:  12 kg

Disc Section

Playing Time (single-sided, 2-channel):  74 minutes 45 seconds maximum

Scanning Velocity (2-channel):  1,2 - 1,4 m/s

Rotation:  Counterclockwise

Track Pitch:  1,6 µm

Diameter of Disc:  120 mm (4,8 inches)

Thickness of disc: 1,2 mm (0,0048 inch)

Diameter of Center Hole:  15 mm (0,6 inch)

Starting Diameter of program Area:  50 mm (2 inches)

 

Krell KAV-280cd player

Compact Disc Player

The Krall KAV-280cd establishes a new high standard of performance and value among high-end compact disc players. Incorporating an advanced disc transport mechanism (compatible with CD-R and CD-RW media), premium digital circuitry, Class A analog circuitry, and sophisticated high-linearity power supply, the KAV-280cd delivers performance unequalled by many more expensive players. It is the ideal CD player for the serious music lover.

 

Two 24-bit ultra-high-resolution digital-to-analog converters per channel provide fully balanced operation with exceptional reproduction quality. The analog stage features Krell Current Mode, discrete Class A, direct-coupled, fully complementary circuitry.

 

The KAV-280cd has both Toslink optical and coaxial digital output. 12 VDC trigger input/output ports enable connections for remote power on/off. An RC-5 interface is provided for remote control system integration. A convenient slimline handheld remote control is included.

 

Specifications

Frequency Response:  20 - 20,000 Hz +0 dB _0,5 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  103 dB A-weighted

Total Harmonic Distortion:  -82 dB (20 - 20,000 Hz)

D/A Converters:  4 Burr-Brown PCM-1704 24-bit devices

Digital Audio Output:  1 coaxial

Remote Control:  1 handheld unit; 1 12 VDC in/out (12 V trigger); 1 RC-5 input

Dimensions (W x H x D):  438 x 88 x 413 mm (17,25" x 3,45" x 16,25")

Weight:  6,1 kg (13,5 lb)

 

C.E.C. CD3300R CD player

State-of-the-art Cl and LEF technologies

Cl(Current Injection) is a landmark technology for shortening the signal path, improving the sound quality and measurement specs significantly. The eftective simplicity of Cl requires a non-feedback-loop amplifier. While Cl replaces the voltage amplifier, LEF guarantees the best performance of the current amplifier with low THD. The both technologies complement each other and overcome the limitations of traditional Op-amps to a better standard of music reproduction. The unique combination of Cl and LEF single-ended class A technologies in only one amplifier per balanced analog output state provides you with today's best possible sound quality. The amplifier section runs without overall negative feedback, and the amplifier creates no dynamic distortions.

 

Advanced D/A conversion

PCM1796 with balanced current output applied in the CD3300R is one of the latest Burr-Brown's DACS compatible with 24bit/192kHz. A multi-bit ladder-type design is ingeniously combined with a Delta-Sigma design to create a new hybrid advanced segment converter with superior dynamic range.

 

Attention to the power supply

A stable power supply is essential for high-quality sound reproduction. A toroidal power transformer provides completely separated power supplies for the CD drive and for the D/A conversion for the best performance. The detachable AC power cord can be changed to suit particular sound tastes.

 

Digital output

In addition to a coaxial and an optical digital outputs, the CD3300R also has an AES/EBU(XLR) digital output, enabling connection to a wide range of digital devices including external D/A converter and digital recording device like CD recorder.

 

Analog output

In addition to the conventional unbalanced RCA analog output, a balanced XLR output is applied for the best performance in CD3300R due to a truly balanced and full difterential signal proceeding.

 

Specifications CD3300R

Playable Disk:  music CD & finalized CD-R/RW

Frequency Response:  20 Hz - 20 kHz ±0,3 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
XLR : 101 dB

RCA : 92 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion
XLR : 0.008%

RCA : 0.010%

Channel Separation
XLR : >better than100 dB

RCA : better than 90 dB

Dynamic Range:  95,5 dB

DAC:  Burr-Brown PMC1796 x 1

Analog Output
XLR x 1

RCA x 1

Digital Output:

AES/EBU x 1

Coaxial x 1

TOS LINK x 1

Headphones Output:  6.3 mm (15-150 Ω)

Power Supply:  AC 120V/230V, 60/50Hz (specified on rear panel)

Power Consumption:  10 W

Dimension (W x D x H):  435 x 310 x 101 mm (include legs & jacks)

Weight:  4.6kg

Accessories:  Remote controller, AC power cord, Owner's Manual

Color:  Black / Silver

 

Marantz CD-40 CD player

Compact Disc Player CD-40, features:

Dual 16-bit DAC for high linearity and wide dynamic range capability

Four-times oversampling digital filter

Integrated stabilized power supplies for cleaner sound

Fully-floating CDM-4 pivoted swing-arm laser mechanism with improved servo control for rapid track access and improved trackability

Smooth motorized push-to-play disc tray accepts CD singles without adapter

Total Track/Remaining Time display

20-track random programming

24-key remote control including volume

High-impact polystyrene "honeycomb" chassis gives cleaner, tighter sound

Automatic Music Scan {AMS)

Random (Shuffle) play

Headphone output

 

 

Specifications

Frequency Range:  2 Hz - 20 kHz at 0,3 dB limits  (±0,1 dB)

Dynamic Range:  better than 96 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  better than 102 dB

Channel Separation:  better than 100 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion (Including noise):  0,0025%

Intermodulation Distortion (at Max. Output):  better than 90 dB

Phase Linearity:  ±0,5°

Wow and Flutter:  Quartz precision

D/A Converter:  2 x 16 bit

Audio Output Level (at msb):  2 V RMS

Headphone Output:  Yes
Four Times Oversampling:  Yes

Power Supply: 110 - 240 V AC

Dimensions (W x H x D):  420 x 100 x 280 mm

Net Weight:  4 kg

 

JVC XL-Z1010NT CD player

Compact Disc Player - K2Interface. Revealing possibilities at the source

Changing the digital code on a CD into music requires that a digital-to-analog converter choose 1 of 65,536 possibilities every 1/44,100th of a second.

It's commonly assumed that digital signal is composed of 1's and 0's, each represented by the presence or absence of a square-shaped pulse. But the fact of the matter is, a digital signal contains ripple - a type of distortion that changes the shape of a waveform - and jitter, components that move the timing of a pulse forward or behind.

These "non-Code" components can result in a sound that differs from the intent of the digital source. The K2 interface solves this problem by completely regenerating the digital signal. At the heart of the K2 interface is essentially an ultra-high-speed camera with a shutter speed of 20 nanoseconds (20 billionths of a second). Based on these quick snap-shots, it recreates the digital signal as a perfect square wave.

Providing a perfect signal to the D/A converter allows for accurate reproduction of all the nuances such as sound staging and depth. As a matter of fact, in many ways both frequency range and dynamic range are expended. High frequencies sound clearer. There is a heightened sense of the power in the mid-to-low-frequency range.

Music seems to acquire more depth and width, providing clear images of instruments and voices. Overall, sound is smoother and more natural across the audio spectrum.

Precision D/A Converter System Using Four D/A Units.

The XL-Z1010TN features two D/A converter units for each channel - four in all. There is a 16-bit converter for the most significant bits and a 2-bit converter for the two least significant bits. Since the least significant bits have greatest bearing on the sound quality at low level, JVC uses an elaborate discrete D/A converter system for these bits to ensure higher precision. All four converters operate with 18 bits "full Time" whether the level is high or low. Our "quadruple full-time linear 18-bit combination D/A converter" allows you to enjoy digital sound at its most delicate and dynamic.

 

Specifications

Number of Channels:  Two

Converter:  16-bit

Sampling Frequency:  8-fold oversampling, 352,8 kHz

Outputs :
Analog:  2 V
Digital (Coaxial) : 0,5 Vp-p / 75 Ω 

Frequency Response:  2 Hz - 20 kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion :  0,003%

Dynamic Range:  99 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  better than 108 dB

Distortion Factor:  0,003% (1 kHz)

Channel Separation:  better than 102 dB (1 kHz

Power Requirements: 220 -240 V 50/60 Hz

Dimensions (W x H x D):  435 x 115 x 375 mm

Weight:  7,4 kg

 

Philips LHH-1000 CD player

Philips Compact Disc Player LHH U00

The Philips Reference Series LHH 1000 is now the standard by which other compact disc players will be measured. Other companies may claim state-of-the-art technology but the world's most particular audiophiles-Philips engineers- have achieved it, designing a technological masterpiece that is as pure and complete as any Mozart sonata.

A limited edition - and in strictly limited quantities the Philips LHH 1000 says much about the people who designed the system and the discerning buyer. It says only the best will do ...only a level of excellence attained after years of dedication to achieving the finest musical reproduction possible.

 

Every component of the Philips LHH 1000 is hand chosen for maximum performance. At the heart of the separate digital-to-analog converter and digital filter are special Select Grade TDA-1541 "AS -1" chips with four times oversampling that realize a startling 15,75 bits of resolution from the 16 bits available in the compact disc format. The highest resolution yet achieved in compact disc. Linearity error and distortion barely register. In fact, ail specifications are where you would expect them to be-at the top of their class.

The separate transport section features the professional quality, broadcast standard Philips CDM-1 mechanism made of die cast aluminum alloy. An extremely accurate single beam laser pickup floats on a Radialinear swinging arm that improves tracking ability and offers faster track-to- track access times. And, of course, the LHH 1000 has the renowned Philips Favorite Track Selection (FTS) system to program your entire CD collection. Connections between the Reference Compact Disc Player System (DAC and transport) can be made with coaxial or optical fiber cable with diamond polished connectors. This ensures 100 percent error free transmission of digital data, resulting in truly lifelike, distortion -free sound. 

 

The utmost thought and care went into every aspect of the LHH 1000. There are no plastic parts anywhere in the chassis assembly. The elegant looks belie durable and rugged construction that is second to none.

A sophisticated Learning Type Universal remote control is capable of learning 150 functions from other remotes. LCD readouts complements the system to provide complete fingertip control of this state-of-the-art CD player.

There is no question: the Philips LHH 1000 has set the gold standard for CD technology. It is the finest compact disc player currently available, for people with no tolerance for imperfection.

 

Specifications

Frequency Response:  20 - 20,000 Hz ±0,1 dB

Phase Linearity:  ±0,2 degrees

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  better than 101 dB

Dynamic Range:  better than 96 dB

Channel Separation:  better than 100 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion:  less than 0,015% at 1 kHz

Ultrasonic Noise Rejection:  better than 60 dB

Analog Output level:  2 V rms, typical 1 kHz, all bits on

Dimensions (W x H x D)

Transport LHH-1001 :  17-/8" x 4-1/8" x 13-5/8"

D/A Coverter LHH-1002 :  as above

Weight:  62 lbs (combined)

Remote Control :  RC-5 Compatible

 

Philips CD960 CD player

Philips Compact Disc Player CD 960

A signal-to-noise ratio of 100 dB. Dynamic range of96 dB. Channel separation greater than 100 dB. These are just a few of the superb specifications of the Philips CD 960 compact disc player, a player that offers audiophile -quality sound for the most demanding listener. 

 

From its elegant design to the superior chip architecture of the digital-to-analog converter, the CD 960 is truly world class. Philips, the inventor of the compact disc, has been constantly refining CD technology. The specially -selected high -resolution version of the acclaimed TDA 1541-A dual 16 -bit converter chip incorporated into the CD 960 is the culmination of those efforts. Coupled with a digital filter with four times oversampling that effectively eliminates any unwanted ultra -sonic noise, the CD 960 is a compact disc player that will become the center piece of your audio system.

 

Complementing the sophisticated digital engineering is superior analog circuitry including third -order Bessel filters, "Elna Cerafine" ceramic powder capacitors and four separate power supplies to eliminate unwanted interference. And all circuits are mounted on a massive, 4.4 pound non resonant, die-cast alloy chassis. Even the disc transport is die-cast aluminum alloy guaranteeing the single beam, broadcast -quality CDM-1 laser pick-up will track accurately and quickly with fast track access averaging less than one second!

Simple to operate-with a full -function remote-the Philips CD 960 has won accolades from the enthusiast press around the world. The CD 960 is a superior example of the art. of musical engineering, one that could only come from the originator of digital audio.

 

Specifications

Frequency Response:  20 - 20,000 Hz ±0,1 dB

Phase Linearity:  ±0,2 degrees

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  better than 101 dB

Dynamic Range:  better than 96 dB

Channel Separation:  better than 100 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion:  less than 0,015% at 1 jhz

Ultrasonic Noise Rejection:  better than 60 dB

Analog Output level:  2 V rms, typical 1 kHz, all bits on

Dimensions (W x H x D):  16-3/4" x 4" x 15-1/4"

Weight:  21 lbs

 

Stax CDP Quattro II CD player

Super High Resolution Compact Disc Player

 

Advanced DA conversion and 8-times oversampling/18-bit digital filtering bring to life the full potential of the 44,1 kHz, 16-bit CD format as never before. Its high fidelity and complete lack of coloration or "digital harshness" make this the CD player for analog diehards.

By no mean are all CD players that feature 18-bit processing and 8-times oversampling alike. The Stax technology and know-how that go into the Quattro II mean more polish and overall audio output closer than ever before to the ambience of a live performance.

Terminal facilities like a Direct Out with no analog filter and a buffer-equipped Variable Out represent the absolute state-of-the-art. In digital audio technology.

But more revealing than any discussion of the technical merits of this unit will be a listening test with your favorite CDs played on the Stax Quattro II CD player.

 

Specifications

Frequency Response:  20 - 20,000 Hz

Total Harmonic Distortion

DC - 8 kh :  0,0015%

8 kHz - 20 kHz / 0 dB  :  0,002%

At 1 kHz / -20 dB :  0,015% 

At 1 kHz / -60 dB  :  1,4 % 

Dynamic Range:  104 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio :  118 dB

Cross Talk :  -120 dB

Output Voltage:

Fixed Out :  2,2 V

Variable Out :  0 - 2,2 V

Power Supply:  117 V, 50/60 Hz

Dimensions (W x H x D):  440 x 144 x 402 mm

Weight:  10 kg

 

Sherwood CDP-100 cd player

The compact disc just may be the most heart-stopping concept in sound since stereo. But the most heart-stopping feature of compact disc players has been their price. Now, with Sherwood's CDP-100, you can relax about money and really get excited about sound.

A tradition of affordable excellence.

Sherwood is well-known for high-quality audio products at affordable prices. And our new CD player is no exception. While others were still on first generation models, we combined advanced second-generation performance with a no-nonsense array of useful features. And we did it in a way that not only makes sense, but saves you dollars as well.

Three laser beams for better tracking.

Most CD players use only one laser beam. Sherwood put a three-beam laser into the CDP-100, because a three-beam system virtually eliminates distortion caused by spurious data from adjacent tracks.

Two filters, not one.

All CD's require filters, because the decoding of digital sound generates a sampling frequency which must be filtered out, or distortion will be heard.

Other CD players use one way steep analog filter; this can cause phase distortion. Sherwood's answer is to use a digital filter to double the sampling frequency, then use a more gentle type of analog filter for reduced phase distortion. The result; better sound at less cost.

Easy-to-use functional controls

Inserting a disc is easy, thanks to a "smart" motorized drawer under microprocessor operation. It even knows if you accidentally put the disc in upside down.

You can easily access any selection, and there's a two-speed fast forward and backward, so you can listen while you quickly locate the spot you want to bear. You can even set the CDP-100 to repeat the entire disc for continuous music.

 

 

Onkyo DX-7500 cd player

Onkyo DX-7500 is a fully featured Compact Disc player. It features dual 18-bit D/A converters with eight-times oversampling at 352,8 kHz. The player also makes extensive use of optical signal transmission and isolation techniques.

Onkyo's Opto-Drive system is claimed to completely eliminate any electromagnetic interference from the outputs of D/A converters by using phototransitors instead of diodes to regulate the power-supply voltage to the converts. Optical coupling between the digital and analog circuitry of the DX-7500 eliminates the possibility that digital signals could leak into the analog sections and degrade the output quality. The analog audio outputs are supplemented by two digital outputs - electrical and optical - for use with an external D/A converter.

In addition to its internal sophistication , the DX-7500 offers almost every feature one could hope to find in a CD player. Besides the usual operating functions, including repeat of a track, disc, or any selected portion , it has a Time Editing feature that determines how many tracks can be accommodated on each side of a tape cassette.

The memory system can be programmed to play up to twenty tracks of a CD in any order, and a Memory Edit feature allows the program to be modified at any time. The player haas a shuffle-play mode, in which all the tracks on a disc are played back in a random order. It also provided direct keypad access to any numbered track.

 

Specifications

Signal Readout System:  Optical non-contact

Reading Rotation:  About 500 - 200 rpm (constant linear velocity)

Linear Velocity:  1,2 - 1,4 m/s

Error Corection System:  Cross Interleave Raedsolomon Code

Decoded Hits:  18 bits linear

Sampling Frequency:  352,8 kHz (eight-times oversampling

Number of Channels:  2 (stereo)

Frequency Response:  5 Hz - 20 kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion:  0,0015% (at 1 kHz)

Dynamic Range:  103 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 110 dB

Channel Separation:  103 dB ( at 1 kHz)

Wow and Flutter: below threshold of measurability

Output Level: 2 V RMS

Power Consumption:  23 watts

Dimensions (W x H x D):  435 x 131 x 365 mm (17-1/8" x 5-1/8" x 14-7/16")

Weight:  8,8 kg (19,4 lbs)

 

Kenwood DP-1100SG

CD Player with Optical Digital Output

Special Features:

Twin linear full-bit DACs with Digital Pulse Axis Control

4-times oversampling digital filter

Totally separate digital/analogue circuits and power supplies with twin transformers

Multi-insualation system with Dyna-Pneumatic Suspension

Optimum Servo Control type III

3-beam laser pick-up

High-rigidity structure with diecast pick-up frame

Internal optical coupling

Full function infrared remote control

Rapid durect play system with +10 - +50 keys and 10-key input

4 play modes;Track, Program, Time, Single

Compu-Time Edit function

5-mode real-time display

20-track random programme memory

A-B section repeat

Index search

Optical/coaxial output

 

Specifications

Type:  Compact disc plyer

Read System:  Non-contact optical pickup

Laser:  GaAlAs, wave lenght = 780 nm, 3-beam tracking

Rotational Speed:  about 500 to 200 rpm

Error Correction:  Cross Interleave Read-Solomon code

Audio Channel:  two

Frequency Response:  4 Hz - 20 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio :  more than 108 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion :  0,001% at 1 kHz

Channel Separation:  more than 106 dB at 1 kHz

Wow and Flutter:  below measurable limit

Output Voltage:

Analog Outputs

Line Out Fixed :  2,0 V

Line Out Variable :  0 - 2,0 V

Digital Output

Coax Cable Terminal :  0,5 V p-p, 75 Ω

Optical Output:  -15 dBm …. -25 dBm

Headphone Jack:  60 mW (8 Ω )

Power Consumption:  23 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  440 x 124 x 360 mm (17-5/16" x 4-7/8" x 14-3/16")

Weight:  11,8 kg (26 lb)

California Audio Labs Tercet CD player

 California Audio Labs Tercet is an affordable reference quality compact disc player incorporating Waveshaping. Having established new reference benchmarks in CD performance with our tempest, and Aria, we looked to see whether what we had learned could be applied to an affordable or "budget audiophile" CD player.

The majority of today's compact disc players suffer from one or more of the following; glare, hardness, brightness; lack of dimension; and lack of focus. The design research we do at California Audio Labs helps us to understand why these things occur, and how to eliminate them from interfering with the music. With the Tercet we started with 16 bit, 4x oversampling and added our Waveshaping circuit which shapes and aligns the timing of the digital pulses before they arrive at the Digital to Analog converter. Waveshaping negates the spurious third to seventeenth order harmonics which are what create some of that glare, edge, hardness, and lack of focus and dimension found in other players.

 

Next we designed an audiophile quality analog stage, featuring a large, separate power supply and selected components from Monster Cable, Wima, and Sidereal, in a circuit design that is a leap forward in performance for the budget audiophile. The Tercet's unprecedented smoothness from one end of the frequency extreme to the other, the sense of three-dimensionally and focus is superseded only by out Aria, and Tempest II.

 

Other manufacturers have had varying success with the reduction of the edge and glare in their players, but have yet to achieve as great a sense of "being there". What separates the Tercet from those players, aside from it's superior tonal neutrality, is imaging, that sense of attending a live concert, imaging is the illusion in your 're seeing the separate and distinct positions of the performance and instruments, on the stage. This depth, width, and height is a representation that only the best players can extract from compact discs.

If the players you've auditioned or owned don't achieve this sensation bring some of your favorite discs, and perhaps your own player into your local California Audio Labs  dealer and compare the Tercet. There's a whole new world out there waiting for your ears, and as we know, all the world's a stage.

 

 

California Audio Labs Aria CD player

 Because of the revolutionary transformations in CD performance available through the inclusion of Waveshaping cicuitry, California Audio Labs has been able to design a tube/solid-state hybridCD player offering near-Tempest performance at a greatly reduced price. Called the Aria , this new CD player uses vacuu, tubes in the most critical areas, thus retaining the foremost features which distinguish California Audio Labs CD players from all others.

Using the latest 16-bit, 4x over-sampling technology as the basis for the Aria, California Audio Labs has integrated tube analog circuity with an entirely new design, as with the Tempest II, the circuit operates in Class-A mode and the de-emphasis is passive. Because of the inclusion of the Waveshaping circuitry, the Aria offers improved low level resolution, better imaging capabilities, and greater tonal accuracy.

Other details include separate power supplies for both the analog and digital stages, carefully selected components from leading suppliers like Gold Aero, Sidereal and Tiffany, and the use of high quality linear-crystal cable, for internal wiring. The handsomely-styled Aria comes complete with built-in , full-function remote control.

The Aria will enable even greater numbers of music lovers to experience the benefits of Waveshaping and tube technology . It is the affordable state-of-the-art..

 

 

 

California Audio Labs Tempest II CD player

 When plans for the Tempest were originally conceived, we knew that our player would require more than the mere modification of an existing unit. Having already selected the best available laser transport and digital technology, we integrated them with our optically coupled all-tube analog circuit. The Tempest II's analog stage is a full triode, pure Class-A design, and uses no overall negative feedback, and neither transistors nor integrated circuits contaminate the signal path. Other circuit details included passive deemphasis, the elimination of gain stages for a further reduction of noise-induced distortion, separate power supplies for the digital and analog sections, and a Class-A triode current-to-voltage converter. 

 

Naturally, the Tempest II features our Waveshaping circuitry, thus guaranteeing that the signal fed into the analog stages is as coherent and accurate as possible.

To ensure the reliability of the Tempest II as well as its performance, we have specified only the finest components. Tubes are supplied by Gold Aero, connectors are by Tiffany and internal wiring consists of high quality linear-crystal cable.

 

The combination of novel circuitry, attention to detail, parts specified to laboratory standards, as well as through subjective design input and assessment blend together to form the California Audio Labs Tempest II. It is the CD player of choice for music lovers the world over.

 

 

Sony CDP-690 cd player

Compact Disc Player

 

Specifications

Frequency Response:  2 Hz - 20,000 Hz ±0,5 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  more than 102  dB

Dynamic Range:  more than 95 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion:  less than 0,005%

Channel Separation:  more than 95 dB

Outputs Level/Impedance

Line Out :  2 V (at 50 k Ω)  / over 10 k Ω

Digital Out (Optical) :  Wave Length 660 nm /output level -18 dBm

Phones :  max 15 mW / 32 Ω

Power Requirements:  120 V AC, 50 Hz

Power Consumption:  14 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 100 x 280 mm (17" x 4" x 11-7/8")

Weight:  3,7 kg (8 lb 3 oz)

Kenwood DP-990SG CD player

 

CD player with Digital Output

Features:

Coaxial digital output

Twin linear full-bit DACs (L/R ch) with Digital Pulse Axis Control

4-times oversampling digital filter

Totally separate digital/analogue circuits and power supplies with twin transformers

Multi-insulation system with Dyna-Pneumatic Suspension

Optimum Servo Control type III

3-beam laser pick-up

High-rigidity structure with diecast pick-up frame

Full-function infra-red remote control

Rapid direct play system with +10 -+50 keys and 10-key input

4-play mode: Track, program, Time, Single

Compu-Time Edit function

5-mode real-time display

20-track random program memory

A-B section repeat

Index search

T.H.D. :  0,0015%

Dynamic Range:  96 dB

 

Specifications

Pick Up Type:  Optical

Lasser Type:  semiconductor

Signal Quantixation:  16-bit linear

Conversion Rate:  88,2 kHz (2 x oversampling)

Sampling Frequency:  44,1 kHz

Channel Modulation Code:  EFM (Eigh to Fourteen Moudiation)

Number of channel:  two

Frequency Response:  2 Hz - 20 kHz ±0,3 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0,0015%

Channel Separation:  105 dB

Dynamic Range:  96 dB

Wow and Flutter: under unmeasurable linit

Line Output Level/Impedance:  2,0 V/110 Ω

Headphone Output Level/Impedance:  25 mW/32 Ω

Power Requirements:  220 V, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  23 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  440 x 105 x 313 mm

Weight:  5,9 kg