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

Kenwood DP-660SG CD player

 

CD player with Remote Control

Features:

3-beam laser pick-up

Double oversampling digital filter

10-key input for direct track ccess

20-track random programme memory

Full-function infra-red remote control

Manual search

Track skip

Fluorescent display

Music Calendar programme display

Total/track playing time display

Track and programme number display

T.H.D. :  0,007%

Dynamic Range:  92 dB

 

JVC XL-V182 CD player

Compact Disc Player

Features:

1-bit P.E.M. D.D. Converter with Vans and fine pulse interface

8-times oversampling digital filter

DDRP (Dynamics Detection Recording Processor)

Smart random play

10 -key pad for direct track access

2-way edit function auto and programmed

Center-tray mechanism

15-track program chart

Program play of up to 32 tracks

4-way repeat; all tracks, single track, programmed tracks and random play

Auto/manual search

Enhanced Compu Link Control System

 

Specifications

System:  Compact disc player

Signal Detection:  Non-contact optical

Numbers of Channels:  2 channels

Frequency Response:  2 Hz - 20 kHz

Dynamic Range:  98 dB (1 kHz)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  106 dB (at digital 0)

Channel Separation:  94 dB (1 kHz)

Harmonic Distortion:  0,0025% (1 kHz)

Wow and Flutter:  lass than measurable limit

Output Level:  1,0 V RMS (full scale)

Number of Program Steps:  32 steps

Dimensions (W x H x D):  435 x 103 x 274 mm (17-3/16" x 4-1/16" x 10-13/16")

Weight:  3,3 kg (7,3 lbs)

 

Pioneer Elite PD-75 CD player

How a concept called the stable platter turned the CD upside down.

 

In airline pilots, brain surgeone, and CD players, steadiness is a pretty fundamental requirement. In the case of our newest CD player, the Elite PD-75, its rock-solid stability has rocked the world of music lovers and audio critics. As the reviews have rolled in and the awards have been bestowed, it is apparent that the standard for CD players has been advanced dramatically. Behind this success lies a principle that Elite has brilliantly exploited. The mechanical elements of a CD player are just as critical to its quality as its electronic components.

The first significant innovation to come out of this insight is at the heart of the PD-75. the stable platter.

Two basics of physics - mass and inertia - combine to make the stable platter an obviously superior platform to support a disc spinning at high velocity.

Next, the stable platter, by supporting the entire area of the CD disc, minimizes wobble and chatter.

A wobbling disc presents a difficult target for the laser, while a chattering disc creates resonance, distorting the signal, which distorts the sound.

Another problem for CDs is gravity. Spinning above the laser pickup and supported only in the center, the disc sags microscopically. Which to a laser beam is significant degradation.

But on the Elite CD platter, the disc is turned upside down - that is, label down, information side up. The disc lies firmly clamped to a solid surface. Meanwhile, the laser pickup reads the disc's digital code from above, where it is immune to dust settling on the laser optics.

 

Specifications

Type: Compact disc digital audio system

Channels:  2-channels Stereo

Frequency Response:  2 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  112 dB or more (EIAJ)

Dynamic Range:  98 dB or more (EIAJ)

Channel Separation:  108 dB or more (EIAJ)

Total Harmonic Distortion :  0,0018% or less (EIAJ)

Output Voltage:  2,0 V

Wow and Flutter:  limit of measurement (±0,001% W Peak) or less (EIAJ)

Balanced Type Audio Line Out:  2 V (600 Ω )

Power Requirements:  AC 110/120V; AC 220 - 230 V, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  30 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  459 x 330 x 130 mm (18-1/16" x 13" x 5-2/16")

Weight:  12,0 kg (26 lb 7 oz)

 

Denon DCD-2560 CD player

It's not just the technology; it's the application of the technology.

Denon's "Design Integrity" philosophy has always held that the way a technology is employed is as important as the technology itself.

To test this premise, Denon digital audio and studio recording engineers compare their own vast library of digital master tapes with the Compact Discs releases of the same material. This on-going listening and measurement research reveals that at present the finest CD quality can be obtained by the meticulous application of 20-bit digital-to-analog conversion.

Case in point; The DCD-2560 employs four separate DACs utilizing Denon's Lambda System Super Linear Converter technology to eliminate the aero-cross distortion and non-linearity that plagues conventional CD players, especially at low signal levels. Each Denon Super Linear Converter is factory hand-tuned for maximum resolution. In addition, Denon's unique half-sample interpolation system produces an effective 16x over-sampling rate to eliminate phase shift for a more accurate sound stage with true three-dimensional imaging.

20-bit SLC's enable Denon to offer Variable Pitch, which lets you compress recordings, tune your CD player to musical instruments, adjust tempo for dancing, create perfect segues while mixing, etc. Peak Search finds the point in a disc with the highest level to set recording levels most accurately. Auto Space inserts four second pauses between tracks to help locate selections. A Digital Fader fades recordings in and out while dubbing. Time Edit allows you to input the tape length you are using. Pick enhances this function by letting you rearrange the order of tracks for the best fit on the tape. Link extends the process over 2 CDs for longer tape lengths.

The critically-acclaimed Denon DCD-2560. a reaffirmation of one of life's oldest adages. It's not only whether you win the technology race, but also how you play the game.

 

Specifications

No. Of Channels: 2 channels

Frequency Response; 2 - 20,000 Hz

Dynamic Range:  100 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  116 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion:  0,0018% (1 kHz)

Separation:  110 dB (1 kHz)

Wow and Flutter:  Below measurable limit:  (±0,001% W peak)

Output Voltage:  2,0 V Variable 0 - 2 V

Power Requirements:  110 V, 20 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  20 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  434 x 122 x 360 mm (17-3/32" x 4-51/64" x 14-11/64")

Weight:  10,5 kg

Carver SD/A-490t CD player

Our ultra-advanced new SD/A-490t includes two vacuum tubes whose classic design has remained unchanged for over 50 years. We and many other critical listeners believe that this anachronistic addition to an already excellent CD player design significantly enhances its sound.

 

The amplifier that doesn't amplify - Between a CD player's D/A converter and external outputs is circuitry called a buffer amplifier which actually doesn't boost the signal strength at all. Instead, the buffer amp is a unity gain device which increases output current, and acts as a sort of electronic shock absorber, isolating the relatively fragile D/A chip set from the nasty outside world of demanding analog components.

 

Tubes versus Solid State -  More than 98% of all CD players use solid state deivces for buffer amplifiers. A handfull of hard-to-find, esoteric designs in the $1200to2500 range employ one or more tubes instead.  In ultra-expensive preamplifiers and power amplifiers, tube sound is subjectively described as "mellower", "warmer", "more open and natural" or simply "less harsh than solid state". Objectively, it's safe to say that tubes; - produce even-order distortion versus transistors odd-order distortion, particularly 3rd harmonics which are especially unpleasant to the ear; - act as a pure Class A device when used in a buffer stage (Class A outputs is considered the optimal amplifier configuration); - "Round off" the waveform when they clip, while over-driven solid state devices cut off sharply, causing audible distortion.

 

The SD/A-490t's output section - Our new CD player uses two 6DJ8 dual triodes placed between the digital-to-analog converter and a motorized volume control. Operated at less than 30% of their maximum capacity, the tubes achieve a highly linear output voltage with very low static and transient distortion while providing very high dynamic headroom. And because they're "loafing" at ⅓ their rated current capability, the SD/A-490t's tubes are designed to last the life of the CD player without replacement or need for adjustment.

 

An array of features as rich as its sound - We've designed the SD/A-490t to be both useful and easy to use. 21-key front panel or remote programming. Fixed and variable output. Programming grid display. Random "shuffle" play. Variable length fade. Automatic song selection to fit any length of tape. Even index programming for classical CD's. plus our proprietery Soft EQ circuitry which compensates for variables in special (L-R) information and midrange equalization found in many CD's mastered from analog tapes.

 

Specifications

Decoding:  1-bit linear, two channels

Frequency Response :  8 Hz - 20 kHz (+0,2 dB -1,0 dB  nominal)

De-emphasis Error:  +0,5 -1,0 dB Nominal

Output Level at 0 dB :  2,5 volts +_0,5V

Harmonic Distortion:  0,25% Nominal

Signal-to-Noise Ratio  104 dB Nominal

Channel Separation(EQ Off / On):  88 dB / 17 ±1,5 dB Nominal

Channel Balance at 1 kHz , 0 dB:  ±0,5 dB Nominal

Wow and Flutter:  Unmeasurable (quartz crystal accuracy)

Power Requirements:  120 V or 220 V 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  30 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  483 x 96 x 311 mm (19 " x 3,8" x 12,25")

Net Weight:  4,5 kg (9,941 lbs)