Every time I want to replace a component, I just turn the volume up a little bit to make it sound better and I'm happy again.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Great comment! 😀
@michaeltownsend429
Жыл бұрын
You need something that goes up to 11 then 😉
@GeirRssaak
11 ай бұрын
I like your attitude! You are a healthy person!
@purplerider2362
8 ай бұрын
At my age the sound need to be up a lot
@max.upbeat
8 ай бұрын
The audiophile community declares you the winner of the loudness war.
@ZERO-CAPACITANCE
8 ай бұрын
What an excellent subject matter and presentation. This is the standard for all KZitem technical audio discussions.
@PearlAcoustics
8 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@Rendon276
6 ай бұрын
Many presenters fail to live up to the standard.
@graemeking7336
Ай бұрын
I am happy with my simple little Panasonic cd micro system. Truly i am blessed
@PearlAcoustics
Ай бұрын
Absolutely! It’s all about the music first.
@Gma7788
7 күн бұрын
You probably bought it second hand as well.
@g.d.1722
Жыл бұрын
I appreciate the detailed and thoughtful work you're doing in this comparo. These are questions that a lot of us have had for decades and they can only be answered to a good level of satisfaction after a considerable investment in time and equipment. So, thank you!
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, you’re very kind. I appreciate your comment very much.
@SignorZukini
Жыл бұрын
Every video on this channel feels like yet another relaxed afternoon with a good friend talking about the subjects I most enjoy. Keep up the good work!
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thank you 🙏
@shannonhamilton4039
9 ай бұрын
i feel like i need some Makers and a little bit of jazz in the background.
@jeremiahchamberlin4499
Жыл бұрын
Valuable test; I’m glad one of the reviewers stuck with the Phillips unit until the end, I feel sure the engineers put a great deal of effort into it. I appreciate the fact your friend loaned it for the exercise.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
🙏 indeed it was great to see the Philips keep up with the new ones, after all these years
@Gma7788
7 күн бұрын
Well Mr Calson on KZitem points out that over time components shift in value and must be maintained every few years.
@laika25
11 ай бұрын
What's really impressive is that that 1989 Philips was fitted with such capable DAC. Kudos to the Dutch!
@PearlAcoustics
11 ай бұрын
And the Belgian technical design team 😉
@GeirRssaak
11 ай бұрын
You are so right!
@stephens2984
5 ай бұрын
is not surprising when you consider that cd audio system was developed by philips.
@Gma7788
7 күн бұрын
@@stephens2984 Israel 🇮🇱
@danriley3064
Жыл бұрын
Fantastic video, especially the findings when using the external DAC. Thank you and looking forward to part 3.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it Dan.
@xstensl8823
Жыл бұрын
so glad i made it to 73 where everything sounds good
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
😀
@gabrielbacca381
Жыл бұрын
I've watched this video while having breakfast this morning. The coffee went cold. I was at the edge of my seat. It was really helpful, especially to streamline my future equipment investments: 1> immediately upgrade my coaxial cable || 2> separate pre-amplifier || 3> A better DAC, in the long-term, I just got a new one a few months back. Thanks so much for this. Your take and approach has been superb in all the videos of your channel. I've learned so much. Thanks.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Gabriel, sorry your coffee went cold! 😉 so glad you find them useful
@sebastianbachert9528
Жыл бұрын
I'm still listening to my Harman/Kardon HD760. It was built at the end of the nineties and costed originally 1300DM. Nowadays around 1000€. I bought it from eBay five years ago for about 100€. It always sounded good, but after connecting it to a real NF-cable (Transparent Music Link Plus) it started singing. What a glory! And I prefer the sound of the DAC inside the Harman over the DAC-sound of my Cambridge Audio 851n azur streamer/network player/ DAC. That's why I still listen to the analogue output stage of the Harman. ;-) Best regards from Germany and thank very much!
@jdekong3945
Жыл бұрын
got the 710 and I really cannot complain
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Sebastian. Glad you enjoyed it. And thanks too for your contribution to the discussion
@Gma7788
7 күн бұрын
@@jdekong3945 Unacceptable comment for 2024 internet era. Describe what happens over 5 hours.
@jdekong3945
7 күн бұрын
@@Gma7788 what on earth are you talking about?
@Unker_Spunkanathan
Жыл бұрын
Yet another interesting video. Thank you, Harley! My take on modern DAC - two main areas on where it really matters 1. the quality of the power supply to the various stages 2. the 'sound' of the output/gain/buffer stage. Opamps or discrete parts add a lot of flavours to the eventual sound, more than the different DAC used
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks. Very interesting comment
@r423sdex
Жыл бұрын
The last thing you want is something adding flavour. All you want is high fidelity, no noise and distortion. Otherwise it's being added to all the music.
@nehocm123
Жыл бұрын
@@r423sdex Apparently, some audiophiles like to have a bit of hiss and some other forms of distortion and noise, as you get from tubes and phono cartridges. Exact replication of digital masters is not favored by all.
@Unker_Spunkanathan
Жыл бұрын
@@PearlAcoustics perhaps you can consider updating the philips by changing out the opamps (5532?) and put into sockets so you can use some newer opamps such as opa16xx etc. You'll probably feel a veil lifted initially but can be a bit too clinical for some. Still, you can easily reinstate the original opamps with the sockets
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
@@Unker_Spunkanathan thanks for the suggestion. But it was loaned to me for the test! 😉
@jlaurson
11 ай бұрын
Good lord, I love everything about this video. I've on occasion dreamt f setting up similar such comparisons myself -- but never quite managed to go through with it. And wouldn't have been able to, at this level.
@PearlAcoustics
11 ай бұрын
Thank you. That’s very kind. I have to tell you it was quite some work, it took way more time and effort than I intended. So comments like yours make it all worthwhile. 🙏
@manitoublack
Жыл бұрын
As expected. If using a digital out (coaxial or optical) and the player is providing an uncorrupted data stream; use whatever you want. No point wasting cash any anything special, as the DAC/Amp/AVR will do the heavy lifting. So get a DAC/Amp/AVR that you like the sound profile of. Awesome test and looking forward to part 3. Jordan
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Jordan!
@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145
Жыл бұрын
Harley, you just nailed a lot here. Please keep on producing such great videos for us. So fascinating. ❤
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I will try to keep them coming 😉
@conkelleher8454
Жыл бұрын
Have to agree with CG below, 2 great videos and very much looking forward to the third. Great that you included what happens when external dac is used and glad with the conclusions of your panel. Thank you Harley for making and sharing these very insightful videos with us. Much appreciated.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Hi Con, the pleasure is all mine! So pleased you enjoy our videos. Of course, I only do the research and the talking, my colleague Ajay does the back room editing stuff! 😉
@conkelleher8454
Жыл бұрын
@@PearlAcoustics Do pass on my application to Ajay.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
@@conkelleher8454 I certainly will. Thanks!
@spec1923
Жыл бұрын
I remember the old argument of single beam laser pickup vs 3 beam laser pickup, when in reality it was just a mirror splitting the single into 3 beams anyway. Good video. I think you are right. Most any CD player collects the same high quality digital signal from the disc. The DAC is where the sound difference comes in.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your appreciation and your comment
@Unfunny_Username_389
9 ай бұрын
A rigorous and excellent comparative review - and one that should set the standard for others. I often ask audiophiles about why they prefer one component over another, and ask them if they have ever blind switch tested them. They never have....
@PearlAcoustics
9 ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind appreciation and comment
@georgedyson9754
9 ай бұрын
I remember a few years ago when wine was blind tested, and the result was anything but expected! Many of the newer wine producing countries were preferred over the older European producers, much to their chagrin! Of course, it is very subjective, and I suppose ultimately it is what the market prefers which could well be influenced by price not only taste, that is most important if you want to sell a lot of it!. I know myself that I have purchased expensive wine on occasion and not always really impressed by its flavour and quite frankly could have picked the local Sainsbury's plonk in a blind test. You may realise that I am no oenophile! Could this also be true of the audiophile who is used to listening to music that sounds characteristic of the types of players they themselves have bought?
@Unfunny_Username_389
9 ай бұрын
@@georgedyson9754 I would probably guess so. In their defence, however, a blind switch sort of test like the one in this video can be difficult to replicate. Still, ime, even a quick and dirty blind test with some missing steps can still be very revealing.
@andrewbrazier9664
Жыл бұрын
My 1st cd player was one of the earlyish Yamaha "natural sound " models. It was paired with a Nad 3020 amplifier & B&W stand mount speakers It was very musical 🎶 👍 🇬🇧
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
👍
@HTimm-gz9mk
8 ай бұрын
Very interesting test! I came to the same conclusion a few years ago after buying a very expensive T+A SACD player and couldn't hear any difference to my 1988 Technics CD player. Thank you for this professional review.
@PearlAcoustics
8 ай бұрын
You’re very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it
@Gma7788
7 күн бұрын
Foolish. Your statement wasn't acceptable for 2024. Over time, what happened? What happened in the 1st hour? What happened in the 5th hour? What happened in the 8th hour of use? I think you're full of lies.
@patbarr1351
Жыл бұрын
This was very worthwhile, Harley! I've found that each of the 4 or 5 disc spinners I've owned each had a distinct personality & their distinctive sound took at least a few days to reveal itself. Most were enjoyable, especially my '90's vintage Harman/Kardon which sounded a lot like the reviewer in Stereophile wrote (impressive bass extension). I kept the H/K over 12 years, but I recall that the new $150USD Sony SACD player that replaced "Lady H/K" sounded a bit thin when I bought it. A year & a half later, it still sounded fairly anemic on CD or SACD, so I was glad to be rid of that one.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Pat. We have an H/K in the factory, I always thought it performed extremely well.
@marksayers8867
Жыл бұрын
You're videos are really interesting it is not often that film makers actually research really worthwhile subjects . Excellent work Harvey !
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Mark
@marksayers8867
Жыл бұрын
Praise due Harvey you have taught me a lot xx
@marksayers8867
Жыл бұрын
I know they are not terribly expensive but I have found the Ifi Zen 2 the most incredible sounding dac in my experience fed directly into active studio monitors . I have tended to use Spotify and KZitem recently as sources which I know are not state of the art but you do get tremendous choices of material . You could actually listen to different stuff forever without ever repeating any tracks which is quite mind blowing ! I would be interested if you evaluated some of the Ifi products yourself. Thanx again mate .
@robh9079
Жыл бұрын
Harley!
@marksayers8867
Жыл бұрын
Looking forward to Part 3
@MrRiverlord999
8 ай бұрын
These videos are fascinating. I can Philips as a customer and was allowed to buy stuff at the staff shop. I was surprised that you didn’t mention the Laserdisc because I always thought that the CD was a spinoff. I bought a Marantz CD player just before moving to the USA in 1985. It wasn’t very reliable and I bought the first Discman as a backup. I am pleased that the CD is making a comeback. Fortunately, I haven’t thrown my 1,200 CDs away. I grew up in Worthing down the street from B&W. The coils were wound by the housewives in our street.
@PearlAcoustics
8 ай бұрын
Thanks! Indeed, I think you’re right that the video disc came first and cd for audio was not taken seriously in the beginning. Hence, only Sony took up the challenge at first.
@DamonGreen
7 ай бұрын
I live in Worthing now, and have a couple of pairs B&W, I should pop by the factory I think they have a mini museum. I kept my CDs too thankfully, and have a Quad 66, I must try the coax into my DAC, hadn't thought of that.
@PearlAcoustics
7 ай бұрын
@@DamonGreen You’re welcome. Let me know if VW have a museum, it would be worth a visit. 😉👍
@rbrown2925
Ай бұрын
A buddy and I did a blind comparison of 3 or 4 players many years ago and we both easily picked out the most expensive and best sounding player. As an electronics engineer, I have no doubt the D-A conversion and, probably most importantly, the analog filtering made the biggest difference.
@PearlAcoustics
Ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing. Quick question: was the most expensive the best sounding? 😉
@rbrown2925
Ай бұрын
@@PearlAcoustics Yes, it was. Didn't mean to suggest otherwise, sorry. It was the same brand (Sony) as two (?) of the group we tested, and I remember the same-brand differences being surprising. I also remember the first time I realized how big the differences could be. It was when I compared a portable Sony player to a Rotel. It was like day and night, almost like a cheap cassette compared to good vinyl.
@PearlAcoustics
Ай бұрын
@@rbrown2925 thanks for the additional information. No ’sorry’ needed. Very interesting
@TheCharlesAtoz
Жыл бұрын
I've been eagerly awaiting this video- I like the content and the direction of the channel.
@bubblehead5394
Жыл бұрын
Same here! I'm in the market for a nice transport that isn't overpriced, and not made by slaves.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Charles!
@noahearl
Жыл бұрын
Ditto 💯 %
@grahamheath5443
Жыл бұрын
I had a Kenwood DP 7090 with 8 Burr Brown chips in the DAC. Still one of the best machines I've ever heard
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Nice
@GeirRssaak
8 ай бұрын
It is a very good machine!
@rogervd666gamer
Жыл бұрын
I enjoy part 2 much as part 1 because you have the Philips cd880 standing there like a brick. For me one of the most beautiful vintage CD Player. That's why I love my vintage Philips cd850, over 32 years old and plays almost every day what i want to hear in a for me great way. Sorry, I'm a vintage Philips hifi Lover 😊.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
No apology needed! Glad you enjoyed them.
@andrewwebb4635
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for that very interesting pair of videos. This confirms all my own less formal experiments! I, too, came to the conclusion that you could take a ‘cheap’ cd mechanism as input to a decent DAC stage and get surprisingly good results. But not all, ‘cheap’ cd mechanisms will have the appropriate outputs for you to achieve this easily. My own dvd/blue ray player only has one output designed for a TV. But I’ve had great success improving the sound of Denon and Technics CD players by feeding them into better DACS. IT’s a cheap and satisfying way to improve your system.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Andrew, very kind
@carlduty9181
Жыл бұрын
This is absolutely riveting could not get over how incredible this is Bravo.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! Very kind
@chriswraith9988
Жыл бұрын
Another Great installment. Really glad you did the comparison on the digital outs too & as you said it seems that the way forward is definitely to utilise an older or cheaper CD player as transport & Spend the money on the DAC. Would be very interested to see how some of the really high end DACs from the 90's 2000's compare to the more modern ones. I recently added a Cambridge audio DACMagic to my setup from which I also feed a old Studio DAC from the late 90's & I was really surprised to find I much preferred the order dac. It seemed to have a much flatter response across the spectrum while the newer DAC while probably more lively was also tiring to listen to in comparison. Looking forward to part 3
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Chris! I think you have an important point here. A modern, highly revealing and ‘fast’ Dac, is not necessarily the most pleasant to listen to music on! The original engineers, had vinyl as their reference, and I think that impacted the outcome in the fine tuning.
@chriswraith9988
Жыл бұрын
@@PearlAcoustics Hi Harvey,znot sure if you'll see this but you've sent me down the rabbit hole so to speak. I've been doing some "Critical Listening" over the past week and have come to an interesting conclusion perhaps one for you to contemplate also. The older DAC I have is a Swissonic AD96 (considered highly in it's day next to the apogee Rosetta's) I've found that the preferable DAC in terms of listener experience depends largely on the age of recordings e.g. I have found recordings made in the era of my DAC (late 90's) sound better through a 90's dac ( for example Michael shrieve's Two Doors) however more modern recordings sound better through the more modern DAC so it seems there is a difference in the EQ/presentation for each DAC but more interestingly is that the engineers seem to have accounted for this & to me at least the best playback seems to be through a DAC commensurate with the era. An interesting one for you to explore should you desire.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
@@chriswraith9988 Hi Chris. I’ve read it. Thanks very much for your comment. A very interesting approach. I wonder if anyone else has experienced a similar outcome? I have never thought of it this way. I will re-listen beating the age of the recording in mind.
@robh9079
Жыл бұрын
What an awesome series! I did hear a noticable difference when I put my Audiolab ctd6000 on sorbothane spheres - particularly with grip in the bass. I was using these as a bit of 'good housekeeping' and was not actually expecting to hear a difference at all. Viva CDs!!
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks
@r423sdex
Жыл бұрын
I have the CDT 6000, it's not in my system at the moment. It's been replaced by the wiim mini and qobuz. £89 and bit perfect.
@martinclift3843
Жыл бұрын
@@r423sdex Interesting! I've got the Wiim mini & a Qobuz subscription. I can confirm that it sounds fantastic! I was shortly going to replace my Marantz CD5005 (being used as a transport) for either the CDT6000 or the CDT9000. You've made me wonder if it's worth the bother! 🤔
@r423sdex
Жыл бұрын
@@martinclift3843 don't bother with the cd transport, I have 3 gathering dust. I plugged my IPhone into my dac, even that is better than the cd. Wiim mini is better by a long way.
@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461
Жыл бұрын
THANKS HARLEY 🤗 for doing ALL the hard 😅 work … being as objective as possible 💚💚💚
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, that’s very kind. (I have to admit, the CD series did take quite a bit of preparation and research)!
@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461
Жыл бұрын
@@PearlAcoustics YES ,🤗 BUT IT’S WORTH IT …to educate all
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
@@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 🙏
@giovannitirado6229
Жыл бұрын
This is a very interesting and informative comparison. Thanks!
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
My pleasure!
@lesjones6745
2 ай бұрын
Again, wonderfully interesting - as you rightly point out, the DAC is one of the most important, if not THE most important thing in the whole chain. I also try to use (with little success apart from fun) a home recording studio and have found exactly the same position with the DAC.
@PearlAcoustics
2 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@noahearl
Жыл бұрын
Many Thanks, I didn't realize it till you mentioned but I've alawys wondered about the relationship between analog and digital converters with different setups. Delightful Insights 🔥
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thank you. You’re very welcome
@fulcobouma
Жыл бұрын
I have a Philips cd 850 mk Ii cd player which I bought a couple of years ago second hand after my much newer NAD player decided to quit. The 850 mk Ii uses a bitstream dac and sounds very smooth, silky and atmospheric. Although more than 30 years old it blew the NAD out of the water.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your comment
@MrDiamondFlyer
Жыл бұрын
As a Belgian computer guy, it was always my thought that the CD player is there to extract data and has CRC, so as long as it has a stable transport and jitter is well in control, the sound signature would be related only to the DAC section and further elements down the chain. Thanks for the efforts you put in setting-up this test and help us (re)discover those iconic CD players... I have difficulties discussing with audiophiles who pretend to have bionic ears and hear day and night differences between things that are undistinguishable to me (like the difference between a 100€ and a 5000€ coax cable ;-) So I appreciate your humble, pragmatic and unbiased approach. I hope you will someday have series about FLAC, MQA (pretty much dead now), DSD, etc... I can easily smell a low bitrate MP3 but I feel like it will be very so hard to compare a 16bit 44.1Khz FLAC with higher-res music. I'm not sure I hear a difference due to a different (re)mastering, sometimes not sure I hear a difference at all, or is my mind tricking me ? I would be curious to hear your thoughts on all this...
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Hi Sebastian thank you very much for your kind comment and interesting suggestion. Indeed, in a lot of cases (assuming the mastering is identical) telling apart some different file types would be very difficult. But sometimes it’s just easier to know you are listening in high res so you know you’re getting the best quality possible. But a track with distortion on it from the original recording is always going to have it.
@smts0243
Жыл бұрын
As a Danish computer guy, I can relate to a lot of that. I have come to know a couple of audiophiles who spend staggering amounts of money on equipment, and while their setups do sound really good, I have come to the conclusion that they are the wrong people to ask why. For them it is all "black boxes" that presumably do magic stuff better than some other black boxes. One does not have to understand something in depth in order to enjoy it though, however when they talk about their network setup, a subject which I do know about, it becomes apparent that there is at least some degree of beliefs over facts. I know other people who are into HiFi, who have setups that to me sound just as good, but without the voodoo. Btw, audio CDs (red book) do have pretty basic error correction, which is much less than data CDs, so I can imagine that not all manufacturers spend the same amount of effort prevent, detect and mitigate errors.
@GeirRssaak
11 ай бұрын
You are so right! You Belgians and dutch invented the cd! The hifi reviewers tend to be tonedeaf and unmusical!
@GeirRssaak
11 ай бұрын
hyggelig å høre fra en dansk data ekspert! Danskene har alltid laget meget bra lydprodukter! Problemet idag er at de fleste hifi kritikere er umusikalske og tonedøve!det siste jeg har lest, er at man trenger en egen strømrenser til ti tusen kroner for å få god lyd!
@GeirRssaak
8 ай бұрын
You are so right!
@TheRealWindlePoons
24 күн бұрын
Interesting to see such thorough, objective, scientific analysis of a HiFi topic, an area which is so often very subjective, thank-you. I have been an audiophile for over 50 years now and I am gratified to find your conclusion matches my own. I would only add that a DAC with a separate power supply will improve with a better supply: I am electronic engineer and build some of my own kit. When I built a linear shunt-regulated supply for my DAC, the improvement was quite obvious. As with everything to do with HiFi, your mileage may vary. 😀
@PearlAcoustics
24 күн бұрын
Thank you for your very welcome comment. I am very glad you appreciated it. Thanks too for your interesting contribution to the discussion. Enjoy the music.
@technics-n-thuiast8346
Жыл бұрын
I shall do a similar test too. Between the modified and all stock player and also, test same albums from different studios using two same machines. Results are always fun and eye opening for sure
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Go for it!
@512bb
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Harley, another superb presentation & always enjoy your warm friendly personality. As a dedicated analog guy I recently decided to upgrade my digital gear. As it turns out we had a bit of a shootout of our own which was truly eye opening. People can talk all the technical specs they want but even though Peter at Audio Note sticks to rebook, the sound is simply so natural, so you are there. Everyone of us preferred the Audio Note system to a full boat DCS system that on paper you wouldn't think possible. And I completely agree with your view, more attention to the DAC is money better spent.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Scott, that’s very kind. And thank you too for your very interesting contribution to the topic
@o.k.5740
Жыл бұрын
Very interesting, looking forward to the sequel ! Greetings from Berlin
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@MrTeko75
Жыл бұрын
This brings me to another place. I had a 5 cd carousel player, a sony with the dsp. I wish I had not given it away. It had thousands of hours of great listening to it.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@scottwolf8633
Жыл бұрын
What an extremely refined, elegant, empirical, observation of CD playback. I do so enjoy the Canadian kit version of the English AudioNote DAC to play through. The Resistor/Transformer/Resistor, I/V conversion, sans any op amp implementation and the R2R architecture, non-oversampling, method for reconstruction, what was recorded vs the computational algorithm guessing at what was laid down, via the Delta Sigma methodology, for me, yield a more enjoyable performance.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Scott. And thanks too for your comment. It always amazes me how many ways there are of solving a problem
@GeirRssaak
11 ай бұрын
I understand that you are dazed and confused.have you considered snake oil and an expensive gadget that can clean your power supply!!!???
@scottwolf8633
11 ай бұрын
@@GeirRssaak My condolences, having to live a life, sans a cortex.
@GeirRssaak
11 ай бұрын
Dear Scott! I respect your opinions!
@GeirRssaak
11 ай бұрын
Dear Wolf! Thank you for your sympathy!
@asx1248
Жыл бұрын
It's good to get some perspective on older equipment and how it compares with later generations. Thanks
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@nickolaymiltenov
Жыл бұрын
"There is no conflict" Darth Vader "There is no comparison" I Old gear was made by engineers and enthusiasts, the new one by marketing departments.
@the80slivehere
Жыл бұрын
👍😄. What a wonderful program! Excellent exposition in every way! Some mysteries were solved for me. Part 3 is very intriguing. - Heather
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
😀
@normanmorrow4897
Жыл бұрын
Superb show, as always. Looking forward to part 3
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks 🙏
@bigmacfullerton7870
5 ай бұрын
I just got an Onkyo DX-C390 6 disc cd changer with vector linear shaping circuitry and direct digital path open box from Best Buy for $100. Got the 4 year warranty for $20. It’s normally $350. It most definitely sounds better than my old player. The difference is night and day paired with my Yamaha A-S801
@urbanknish
10 ай бұрын
Anyone reading this that is on a budget and needs a newer model: I can recommend the Onkyo C-7030, which has a Wolfson DAC, remote and digital line out. It's beautiful to look at, very minimalist layout, built-in headphone amp and has amazing sound. I have other players but always come back to it.
@PearlAcoustics
10 ай бұрын
Thanks very much for your valuable contribution to the topic.
@briancaine9130
8 ай бұрын
I’m rehabbing an old Sony CDP -70. If that doesn’t work out my eye is on the Onkyo. Wonderful video, sir.
@PearlAcoustics
8 ай бұрын
@@briancaine9130 thank you! Good luck with you refurb project
@grandmasterjo1
8 күн бұрын
I’ve heard many deliver talks speeches and opinions on sound and gear This gentleman is A very thorough professor. and …, quite simply the best. The best part is in 20 or 30 minutes of his videos I’ve never got bored or stopped paying attention Thank you sir because Everytime I listen to you I learn more ALWAYS 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
@PearlAcoustics
8 күн бұрын
Thank you very much indeed. I am very humbled. So pleased you enjoyed them so much.
@iant7964
Жыл бұрын
Excellent video, I have just 3 weeks ago bought a Rega Elex 4 and wanted a CD player also, we tried a few players and they were quite good but then decided to try the Audiolab CDT 9000 transport through the Elex 4 internal DAC, it was a huge improvement that I wasn't expecting, so much so I had to take one home and am extremely happy with the sound of the combination. My system is complete for now with my P6 turntable also. Looking forwards to part 3.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Hi Ian, thanks for your kind words. Isn’t it great when one has a system that one can simply enjoy and relax with?
@davidbland8153
Жыл бұрын
Aren't higher priced CD players priced higher because of the superiority of the DAC inside? IOW, how much difference can the transport section actually make? I suspect not much.
@RedSinter
Жыл бұрын
😂 As I plan on having a very good DAC I now know my money regardless of specific Blue Ray Players are concerned is the end all for me. I applaud your efforts on our behalf.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks James
@LordWaterBottle
5 ай бұрын
So, my takeaway is any CD Transports that are doing their job correctly will sound the same. Analog outputs on CD Players can and will sound different, because they have different DACs and different analog output stages. Glad to have some evidence for the logic.
@PearlAcoustics
4 ай бұрын
Absolutely. That was my, and my team’s findings.
@BILLY27CYRUS
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely fascinating results. Can't wait for part 3.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
👍
@nztv8589
Жыл бұрын
I've heard about 3 different cd players in my time. A NAD 542, a 515 bee and a Philips CD160. You can definately tell between the 542 and 515 bee (which I didn't like and ended up selling). My favourite is the NAD 542 .The CD 160 is my second favourite. I bought Beresford DAC as I wanted to play USB from my PC into my amp, it also has Coax digital inputs and so as a matter of interest I connected the Philips CD160 to the DAC to see the "benefits" of 40 years of Digital improvements. Or so I thought, or if you believe the marketing hype. I struggled to tell a difference between the Beresford DAC and the 40 year old built in DAC from the CD160. The DAC may have been slightly cleaner, but it was almost impossible to tell much difference. When I connected the NAD 542 to the Beresford, I couldn't tell any difference. Regarding your listening tests, it would have been an interesting exercise to repeat the test after an hour or so and see if people marked the results the same. I bet they wouldn't have marked them the same. A final note, when we bough the NAD 542 from the dealer, we took along the CD160 to play it through the shop's stereo system to see if it was worth buying a new CD or not. It was played through a top of the line Amp and LInn speakers. We could definately tell a difference there. So, differences between CD players become more apparent on the the quality of the amp and speakers.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Hi, thanks for your comment. You raise some very good points here, especially on listening fatigue and subjectivity. It is possible we could have had different results, although Pierre-Nicolas and Maarten have very discerning hearing - it’s their job. And the were both very consistent throughout. I even double blinded Pierre-Nicolas and he immediately said “I think you’ve switched them, this is CD4, not 3!” And he was absolutely right. Indeed, the differences are easier to discern with high quality equipment
@sylviarienzo6955
Жыл бұрын
I hunted for a Cd player many years ago and fell for the Meridian 508.24. But I couldn’t afford it! So I went from dealer to dealer to dealer and listened end listened most intently. I used the same music each time. I always was easily able to pick out the Meridian every time. I finally found a nice used one on eBay. It was the priciest gear I’d ever bought with the exception if my Quad Esl-63 electrostatic speakers. It sounded even better in my system. I nearly cried when the transport failed and I learned no more transports were available. I finally bought a Triode TRV CD5SE with tube supplement.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your story. Enjoy the music
@martinmullen71
Жыл бұрын
I found this really interesting, thank you for your time and trouble at doing tests like this.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Martin, that’s very kind
@steveprice9737
7 ай бұрын
I have had lots of cd players over the years, most sound similar enough that choosing between them is an exercise of futility, particularly when put up against comparing cartridges where difference is usually obvious. These days my hearing is a bit wrecked from playing in bands so wouldn't bother experimenting with different players. However, I bought a second hand Phillips back when these things had only been around a couple of years and it was bonkers compared with some of the others I heard. It was exhausting, the sound was so realistic and compelling that it wasn't much use for listening casually. I suppose it could be described as cold and brutal 😅 These days I have a s/h Marantz something or other with basic dac, its OK but I wish I still had the Phillips to have the occasional brain destruction session. Enjoying the vids. Thanks.
@PearlAcoustics
7 ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind words and also for your interesting contribution to the topic. I must admit that, if finances allow, keeping pieces of equipment when ‘upgrading’ can be very rewarding later on. It can increase the fun of the hobby and remind us that every choice is some kind of compromise. Enjoy the music
@frankgeeraerts6243
Жыл бұрын
Long long ago we listened to that Quad in the shop ......it sounded quite good but when we hooked it directly to the power amplifier ( The Quicksilver mono 8417 ) and the big Spendor .something happend ............we were in the music with a roof above us and surrounded by it .........a wonderfull e"xperience but not practical because we couldn't adjust and lower the soundlevel because that would have harmed the magic..hahaha Even with Frankie goes to Hollywood ....we were in th e DOME ....... The big Philips left us with a great souvenir ..........it played MUSIC ..........and propably it still does ...
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your comment Frank
@Barbarapape
Жыл бұрын
This proves that it's the dac that makes all the difference, Having worked as an AV repair tech from the mid 70's i have experienced all the new formats and how they can sound different playing the same piece of music. During the early days of CD's there were only a limited range of lasers and transports available so the only option to give any player a certain sound was to use a different dac and better quality op-amps in the ouput stages. Outboard dacs have always had their own sound, the transport just needs to be stable to reduce jitter and reduce the load on the error correction. Some of the best transports can be found in the higher end Laserdisc players, feed one into a good dac and you will be surprised with the results.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Allan, very interesting indeed.
@DonHamlin
Жыл бұрын
Excellent work as always. I have the Rega player so looking forward to part 3!
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Don!
@VirtualGuth
Жыл бұрын
In 1989 I became the last among my peers to purchase a CD player. Unlike them, I chose a CD player as a complimentary source to my turntable & LP's rather than as a replacement. I chose the Philips CD960, which had already been around a while by 1989. I keep the CD960 in my "vintage system". Ironically, my primary system is also fairly old these days. The CD player in this system is a Naim CD5 / Naim Flatcap combo which I've owned for almost 20 years. I've had to replace the belts in the CD960 a couple of times while the CD5 has needed nothing thus far. When I find gear that I truly enjoy I tend to hang on to it.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
That’s the great thing about our hobby, if we invest in good equipment first time around, it can last decades!
@49rockon27
6 ай бұрын
Not an audiophile and cannot afford expensive machines. I found this video very informative, educational and most of all, enjoyable. Thank you !
@alaincayer8999
Жыл бұрын
I recently used my old Audiolab 8200CD as transport into my Moon DAC. Just like I bought a new CD player. Don't need a new one anymore. Very interesting video.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Alain!
@danielgeiger7739
Жыл бұрын
The last part was the most important: The DAC is what makes the difference, but not the transport. L-O-V-E it! As with integrated amps, paying for a built-in DAC is a bad choice. Rather get a dedicated external DAC, and when DAC technology moves ahead, just change the DAC. FWIW, I use a Holoaudio May DAC L2 (R2R) and like it quite a bit. Have not heard any Danafrips, so can't compare. Thanks as always for all the excellent service you do for the community!
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Daniel, your compliments are much appreciated and interesting comment as always.
@r423sdex
Жыл бұрын
How do you know a built in dac is not as good as an external ? What is that based on ?
@alphaniner3770
Жыл бұрын
I fully agree that built-in DACs are to be avoided if (financially) possible. Also DACs probably matter more than transports. But as I wrote elsewhere here, this test was not suitable to test differences amongst transports. Humans hear differences, and when these differences suddenly get smaller or other differences appear, you will have a very hard time noticing. If you want to know if transports differ, test transports, and transports only. With a Holo Audio May I would certainly test out different transports if you play CDs. Spoiler: I have a Jays Audio transport, and even though the main reason I bought it was that I wanted a device that would last 25+ years, it actually gives a noticeable better sound (IMO) than any other digital source have connected to my DAC so far.
@nehocm123
Жыл бұрын
@@alphaniner3770 Testing transports is what the second part of this test did, and the golden eared young musician/engineers could not hear any differences, which is exactly what someone who understands how this stuff works would expect.
@alphaniner3770
Жыл бұрын
@@nehocm123 still getting worked up about this topic? - I told you that you should stay in your simplistic world, while I keep enjoying mine. Byebye
@Techrewinds
Жыл бұрын
I love the Philips CD 880 nice warm sound !
@grayfool
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for confirming my views on CD players. I still use a Rega Planet player bought new by myself in about 1994. I've listened to many newer players and could hear no reason to "upgrade".
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
You’re welcome!
@normansteinbach2007
9 ай бұрын
Rega Planet super CD Player ❤❤❤
@Gma7788
7 күн бұрын
Oh, silly. I bet you haven't replaced any components yet. Have you measured any values yet? Have you found any corrosion yet?
@lucullus6127
Жыл бұрын
I have had the Creek Destiny CD player for 10 years : a great player indeed; i now have the NORMA Audio (cdp-1br), and, wow, this is a big improvment. Yes, not cheap, but the money worth ! you hear the sound from CDs you think you already know. Firstly, the typical harshness of digital sound are missing, but at the same time you can find much more information and a lot more dynamics. All this happens without listening fatigue, but rather with a sense of neutrality and a surprising lack of artificiality. But perhaps even more spectacular is the reproduction of the soundstage.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your comment
@nehocm123
Жыл бұрын
This is exactly what one would expect and what digital audio engineers have been explaining forever. Any transport that gets an error free bitstream to the DAC sounds exactly like any other transport that does that. Now a really interesting test would compare the pricy separate DACs to those in decent receivers, using the same blind approach.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Hi Michael, thanks for your comment. Indeed, one could continue down this path for a long time!
@alphaniner3770
Жыл бұрын
I think that most of us would agree that more variation can be expected amongst CD-players than amongst transports (connected to the same DAC). The human mind is easily influenced/deceived if differences are suddenly smaller in a test setting. I think that if one wants to test if transports sound the same or not, one should compare transports proper - and not after first comparing CD-players. Also a CD player with a digital out isn't exactly the same concept (from a designers perspective) as a dedicated transport. I am not saying that I think that transports matter all that much, just that I think that the conclusion cuts the corner a bit too much.
@r423sdex
Жыл бұрын
Even a cheap transport in a computer can rip the data from a cd.
@alphaniner3770
Жыл бұрын
try Exact Audio Copy (freeware) - rip a CD, then it gives you the error rate.
@nehocm123
Жыл бұрын
@@alphaniner3770 Any transport that can deliver the samples with all errors corrected to the DAC will sound exactly the same. What possible explanation could there be for any difference? If the disc itself has uncorrectable errors due to damage, no transport will change that.
@johnmarchington3146
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, Harley. very perceptive as always. I'm looking forward to part 3.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
You’re very welcome
@davefreeh2892
Жыл бұрын
Harley, excellent work. I have often considered replacing my Rotel RCD2, which is 24 years old because newer technology should be better. For awhile now, I have been using it as a transport connected to a Denafrips dac and it sounds very good. You have validated my own experience. Thank you.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
You’re very welcome Dave! Thanks for your kind appreciation
@alphaniner3770
Жыл бұрын
I miss my Rotel CD player. It lasted almost 20 years and the first 10 of these it was playing almost all the time when I was at home (no TV, no internet, only CDs). It 'died' a few years ago. Honestly I think that Rotel deserves a place on part 1 of this series - Rotel managed to make really good and relatively affordable players. When I started looking for a new transport my main consideration was not sound quality, but how long I wanted it to last. I have many CDs and still like to spin them. The market of players and transports is shrinking - many of the best drive mechanisms (Philips or Sony, your Rotel has a Sony IIRC) aren't produced anymore - and as long as stocks last some new old stock drives are put into a new chassis (like the Denafrips Avatar). After that there will be only really cheap drives or really exotic and expensive ones that are not necessarily going to last very long. I went for a Jays Audio transport - a nice virtually indestructive Philips drive in it, and easy to service (if ever needed). I do think that it sounds better too - it was a bonus that I didn't expect - but saying that here will unfortunately get some people here all worked up.
@philb-ze8sz
Жыл бұрын
Man, it's about the music. I grew up on vinyl, had a huge collection, did not try CDs till 1992, compared vinyl recording to the CD, and really could not hear that much of a difference except on dynamics, and the CD was better, Long story short sold my vinyl collection that year, never looked back, the only thing I miss on vinyl is the large covers, the rest is the myth of vinyl being superior is just that what arm, cartridge, support table, cables is TT in the room as speakers if so you get feedback, each changes the sound of the given LP played and sometimes from warm to thin and poor arm and cartridge setup all bets are off, but then that buying would not know. Compared today to the golden ERA of vinyl they nowhere have the equipment and expertise as a whole as back then when they used scopes to adjust all key needs of good vinyl playback. I had my TT playing an LP but the source playing was a CD, my audiophile friend said Man that vinyl sounds so much better than CD. I said you're so right and we listened more, and he kept raving, I then said Man it's the CD player playing, his jaw dropped, and he got upset because his myth was broken, and showed how much we influence ourselves by our own prejudice. Mastering any format is key, the formats are all so far from the master tape or what was heard in the studio when they recorded that's why, today's music recordings suck, no need t even have anyone in the same studio, all play their parts then the producers put it all together as he sees fit, add compression to it all due to 99% of listeners using phones and earbuds so they make music sound good on such devices. Sony's pro-Walkman was so good that I had a cello player from the Cleveland Orch pick up their Walkman and check it see set it up and bright in her Cello, she played it for a minute or so and then played it back with her headphones and just smiled and set it sound great, I then asked to listen having just heard it live, and I was so impressed on how much it sounded like I just heard LIVE! case closed to me that digital sucks, so it gives you what you send it, unlike vinyl that is colored throughout its playback, and I still love it but I have not purchased vinyl in 30 years now.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your contribution to the discussion
@annebokma4637
Жыл бұрын
I have a Marantz cd80 and I think it has the same dac as the Philips 880. Bought it new and still sounds wonderful. Great series
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Anne!
@GeirRssaak
10 ай бұрын
You are so right ,Anne!
@Gma7788
7 күн бұрын
Something should have corroded by now. When are you going to do some maintenance on it? Something has to have failed on it by now. Some component must have gone outside its parameters.
@annebokma4637
7 күн бұрын
@@Gma7788 ofcourse I had it checked out every 10 years. Everything needs maintenance.
@kellygrant4964
10 күн бұрын
But the audiophile would say "you need better resolving speakers to hear the difference when just using them as a transport!". And you need to get those cables off the floor.. and shave and colour that CD as well. May as well sacrifice a small chicken because that might do something. Thanks for the great video. Was debating on getting a transport but now I am keeping my player with the separate great DAC and putting in a 2 channel amp just for the CDs instead of going to my home theatre amp. That saved my a good thousand bucks. I sure can spend that on some great music instead.
@PearlAcoustics
7 күн бұрын
You’re very welcome! 😉 Enjoy the music
@jimfarrell4635
Жыл бұрын
I've really enjoyed this series so far. It seems to have fairly convincingly challenged the idea that CD transports make a big difference to the sound, something that many of us suspected. The methodology seems pretty sound (small pun intended), and I appreciate the care taken. So your next task is to bump up the sensitivity of your excellent speakers so I can power them with the 12.5 Watts my 300b amp puts out. 😉
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Hi Jim. Thanks for your kind comment! It’s much appreciated. Now increasing the efficiency of the Sibelius loudspeaker is going to be a massive challenge! 😉. If you have a true 12,5watts per channel with both channels driven, you will have about 100db into your room. For me that’s more than enough 😂. Enjoy the music. Best wishes, Harley
@davidspendlove5900
Жыл бұрын
Indeed I have found the transport to be almost as important as the dac.
@reginaldbowls7180
Жыл бұрын
@@davidspendlove5900 I'm confused, are you disagreeing about the OP's comment?
@itsmorphed6416
Жыл бұрын
Sorry to say my transport only has transformed my system . I was already using a very good universal blu Ray player to the same dac . Its only better organisation of sound but amounts to a transformed sound with detail being affected in a positive way . Texture too is better but clarity is about the same .
@itsmorphed6416
Жыл бұрын
If you have a good dac, a good transport is vital to get the very best from that.
@earl007
Жыл бұрын
Your last few minutes about enjoy the music whatever form you are listening to is so true. It annoys me how so many KZitem so called audiophiles pump up vinyl as the only way and the superior way to listen to music and spend thousands on turntables to so call achieve that. It’s a shame that they are at the wrong tea party. Rega 10 and streaming achieve the right tea party or mug on the run for you, as does cd and digital playback from external HD achieve that for me. Mind you we differ when you mentioned that you now tolerate a few hisses and pops from vinyl. That is the soul reason I can not tolerate vinyl at all. Again well done and thank you for your thoughts.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Earl, much appreciated
@Darrylizer1
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for video! Suspicions confirmed: cd transports, so long as they're mechanically sound, have no bearing on the sound. It's all about the DAC. Edit: of course a solidly engineered and built transport will last years longer and for that reason it might be worth getting such a one. But sound is all about the DAC.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
You’re very welcome. You’re absolutely right, but I think the biggest difference is found in the analogue circuit, immediately after the DAC itself. But in essence one can call it ‘the Dac’
@Darrylizer1
Жыл бұрын
@@PearlAcoustics Yes, that makes sense.
@itsmorphed6416
Жыл бұрын
My transport has elevated my system for sure . Was already using the transport from my good quality universal blu Ray to the same dac . This new transport brings easier on the ear more organised sound and longer listening session. Gotta trust your ears man
@derekcohen1000
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Harley. I am a delighted to hear the results of your evaluations with friends and colleagues - not only because it was revealing, but also because it will likely save me a bunch of money. My CD section comes from an old OPPO BDP-83SE, which was released in 2009, but was used only a few times before I purchased it about a year ago. This is used Digital Out (bypassing the DAC) to the Digital In on a Devialet Expert 120 amplifier, which had a great DAC in its day. What your research tells me is that I would have to spend a lot to improve on what I have (which I would not like to do as I love being married more than owning hifi!). Regards from Perth, Australia. Derek
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
You’re very welcome Derek. Indeed, keep your marriage and your existing HiFi! 😀
@jimfarrell4635
Жыл бұрын
Hi Derek. I use exactly the same Oppo player as a transport with a slight wrinkle. I purchased a little Chinese box for about £50 which strips the audio stream from the hdmi out and converts it to I2S via hdmi, which then plugs into my Denafrips Terminator Plus dac. The sound is great, and the bonus is that it allows me to output the DSD stream to the dac and play SACDs via the DACs' superior processing. I just checked, and it also has optical and coaxial outs, though I'm not sure if it will output DSD via coaxial. Don't see why not, though. That Oppo is a lovely player. Real shame they got out of the Bluray business.
@derekcohen1000
Жыл бұрын
@@jimfarrell4635 Hi Jim. This is wonderful information! I've been looking for a way to play SACDs. The problem is that there is no input to use on the Devialet. What I have as a link is a Cambridge Audio CXN 2 streamer/DAC. What is the name of the "little Chinese box" and do you have any links or advice on how to connect this? Many thanks. Regards from Perth, Derek
@jimfarrell4635
Жыл бұрын
@Derek Cohen Hi Derek. I had a look for the name on it and couldn't find it. I will check ebay. So does that mean you are effectively using the DAC in the Cambridge ? If so you would need to check if it can handle DSD via the digital inputs. I will get back shortly with the name of the wee black box.
@derekcohen1000
Жыл бұрын
@@jimfarrell4635 Jim, the OPPO is connected to the Devialet, but only plays CD not SACD. How do I get SACD to the Devialet? Neither the Devialet nor Cambridge have HDMI, only Toslink and Coaxial. Regards from Perth, Derek
@daleromney6062
Жыл бұрын
Very interesting and informative. Since I am older and have had CD players since the mid 80's (my first was a Philips) I have always told others that older CD players can sound just as good as modern players. I love that one of your listeners liked the vintage Philips the best. I am keeping my now older McIntosh MCD500 as it sounds great.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Dale. Indeed, if what you have sounds great and works just fine, why would anyone change?
@martinclift3843
Жыл бұрын
Kudos - that was excellent!! As someone who was about to spend £1k on a new transport, you've stopped me in my tracks. Looking forward to part 3.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Martin. Part 3 coming soon. Best wishes from Belgium
@andrewbrazier9664
Жыл бұрын
Build & component quality should be superior for 1K 💿 👍
@AmazonasBiotop
Жыл бұрын
Yes, that is my conclusion also that any transport sounds the same when we take digital out and it is the same output from the transport regardless of what transport it is coming from. I made that finding when trying to compare streaming vs CD. I afterwards figured out that I actually tested the CD player built in DAC against the DAC that the streaming were using. I redo the testing and took the digital out from the CD player and feed the same external DAC that the streaming were using. Now with the same DAC i could not tell a difference between CD or streaming (for that song that I had choose anyway). Now I use a old OPPO that can play anything optical media. And take the digital out. So CD, DVD-Audio, SACD, HDCD, BD-Audio and so on .. So the tip is get a player that can play as many formats as possible then use the digital out and use your preferred DAC and you can play any optical format that comes your way and have a excellent sound. 🎉 So my personal conclusions were if I can't hear a difference between a astonishingly good CD (actually it was a HDCD that had very good dynamic range when testing the same track but on several different releases. Tested with dynamic range testing software and this one stood out a little bit better than the other releases) and the streaming service. Then the streaming service is good enough for me.. And I am a happy camper. 😅
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Very interesting comment. Thanks for your contribution to the discussion. Glad you have a happy conclusion
@derekwebster69
Жыл бұрын
Yup, l went through a similar journey and basically found the same as yourself. Digital out to a DAC ... Hard to hear a real difference on a USD 40k rig. Streaming from a NAS also surprised me. Great video btw
@ckca7180
Ай бұрын
Thank you for your comparisons and explanations which are very clear.
@PearlAcoustics
Ай бұрын
You are very welcome! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts
@cruzingrsx4484
Жыл бұрын
thanks for sharing I use my Oppo UDP 203 as a transport. I rotate between an Arcam irDac with a Booster power supply and a Denafrips Ares II. In my own testing I preferred the sound of the external Dac's to what's in the Oppo 203
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
That’s interesting, I have never heard an Oppo… but they have acquired cult status now it seems?
@jimfarrell4635
Жыл бұрын
Interesting, as that Oppo is reputed to have an excellent DAC and output stage. I have been keen to get one for playing surround sound music and 4k Blurays in my multichannel system, but they still command very high prices on the second-hand market. Unfortunately, no one seems to make as good players these days.
@cruzingrsx4484
Жыл бұрын
@@jimfarrell4635 I was lucky in purchasing my unit. When Oppo got out of the UDP business I called the company and asked if any were left I was told no. I gave them my phone number just in case they found one. A few days later I received a call saying they found a few units so I purchased one. I can’t believe what these units command in the used market
@cruzingrsx4484
Жыл бұрын
@@PearlAcoustics I’m interested in finding out which CD player you preferred in part 3. I would assume I could rule out the portable CD player….lol
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
@@cruzingrsx4484 yes indeed! 😀
@DavidGilden
Жыл бұрын
I am using an Esoterica SA-10 as a transport in older Berkeley DAC into a Chord spm 1200e stereo amp with B&W 802d’s- this is best my CD collection has ever sounded!
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Hi David, so glad you have reached a pinnacle in your listening!
@Ricky-cl5bu
Жыл бұрын
Brilliant review
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Ricky!
@rogerking7258
7 ай бұрын
Nice to see a "no bull" and unpretentious review done in a completely logical fashion for once. The eventual conclusion about the DAC being the part that influences the sound makes perfect sense. After all the transport only has to turn at the correct speed and collect all the information available. I've often wondered why people will spend many thousands on a transport alone and this rather backs up the point that it's not necessary, except _perhaps_ from the point of view of longevity.
@PearlAcoustics
7 ай бұрын
Thanks for your kind remarks. Exactly, a transport has a job to do, to pick up all the 1’s and 0’s and feed them to the Dac… the Dac can then process them accordingly… and I believe the sound differences are mostly in the amplification component at the backend of the Dac, when the now analogue signal is amplified enough to be passed down the interconnect cable to the amplifier
@peterpanjaeger9546
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for Part 2. I compared a Marantz CD 42 via koax-digital Out to a modern Audiolab6000cdt (also via coax). I connect both to an Audiolab6000A (intern DAC). They sound very similar. The more i hear Musik (and not compare) the more i like the the Marantz CD 42 …it is a little more detailed in the upper Midrange - this gets more and more important because this makes the Music more Driven by the Rhythm.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Peter. Interesting observation
@peterlarkin762
Жыл бұрын
The analog output stage is bypassed when using coax out. The output stage is where most of any additional sonic characteristics come from. I have repaired 6000cdt and consider them mediocre in terms of circuit design and parts quality. Also, Marantz CDP's have an amazing ability to oulast most others ... Denon and Marantz just seem to care about their customers more.
@aarocka11
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, well comparing the oscilloscope capture from the SPDIF interface says otherwise. Control for dac and there will be no difference
@peterpanjaeger9546
Жыл бұрын
@@aarocka11 what means ‚control for DAC‘? What is to do?
@itsmorphed6416
Жыл бұрын
Would be interesting to compare the 2 same transports with a higher quality external dac and more expensive amplifier and suitable speakers.
@crazyprayingmantis5596
Жыл бұрын
My mum has an old all in one Panasonic stereo from the early early 90s, the cd player has dual dacs, I always thought it sounded great. That Sony you have there is what I'm currently using as a transport after my old NAD CD player stopped working a few months back, great to know that other "golden ears" also can't tell the difference.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
😀👍
@trevorbartram5473
Жыл бұрын
Harley, that's excellent work. I did the same thing about ten years ago when my NAD CD player started to fail. I had several DVD players, that no longer played DVDs due to weak lasers, three Sonys & a Panasonic. When compared at the analog outputs, the Panasonic DVD-A110 (with DVD Audio DACs) was the only one that matched the sound quality of the NAD. I still use it daily, it only plays pressed discs, so I have a Sony BDP-S3700 & Schiit Modi DAC for all other discs/formats. I'm not sure why but the 3700 plays scratched discs better than any of my other players!
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Trevor! Technology can be unpredictable at times! Enjoy the music
@GeirRssaak
8 ай бұрын
The old masters Philips, Sony and teac-tascam are still superior to the new ones!
@albiepalbie5040
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely brilliant survey Such amazing hard work and dedication Thankyou
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, I am glad you appreciated it. (I must admit it was way much more work than I had originally planned)! 😉
@MB-uw6eh
Жыл бұрын
This lovely warm presentation that was clear and logical with respect to new and old CD players and their sound comparisons has answered a few questions on what is still regarded as extremely sophisticated technology. I have a very modest Sony blu ray dvd player that has a digital out Din connection, which allows for transfer of the digital information to a DAC. I have done something a bit unusual by purchasing a Denafrips Hermes DDC (digital to digital conversion!) re-clocking unit which receives the digital information from the Sony DVD player and “cleans” the digital signal path by removing noise around the digital bits and performs re-clocking so that it arrives as a pure clean digital data source to my Denafrips Pontus II ladder DAC for D/A conversion. A super clean digital transfer means that the Pontus II does not have to do very much work during D/A conversion and in turn produces a more dynamic, spatial and clear stereo image. I’ve gone to such effort and expense to make my digital sources sound as good as I can afford and it sounds absolutely amazing. You can do without a DDC in the chain of course but my setup confirms the findings of the Pearl Acoustics video, that you can get away with a cheap CD transport that offers digital out because the sound character of the music will be the ultimate work of the DAC! If you use a DVD player like I have, it means you enjoy brilliant sound from your DAC while watching a movie. It’s clearly the most cost effective way to enjoy high end digital audio from both CD and DVD sources, as well as of course from streaming devices. I also have an Apple TV module connected via toslink to the DDC.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thank you M B. Very kind. And thanks too for your very interesting contribution to the discussion
@nehocm123
Жыл бұрын
What is the point of inserting another conversion step? Your DAC presumably has asynch FIFO buffers and generates it's own clock. Jitter is irrelevant in the digital domain, and your ones are not going to get dull and your zeroes squashed from any sort of noise. Why do you suppose the same file read from a thumb drive will sound identical when delivered to the same DAC? Befriend an engineer who is not trying to sell you something and have her explain it to you.
@MB-uw6eh
Жыл бұрын
@@nehocm123 there are “sound” reasons for using a DDC , particularly when using a modest CD transport and I did consult a friend who is an electronics engineer with a similar setup. I know it’s confusing and you don’t need a DDC as I said in your chain but I wanted to be absolutely sure that my expensive DAC receives the best digital data transfer from my modest little Sony DVD. Also, you refer to thumb drives, which really is another subject as thumb drives are storage media, not a DDC or DAC?
@Phil_f8andbethere
Жыл бұрын
Fantastic research Harley - many thanks. Why not do a part 4 and compare CD via DAC with streaming via same DAC at CD quality say from Tidal or Qobuz using the same people and method?
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your appreciation. Good idea… I have noticed a difference doing just that (but only on my own). There did seem to be some differences, I even tried playing the CD of the streamed piece too, also through the same DAC. My gut feeling is that the difference could be down to some kind of compression or delivery from the streaming companies. For example ‘Tidal’ didn’t sound as good to me as ‘Qobuz’ on some tracks. But don’t take this too literally at this stage, I do need to do more research. For example, how do we know that each streaming company is playing the exact same source material? It could be mastered differently?
@Phil_f8andbethere
Жыл бұрын
@@PearlAcoustics Hmmmmm 🤔- sounds like an interesting bit of follow up research. I have Tidal streaming through a Naim Uniti Atom and it sounds pretty amazing. I've not tried any comparisons with CD as yet, partly due to the faff of level matching it exactly, and partly as you say, are you listening to the same master? It would certainly be good to find out what your panel conclude about the comparisons though. Thanks again Harley for the brilliant content on your channel - I get giddy every time there's a new episode. 🤣
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
@@Phil_f8andbethere 😀
@mornecoetzee735
Жыл бұрын
I think it is well know by now that CD sounds far more superior than any streaming service.
@Phil_f8andbethere
Жыл бұрын
@@mornecoetzee735 Interesting 🤔
@carminedesanto6746
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for this great series. I just added the Topping E50 DAC to my headphone stack ..being fed by my decades old Denon 3520 cd 💿 player …and you’re absolutely correct . If the mechanical composure in working order and all the ins and outs are correctly functioning…an outboard DAC is an excellent way to update and upgrade the sound🎉 Thanks once again.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
You’re very welcome Carmine
@carminedesanto6746
Жыл бұрын
@@PearlAcoustics I look forward to the 3rd video in this series. Thank you 🍕👍
@nickolaymiltenov
Жыл бұрын
If you believe that any modern DAC (including this E50 that you mention and i have never heard of) could beat the DENON sound, especially 3520 or 3560......man, you are deeply wrong. I have DENON 2560GL and it still sounds better than the newest giga, mega, hyper, super-duper, ultra advanced Saber ESS ES9026PRO which is in Technics SL-G700 M2. The only reason that it sometimes loses in terms of punch, bass and dynamics in some demanding Metallica tracks is that there is not a single electrolyte capacitor alive into the device. Neither in power supply section nor in audio circuit. Simply their lifespan is over. But i remember it when it was new....it was not a DENON, it was real sound DEMON. So go have your capacitors replaced and forget about all the modern stuff. 😉👍
@carminedesanto6746
Жыл бұрын
@@nickolaymiltenov interesting 🤔
@nickolaymiltenov
Жыл бұрын
@@carminedesanto6746 .....but true. Wait for my comment in general discussion where i will explain in details my point of view.
@net_news
Жыл бұрын
amazing series!! 🙌
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thank you 🙏
@ronaldweed6103
Жыл бұрын
My experience I can tell a difference of CDs player. Good amp,speakers are the key. I now have a amp with four speakers, but the CD player I have is a compact player. I use a 3.5,on both ends to hook up. Amazing sound for 12 dollars. I'm looking forward to # 3. Good day.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your comment. Pt.3 coming in a couple of weeks
@SuperMcgenius
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for doing this, I have heard small differences with transports, I ended up some time ago just using an old Rega planet, with a good Burson dac 160, not the best but great analogue out.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
You’re very welcome. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best.
@judmcc
Жыл бұрын
I believe that you have done a good test!
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@anoxicfiltrationplenums
Жыл бұрын
I don’t quite agree with you on your outcome. On my KZitem channel I tested out two different transports with the exact same coaxial cable an Illuminati from Kimber Kable, and a Conrad Johnson Premier 9 DAC. One transport was a DR 1 from Conrad Johnson. The other transport was an MCT 500 from McIntosh, the transports made everything sound completely different and it was not the DAC that change the sound. It was the transport that had more of an impact on sound quality. I could not believe that a transport would make that much of a difference, but it did.
@rexsterling7346
Жыл бұрын
What test equipment did you use?
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Hi, thanks for your comment. To be correct it was not my outcome but that of my panel. It would be very interesting to see your video on the topic. Feel free to send me a link via our website.
@aarocka11
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I call bullshit. Bits go in bits go out. If that wasn’t the case then it wouldn’t be red book compliant.
@rexsterling7346
Жыл бұрын
@@aarocka11 Total BS.
@nehocm123
Жыл бұрын
Something's amiss with your testing.
@MrGiuzzz
Жыл бұрын
Nice comparison of old and new ! I own about 20 CD-DVD-BR players, most of them from gone by era's and a selection of modern external DAC's as well. The players I do use mainly as CD-drives as is demonstrated in this video. My personal favorites: * CD Drives: Marantz CD80, DV7001, UD7006, Sony X33ES, XA30ES, Philips CD960 * External DAC's: Chord Qutest, Hugo, Mojo, Denafrips Aries, Metrum Flint (gen 2 Transient) Best sounding assembly so far: Chord Qutest + Sony XA30ES Compared with an original Marantz CD80 (using its internal dac with selected 'crown' TDA 1541 chips from Philips) the assembly of Qutest + XA30ES in my opinion sounds miles better. This demonstrates the great advancements made in DAC's in recent years.
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Your comment is much appreciated. Thanks too for adding your observations
@richdyer2000
Жыл бұрын
I’m even more curious to see how a Sony PS1 would compare now!
@PearlAcoustics
Жыл бұрын
😉
@peterlarkin762
Жыл бұрын
Ah but it's a specific version of the PS1 that's got a reputation... the one with Philips TDA1541 DAC.
@mikampek86
Жыл бұрын
fantastic video,can't wait for part 3,i have cd player philips cd670 and my opinion about good sounding of philips players is,they have very good cdm 4/19 transports,also good 1541 dac in all sorts of variants..can't wait for third part video...i wish you all the best..
Пікірлер: 1,2 М.