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Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-07 10:18
by beck
Now having given it my best I really enjoy my cd replay.

With my NAD cd player I took a look inside at a period where I did not feel I could make any progress with the sound.

At the left inner side the power cable was forced up against the metal side of the case with a plastic strip. I cut the strip and let it hang loose.

Then I started experimenting again with changing the vibration coming via the power cable into the cd player.
Now I could change the sound and after much experimenting I am now happy.

All through the trial and error period my few HD cd’s were the least enjoyable but as the setup got better they started to shine.

My thought is that the higher resolution demands even better setup to work. Like having to align a bigger amount of small bits of sound.

It is only when my setup got really well that HD cd started to sound as dynamic as red book cd. All the small bits started to come together as one (my picture of it). Until that point it sounded detailed but seperated in sound and lacking in dynamics not hitting that point of togetherness.

I do not know if my observations are valid for others to follow but now they are made public.

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-07 10:37
by V.A.MKD
Good to have progress ... the change was "only" with power cable (as I understand) ... can you send some pictures ...
I plan to check my CD / SACD ... for possible improvements ...
Thanks for shearing your experience.

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-07 10:46
by beck
You will laugh when you see my pictures but I will post some in a couple of days.

I consider my setup weird so the above is in no way an effort from me to make you all do the same. It is just my story with my own system.

As it sounds right now:

Links removed

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-07 23:14
by ThomasOK
Sounds pretty good. The mention of the power cable reminds me of how important little things like this can be. At the RMAF 2017 show I brought the JBL subwoofer along with the JBL 3677s. Fredrik and I had a little extra time during the setup and I wanted to get the Marchand Electronic crossover right. First up we checked the two outputs, since I had it switched to mono output, to see if there were audible differences. Indeed there was a marked difference between the two outputs! I also wanted to get torques right on the unit as it has a lot of screws. So I popped it open and immediately noticed that the wiring going from the circuit board to the good sounding output was in free air whereas the one to the bad sounding output was against both the back panel and a front to back metal brace! Once rearranged so that it was also in free space the sound of the two outputs became the same. I ended going through the whole unit to make sure the wiring was spaced away from the metal panels with worthwhile musical results. Likewise, proper torques improved things so all was sounding much better after the tuning.

So, yes, these seemingly small things do matter.

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-09 12:48
by Lego
I take it you're using Linn silvers with CD player Beck :0)

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-09 13:10
by beck
No, my trusted linn black interconnects as always! :-)

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-09 13:19
by Lego
beck wrote: 2020-01-09 13:10 No, my trusted linn black interconnects as always! :-)
I thought you said silver with digital, maybe it was someone else, think I'll try blacks with Hakai

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-09 14:41
by beck
Lego wrote: 2020-01-09 13:19
beck wrote: No, my trusted linn black interconnects as always! :-)
I thought you said silver with digital, maybe it was someone else, think I'll try blacks with Hakai
Not me! :-)

A modern recording on an old system! :-)

Link removed

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-11 11:25
by beck
As the setup of my cd player settles it seems to get even better.

Now a statement that will come as a surprice to many not least myself. With the cd playback I have now I suspect that it will be some time before I return to vinyl.

I have come so far with cd not bettering lp but reaching a point where I really just listen and enjoy that I will explore further and buy cd’s second hand and maybe new!

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-11 11:36
by maffe
beck wrote: 2020-01-11 11:25
I have come so far with cd not bettering lp but reaching a point where I really buy cd’s second hand and maybe new!
CD’s are a mayflower, you’ll soon get back into the groove;)

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-12 12:41
by beck
maffe wrote: 2020-01-11 11:36
beck wrote:
I have come so far with cd not bettering lp but reaching a point where I really buy cd’s second hand and maybe new!
CD’s are a mayflower, you’ll soon get back into the groove;)
You might be right but for now this is really fun. When it is hard work not to move your body when listening something good is going on.

Digital still has that skeletal feel compared to analog but I can live with it.

I do not hear any big difference between red book and hd cd on my system anymore. They both sound musical and quite similar.

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 12:33
by beck
I am being floored by my cd player. The clip below is from a Tower of Power live cd that has been unlistenable for as long as I remember.
Now I am jumping up and down. I never thought my cd player could convey music like this..

Link removed

In no way a perfect recording (or my setup is not perfect yet) but alive.

Setup, setup setup and more setup. It really has to be good to make our systems work properly.

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 19:32
by V.A.MKD
Yes, yes Beck,
Alive ... = right direction (not left :))))
But pics, pics, pics .....
Enjoy :)))

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 20:14
by beck
Here is a picture that tells you what I am fooling around with.

Link removed

Rubber pieces and “bluetack” are used to modify the vibrations coming via the power cable into the cd player and in the background the interconnects are also being “modified”.

My stand needs a certain weight so the Sondek on top is essential and a small rubber bridge from the tramp 1 on my Sondek to the power cable is also important in my setup.

I do not think you can use my work one to one but maybe be inspired by it. In the end it is all about trial and error listening to each small change you make finding the right direction towards better music. In my setup everything matters.

In my experience the use of a normal preamp (which I do not use) makes the sound less “changeable” and less affected by my messures.

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 20:37
by V.A.MKD
Yes,
What from your tips & tricks will work in my system is "?", idea and inspiration is most important ...
Thank you

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 20:44
by beck
.......and just to make another point. If the studio recording is kind of boring so is the outcome using my cd player! :-)

Link removed

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 20:57
by V.A.MKD
Excellent point ... not only your CD, but as well LP and all other sources ... They can be "top spec" as Fredric like to say, but if recording is ... than nothing can help ...
Or to use one old ... garbage in garbage out ...

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 21:17
by Defender
second clip this time :)

... and you are crazy

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 21:35
by beck
I kind of agree with you Defender. When trying to find out what really is going on in an industry like the hifi industry it will rub some of it’s craziness off on you. :-)

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 21:52
by Defender
you can put all your circuit boards on strings (which is usually used for fishing) I have even seen it for the transport

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 21:56
by beck
:-0

But my point is not to do it the most crazy way. It is just to get enjoyable music out of the equipment I own and I am getting there. :-)

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 21:58
by V.A.MKD
Hahahahahaaa my cousin did it ... on Philips transport ...

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 22:04
by Defender
how about Ennemoser C37 lacquer? ... I am not joking (not with this and also not with the strings)

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 22:07
by V.A.MKD
I'm serious ... about the strings and transport ...
I think that that is DIY ... and not all the time it go in right direction ...
But trial and error is also OK ...

Re: Some observations from cd replay

Posted: 2020-01-17 22:12
by V.A.MKD
C37 is also ... Varnish for instruments, drivers ...
From that "school" is as well "spruce" or tone wood.