Non oversampling CD-playback, which way should I go?

[stefanK]

Hello,

on a tight budget I would like to make a step forward with CD-playback. I own a by now 17 years old Harman Kardon HD400 which I like a lot, but from all what I've read I think a non-os DAC should bring things further sonically. Sadly I am not into electronics at all and so I was quite happy, when a year ago a friend of mine offered me to build Doede Douma's DDDAC1543 for me. I bought a Philips CD304MKII as transport because of the CDM1 used in this player and because it has a digital out.

For what reason ever up to now the DAC was not built and even though the promise was renewed recently it is not clear at all if and when this might happen.

Now I have found someone on german ebay who modifies old Philips and Marantz CD-players to non-os: Philips CD 600 with 4xTDA1543 and Philips CD820, Marantz CD40 and CD50 with TDA 1541. Seems as if his cumstomers are very satisfied. These players use the CDM4 as far as I know.

To come to the point now – what would you prefer: A single player with the DAC section modified to non-os with a simpler CDM4 transport mechanism or a separated solution with external DAC and transport? Would it also be possible to change the Philips CD304MKII to a all-in-one non-os CD-player? Or are there other players that might be a good choice for that (e.g. Marantz CD60 or CD80)?
If separated: I have a bit problems with amount of space for my system – it would become difficult for me to have a standard sized CD-player such as the CD304 with an additional DAC. Would the smaller Mission DAD5 (with CDM9) be an equal substitution for the CD304 when used as transport?

Best regards from Berlin, Stefan

P.S. If anyone is willing to help me with his soldering iron, don't hesitate to contact me!

[phn]

I like simplicity. Mostly because there's not a single example in history where more complex has proven to be better. Having that said--not to mention that I think upsampling is a marketing scam worthy of a P.T. Barnum award--I doubt it will make a difference. There are lots of examples out there where people add tube stages and whatnots on mediocre CDPs in order to mask the sound. It's all bogus. People use tube stages for vinyl not because they need more tubes in the signal path, but because they need more gain.

Don't waste your money. One guy posted here not long ago asking for advice for a CDP. He has had eight so far. He's not alone. This whole industry is based on the promise that the next thing will deliver. It rarely does.

One question. Why are you so sure you won't fix the DAC on your own? Just go about it slowly. The biggest mistake most people do is that they try to do too much in one sitting. Get one of those cheapo electronics kits. It doesn't matter what it is, a buzzer, whatever. Build one of those, then hit the DAC.

[rfbrw]

Originally posted by phn
I like simplicity. Mostly because there's not a single example in history where more complex has proven to be better.

Ummm. Man versus amoeba? 33.333rpm vs 78? Strowger vs SPC? 2CV vs C70? antibiotics vs bloodletting?

[Joseph K]

Hah! Rfbrw, I got You here!

Bloodletting IS /was a form of a real cure, if a bit holistic, while antibiotics is the death of humanity. I am not joking!!!

Ciao, George

[maxlorenz]

Hi Stefan:

Sadly I am not into electronics at all and so I was quite happy, when a year ago a friend of mine offered me to build Doede Douma's DDDAC1543 for me. I bought a Philips CD304MKII as transport because of the CDM1 used in this player and because it has a digital out.

The simplest good sounding CDP: find out if your player outputs I2S digital format (from its specs files). If so, buy the new DDDAC1543 MK II module at EU49 and feed it directly with I2S, and voilá !

Why don't you try it by yourself!? Building the DAC is as simple as it can get, and very enjoyable.
I mean, someday you will have to take the plunge.
Anyway, when you have the kit I'm sure your friend will help you (yeah, it is better that you pospone a DAC as your second project )

In case your CDP can't output I2S you may build your DDDAC MK II with the SPDIF receiver module. That will only double the price.

This is an advice from a non-expert amateur that wishes you all the luck in your project.
M.

[rfbrw]

Originally posted by Joseph K
Hah! Rfbrw, I got You here!

Bloodletting IS /was a form of a real cure, if a bit holistic, while antibiotics is the death of humanity. I am not joking!!!

Ciao, George

So is/was trepanning but it won't do you much good if all you need is new glasses.

Beware the lure of the TDA1543. You might find the emperor has no clothes.

[maxlorenz]

Caro George:
Flebotomy is only good for some diseases: polycitemia vera; pulmonary oedema...and other

while antibiotics is the death of humanity

Well, it is suposed that bacteria are killed first

Cheers
M.

[Joseph K]

Stefan,

I think the CD304MKII, with tda1541 in it, can be nicely transformed into a NOS machine.

Ciao, George

[Joseph K]

Mauricio,

No, our reinforced immune system is supposed to kill bacteria, not funghi swallowed.. Over hyped, uncontrolled general use of antibiotics is just preparing the fertile soil [us] for a new type of Sars or whatnot virus to finish the job in a nice day..

But Ho, do I have to explain that to a True Brazil Believer!!?

What about that sweet Mom falling apart?

Ciao, George

Edited Brasil to Brazil...

[phn]

Originally posted by rfbrw


Ummm. Man versus amoeba? 33.333rpm vs 78? Strowger vs SPC? 2CV vs C70? antibiotics vs bloodletting?

Since when is, "Let's make this really, really complicated" better?