Samuel Jayaraj said:Has anyone been able to compare the sound of a Marantz CD63SE (modded) to a stock NAD 542 or even modded and which do you say sounds better?
I started a thread to find the answer but have found none so far.
Thanks.
I can't directly answer your question as I've not really heard a Nad 542, and I don't know how good it can be when modified either.
What I do know is the CD63 has a stupendous level of quality that just needs revealing through mods. It is true high-end.
If you're looking to buy one of these players 2nd hand... neither is pretty but the CD63 probably tips it on looks and with this thread as a resource, it really is a "no-brainer": you must pick the CD63! Mod mod MOD!
Simon
rowemeister said:Avr300.
I recommend the servo clock mod. The bass is much much better, treble sweeter and articulate and vocals are wonderful.
Wait and see what Simon says once he has built his.
Brent
It's on it's way. Peace of cake then the goods are in reach. Just have to find the bl... flipflop. Noone seems to have the 74LS74. Perhaps I can find a substitute.
And I'm really looking forward to this one. If the DAC is sensitive to jitter, why should the servo not be? So this one "feels" right.
avr300 said:
It's on it's way. Peace of cake then the goods are in reach. Just have to find the bl... flipflop. Noone seems to have the 74LS74. Perhaps I can find a substitute.
And I'm really looking forward to this one. If the DAC is sensitive to jitter, why should the servo not be? So this one "feels" right.
Every mod I have done to the servo circuitry has brought good gains mate. You will be very happy.
Just make sure the pcb is right next to the servo otherwise its not a happy bunny.
Brent
Which means that the wire from the XO will be longer. Hmmm, no good either.
I'll get it in place. And return here with the verdict.
I'll get it in place. And return here with the verdict.
I have been wathching this thread trying to keep up with you guys for about the past 6 weeks. So much to do, so many things to try. As others have said, many thanks to all who contribute, you have taken much of the heavy lifting away from modding the CD63. I am just getting started on mine and have a question about the jumpers. Saw a previous post on this without much comment.How much benefit would be gained by replacing all of these with better wire? I read awhile ago about a modder who did this as standard practice(but don't remember what machine) and was touting the benefits. Also would a ferrite bead or two on each have any benefit as I go through what looks like a long painfull process. If all this is worth it I would like to start before space becomes an issue.
compressit said:I have been wathching this thread trying to keep up with you guys for about the past 6 weeks. So much to do, so many things to try. As others have said, many thanks to all who contribute, you have taken much of the heavy lifting away from modding the CD63. I am just getting started on mine and have a question about the jumpers. Saw a previous post on this without much comment.How much benefit would be gained by replacing all of these with better wire? I read awhile ago about a modder who did this as standard practice(but don't remember what machine) and was touting the benefits. Also would a ferrite bead or two on each have any benefit as I go through what looks like a long painfull process. If all this is worth it I would like to start before space becomes an issue.
Hi compressit,
I also noticed this with interest. It's something I'd not want to do now that I've done a lot of other mods, but if and when I start on a fresh/virgin player I'd seriously consider it. Like the previous poster said various signals, grounds and power travel through these jumpers so they really could do with being good. I guess they're steel, which is rubbish, so there should be gains!
Simon
avr300 said:Which means that the wire from the XO will be longer. Hmmm, no good either.
I'll get it in place. And return here with the verdict.
Use coax and all will be fine
Brent
avr300 said:Mine will be fead from my Flea.
Sweet
Also you mentioned you cannot find a 74LS74, Farnell in the UK have them. Also remember you need a D type Flip Flop with both normal and inverted output.
Brent
SimontY said:
You need to know:
*Where to take the voltage from (I used the +20v supply from)under C803.
*What parts to remove (RD01 and RD04)
*Where to feed the new 5v rails (U200 - lifted at the supply end will feed the DAC's analogue psu pins, hole of RD04 for digital psu pins, and hole of RD01 for clock ref. pin)
Are the feeding points (RD01, RD04, U200) for the new reg's the same as on the cd67se?
I guess Simonty refered to a cd63 in his posting.
Can someone confirm?
gy21 said:I guess Simonty refered to a cd63 in his posting.
I sure did. Unfortunately I don't have the service manual for the CD67 so I cannot confirm they are the same holes. They may not be...
Simon
avr300 said:
.......... Noone seems to have the 74LS74. Perhaps I can find a substitute.
.....................
Hi.
I have a spare 7474
Send me a mail with your address
Andy
poynton said:
Hi.
I have a spare 7474
Send me a mail with your address
Andy
Tnx Andy, but I just saw, that Farnell in DK also have them.
But anyway - thanks a lot.
SimontY said:
I sure did. Unfortunately I don't have the service manual for the CD67 so I cannot confirm they are the same holes. They may not be...
Simon
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
This is the cd67se schematic around the dac (bottom view)
gy21 said:
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
This is the cd67se schematic around the dac (bottom view)
RD01 and RD04 are defo the same
It also appears U203 is easiest place for the analogue supply but I would be tempted to solder directly to the +V pins of CD15 and CD16 and dont forget to remove U203
Brent
SimontY said:... various signals, grounds and power travel through these jumpers so they really could do with being good. I guess they're steel, which is rubbish, so there should be gains!
Simon
So, had a good beer at the White Cliffs last week but have returned to the hobby now.
These wire jumper are tinned copper, fortunately. I always check with a magnet what has to stay or go.
Am planning a new PCB dedicated to the HF filter and the AD8620. Has anyone optimised the operating conditions for this opamp?
Regards, Jaap (tanned to the bone)
Attachments
SimontY said:Hi Ray, I think CD67-UT sounds good 😎
I ought to name mine CD63-PL, based on how clumsy I've been doing some of the soldering. Can you guess what it stands for? 😕
Would that be 'PCB Lifter'

I don't remember you mentioning the sale.. Why did you do that? Do you prefer your 67?
Yes, I do. It has a better PCB layout, no servo chip, since that is integrated in the SAA with the decoder (no extra crystal or clocking required!), no discrete HF amps, and it uses a single regulated 5V supply for the driver IC's instead of the raw +/- 10V. So, ultimately, theoretically, I think a fully modded CD67 could beat an equally modded CD63 because the circuit is less complicated 😀. But then again, it's just a theory.
Regards,
Ray.
rowemeister said:
RD01 and RD04 are defo the same
It also appears U203 is easiest place for the analogue supply but I would be tempted to solder directly to the +V pins of CD15 and CD16 and dont forget to remove U203
Brent
Thanks guys! I just did the 3 7805 reg mod for the dac. It worked right away.
I Used 100uF/25 V and a 100nF (mylar) on the input of every 7805 and a 100uF/10V on the output of every 7805.
Now i'm listening 😉
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