My Custom CD player
organ
Posts: 4,969
This cdp started life as an Audio Zone prototype using a modified version of their DAC-1. It was a single chassis unit.
I've been playing with tubes for about 10 years and many years ago I planned to have a cdp using my favorite tube. After listening to many different types, I like the sound of 300B tubes the most. So finally, after many years, I decided it was time. I haven't heard all the tubes yet but by far the 300B is king IMO (compared to others I've heard). I told the AZ guys about my idea and they made it happen.
There are 7 transformers total. 2 of them being output transformers. The DAC is connected to the tube circuit which provides the gain. Basically it is a cd player where the output stage is pretty much a 300B SET amp. The rectifier tube is a Russian 5u3c (russian designation for 5U4).
The DAC is non-oversample and filterless.
I'm running Sophia Electric 300B mesh plates and the sound is stunning. Female vocals is absolutely incredible. I just can't find anything to complain about. Every aspect of the sound is very much improved. That SET magic is there along with all the qualitites that make 300B sound so good.
Just thought I'd share with you guys. Here are some pics... I placed the metal knobs on the unit to keep it cool. Without them, the chassis gets a little hot to the touch. After placing the knobs there to increase surface area and heat distribution, it only gets warm.
I've been playing with tubes for about 10 years and many years ago I planned to have a cdp using my favorite tube. After listening to many different types, I like the sound of 300B tubes the most. So finally, after many years, I decided it was time. I haven't heard all the tubes yet but by far the 300B is king IMO (compared to others I've heard). I told the AZ guys about my idea and they made it happen.
There are 7 transformers total. 2 of them being output transformers. The DAC is connected to the tube circuit which provides the gain. Basically it is a cd player where the output stage is pretty much a 300B SET amp. The rectifier tube is a Russian 5u3c (russian designation for 5U4).
The DAC is non-oversample and filterless.
I'm running Sophia Electric 300B mesh plates and the sound is stunning. Female vocals is absolutely incredible. I just can't find anything to complain about. Every aspect of the sound is very much improved. That SET magic is there along with all the qualitites that make 300B sound so good.
Just thought I'd share with you guys. Here are some pics... I placed the metal knobs on the unit to keep it cool. Without them, the chassis gets a little hot to the touch. After placing the knobs there to increase surface area and heat distribution, it only gets warm.
Post edited by organ on
Comments
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Very cool.Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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Nice setup!"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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Damn cool lookin' and a pretty darn good idea too.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
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Thanks guys.
Lasareath, lol:D I did try a $200 dvd player once. It could probably rip the ears right off a cat lol. -
Wow, that is some cool **** right there. You've got a system that I'd really like to hear.Wristwatch--->Crisco
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Looking good (referring to the 4th photo)! I am not sure about the 2nd and 3rd pictures. I would love to see the 1st one in better lighting so I know what it looks like.Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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Too cool!DKG999
HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED
Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC -
Thanks Dkg.
Thanks Strider. Anytime you're in Toronto, you're welcome to stop by.
Megasat,
Sorry for the bad quality. The 2nd and 3rd pics shows the 300B's andrectifier glowing. Here's a better pic. I can't get the stupid flash to work. -
I'd love to hear it. When can I come over?
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Anytime brother.
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Looks good, but probably pales to how it sounds. Wish I could hear it from here.:)
Greg
Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
"I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion."![:\](https://forum.polkaudio.com/resources/emoji/confused.png ":\")
My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....
"Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson
"Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee -
Megasat,
Sorry for the bad quality. The 2nd and 3rd pics shows the 300B's andrectifier glowing. Here's a better pic. I can't get the stupid flash to work.
Very Nice! Thanks for the better quality picture. And those 300B tubes besides the transport are purdy too!
P.S. No need to sorry for! I thought I should ask for better pic to appreciate the coolness.
Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin: -
Wow!! Nice Set-Up, and Beautiful work.
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Megasat,
Yeah, I'm actually working on improving the looks of the transport (DAC is on the same chassis located at the rear). I'm thinking something like a 'flip top' that you see on turntables. I'm just having problems finding the right size. I want to leave the buttons exposed. I like the cool retro look.
ToolFan,
Thanks. I know I've said it many times before, but I think I'm done lol.
Just to clarify, it's not very clear on my original post, but the 300B section IS NOT powering the speakers. The outputs of the 300B gain stage connects to my single ended integrated amps. I switch between my EL34 single ended and EL84 SE depending on mood. -
Megasat,
Yeah, I'm actually working on improving the looks of the transport (DAC is on the same chassis located at the rear). I'm thinking something like a 'flip top' that you see on turntables. I'm just having problems finding the right size. I want to leave the buttons exposed. I like the cool retro look.
Yep, I know the one beside CDT is your Tube DAC. It's pretty cool actually. I am usually against Tube guy but it's very nice not to give my ears a try some day. May be something similar to a TT cover built from Plexi and some Blue LEDs accent around it.
Very Cool Project. The speakers are your Custom creation too?Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin: -
Now you've got me thinking. I wonder if it would work if I used slightly tinted plastic but have it cover the top display as well. There should be enough light trapped and spread across the cover. I never look at the track display anyway.
Oh no, the speakers are not my creation. It's a Bruce Edgar design. I believe it's one of the early models that eventually evolved to the Titan. In the Titan he used round horns and a slightly bigger bass horn. It's about 100db/w/m. The mid horn goes down to 300Hz and the bass horns down to 100Hz. Not sure where the tweeters drop off. My dealer told me who built mine but I can't remember his name.
The only thing that I find annoying but I'm used to it now is using 2 volume control. One on the tube integrated and the other pure SS pre/mono blocks for the subs. I've memorized my favorite positions.
I'm not sure about the subwoofers. I don't think they're Bruce's design but they blend seamlessly and are extrmely powerful. I have no data or measurements but I'm sure they're pretty flat to 20hz. -
Yeah, thick clear plexi (I think they comes in a few different color too) beveled cut and clear glued and polished. May be a few LED lightings drilled and placed in the chassis from underneath but aligned with the plexi covers. Just an idea.
Bruce Edgar design horns are really pretty and they blends in quite well in your room aesthetically. I bet they sounds good too.Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
