Toshiba 3960

George Grand
George Grand Posts: 12,258
edited March 2005 in 2 Channel Audio
The Toshiba 3960 I ordered from BB arrived a few days ago, and I have it cooking. It's not part of a system yet. I stuck a long cd in it, and every time I walk by it I start it from track one again. I like doing this not so much because I believe in burn-in, but because I like to put as much mileage on NEW electronics as possible. If something has a 90 day warranty, I try to put 6 months worth of useage on that pup in 2 weeks. If it goes, I want it to be during the warranty period.

The construction and heft on this Toshiba are not exactly awe inspiring, but I value Max's opinion, as he was one of the FEW people that even KNEW about the Rat Shack CD-3400 giant killer.

If this thing sounds like ****, you're dead Max.

George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)
Post edited by George Grand on
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited February 2005
    Hey George,

    Got my Max modded Tosh arriving tomorrow. Gonna set it up straight away in the main system. It's already burned in, so I'll let you know my thoughts on it.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    edited February 2005
    Originally posted by George Grand
    If this thing sounds like ****, you're dead Max.

    I can see the headline now: Air National Guard Forced to Do Emergency Fuel Dump in North-Central Maryland

    I've got one of those big-assed golf umbrellas Max. You're welcome to borrow it. ;)
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited February 2005
    George, there's a certain keystroke sequence that will put the player in repeat mode---can't think of it right now, but I saw this on a Tosh mod site.

    Maybe Max knows it....
    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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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited February 2005
    Yea, for repeat there is a button on the bottom row of the remote that you push twice. I forget the name of it though. I'll have to look. If you hook it up to a tv you can see it on screen.

    George, I always drill holes in the top of my 3960's. Otherwise you end up with this burning plastic smell... :confused:

    BTW, I saw the pic of the re-fueling. I'm under cover as we speak.

    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited February 2005
    BURNING PLASTIC SMELL?????????????

    That thing is very near my He-Man rig!!!!

    Max, you're freakin' dead.

    George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)
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  • jcaut
    jcaut Posts: 1,849
    edited February 2005
    Max-

    Just wait 'till he discovers that "dripping faucet" ticking sound --the self destruct timer?-- (or is that only the 3950?). Might be a good time for a vacation...

    Jason
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited February 2005
    OK, so my Max modded Tosh arrived today and I immediately hooked it up to my 2-channel system which consists of a Jolida 502 int. amp and Norh 5.1 speakers. Here's my preliminary assessment --

    This thing is sweet!!! We've definitely stepped into "audiophile" territory with this one. There's absolutely no fatigue and the detail is excellent. The sound is a bit veiled, though, which is to be expected. Of course it can't quite compete with my tube CD player, but IMO it sounds just as good as my previous CD player -- Cambridge Audio 640C which is a $500 player vs. a $50 unit with $30 in parts. And the Tosh can play DVDs.

    George -- if you're handy with a soldering iron, consider the mods.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited February 2005
    Early,
    Keep in mind it really isn't burned in yet. I only ran it for a few days. Another 50 hours should make a noticeable difference. Also, be sure and try it with light stuff like CSN&Y or anything acoustic. Also Keb Mo "The Door" is a must have!

    Oh yea, the ticking. Did I forget to mention that to George. :D

    Sure, these things can have a few glitches here and there. Overall though, you can't touch it for under $500.

    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited February 2005
    Oh yea, one other thing. What you sit them on actually makes a difference. They spin the disc extra fast so something that allows horizontal movement seems to make the most difference. Those little ball thingys should be the best. I forget what they are called but each foot has a ball between two concave coasters. That would probably remove a lot of the veil you are talking about.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited February 2005
    How about if I just C clamp the **** out of it to a shelf on three of the four sides?

    George in Arizona
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited February 2005
    "George in Arizona"...you caught me...LOL!
    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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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited February 2005
    More than just a pretty face here Esteban.

    George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited February 2005
    Jorge, you and I must drink some beer someday--if you're ever in the "real" sunshine state, feel free to stop by. Anyone who adores vintage AR's, has got to be right...;)
    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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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited March 2005
    has anyone here had playback problems with their Toshiba 3960?

    about every other CD I play from start to finish.. around track 10, 11, or 12 the player locks up. and seems like it pauses all by itself. i have to skip to the next track to get it to continue playing the CD.

    I have it stacked on top of a tuner. maybe it's a heat issue. not sure.

    it does sound pretty good for a $50 jobber player. I guess for that price one should expect some glitches in the darn thing.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited March 2005
    I'm afraid that sounds more like a defect rather than a glitch. It could be heat. Remove the three screws that hold the cover on and leave it raised to see if the problem goes away. If it does you can drill a few holes over the processor IC to let some heat out.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • POLKHT
    POLKHT Posts: 138
    edited March 2005
    I just bought a 3960. I have to agree with danger boy, the play back is horrible. Display keeps coming up on layer switches. Slow to advance and go back to next track and sometimes freezes. Sounds ok though, I haven't any thing good to compare with. Does this sound good compared to other expensive players right out of the box?
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited March 2005
    POLKHT, yeah yours sounds similar to my problems. once I insert a CD into the drive. it takes mmmm close to a minute to load it up. dang that's a long time. But yeah it freezes up every on every other disc or so. I'm going to try what someone recommended.. and lift the top off and see if it's a heat issue or not.

    BTW, I only use mine for CD listening. not DVD's.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited March 2005
    Steve,

    It's a date the next time I can get to Tucson. I'll drag you over to meet my Uncle Benny, and we'll have a drink with him. You will never forget meeting that man.

    I DID mention that I got the AR-78LS' re-foamed and they're ready to rip didn't I?

    George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    Cool, didn't know you had some 78's. I've got some vintage pics I'm gonna put up here today with shots of my Infinity RS III's and the AR9Lsi's. Also has a pic of my Teac X2000RBL reel/reel and other cool stuff...
    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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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited March 2005
    DB

    My 3960 does sometimes not like to follow remote commands or skips a track etc. It sounds good so I put up with it, I really have gotten used to it and just consider it part of the program.

    RT1
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited March 2005
    Public service anouncement:

    Anyone using a 3960 should hook it up to a tv, go to the audio menu and turn off the compression.

    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by madmax
    Public service anouncement:

    Anyone using a 3960 should hook it up to a tv, go to the audio menu and turn off the compression.

    madmax

    good idea MM. never had mine hooked up to a tv. but i'll do that. thanks
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by anonymouse
    And why does this make a difference to the analog out playback?

    Should remove compression. Lets the loud sounds be loud and the soft sounds be soft rather than keeping them all around the same output.

    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by George Grand
    Steve,

    It's a date the next time I can get to Tucson. I'll drag you over to meet my Uncle Benny, and we'll have a drink with him. You will never forget meeting that man.

    I DID mention that I got the AR-78LS' re-foamed and they're ready to rip didn't I?

    George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)

    Count me in too, George and Steve!!!

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    You got it buddy, Mesquite shrimp and T-bones smathered in Miller Genuine Draft and Sam Adams.
    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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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited March 2005
    Is that old Wesley I hear? What you doing in Tucson man?

    George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)
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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited March 2005
    Max, I have no intention of leaving this thing hooked to a tv. When I turn off the compression and shut the machine down will it default back to compression?

    George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    George-the tosh will stay in uncompressed after you set it. Wes lives in Tucson, he's a regular at the Rose house (Rose being my last name). He like's to harrass me about my cheap speakers and such...
    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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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited March 2005
    Give him a kiss for me. Thanks for the compression scoop. I'll bet he loves the drive from town out to S.V., especially that speed trap Busby, or whatever that place is.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2005
    Busby...LOL!!! You're killin' me man. How about Bisbee?
    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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