FS: California Audio Labs DX-1 CD player

billbillw

I recently picked up a really clean example of the CAL DX-1. Just wanted to hear how this quasi legendary CD player compared to my newer Sony. I've been playing with it for a while now and I've had some time to listen and compare it directly to my fine SDC-333ES. I've got to tell you, it beats the Sony, not by much, but definitely better. Slightly better imaging, smoother highs, more natural sound. Pretty good considering the Sony was a $1000 player that allegedly was sold well below cost (to establish SACD).

Problem is, I'm just not willing to give up my SACD, and I can't really justify having two CD players in my system (not to mention lack of space in my rack!)...

So, its for sale.

At the time the DX-1 came out (1993-1996; MSRP-$595), it was frequently recommended along with the slightly cheaper Marantz CD-63SE in the best "under $1000 CD player" category. As many of you know, the Marantz is still considered a very nice sounding player, and has a huge following, especially in the DIY Mod community. I had a Marantz CD-63SE for quite some time, and I tell you, this CAL DX-1 is a much better built player, with what I think is a more natural sound. It has a nice IEC power cord, a robust CD mechanism, a sealed transformer, fully discrete output (NO OP-AMPS!), a thick plate across the inside that holds the mechanism above the circuit board. It also has a coax digital output if you just want to use it as a transport. **This player has no problems at all playing my CD-Rs. I haven't tried any RW.**

This player is in great shape, no major cosmetic flaws. The top/sides are scratch free. The front is essentially perfect. there are some faint scratches in the display cover that can be seen up close. This player uses a back-lit LCD rather than a LED display. I’d say it’s a solid 8.0/10 to be conservative. The only negative is that I don’t have the remote or a manual for this player.

I've seen these sell recently on Audiogon for more than $200. Ebay seems to easily fetch $150+ for clean examples. I'd consider this a pretty clean example.

Specifications:
Type: CAL Digital Servo single-beam Laser Transport
Semiconductor laser wavelength :760-820nm
Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz
Features: Delta Sigma D/A conversion, 32X Oversampling Rate, 16 Bit Resolution, Balanced RFI AC Input Filtration, Discrete FET Analog Stage
Frequency Response: 5Hz-20kHz /- 0.2 dB
Frequency Accuracy: +/-.0001 Hz
THD: 0.007%
Signal to Noise Ratio: 91 dB
Dynamic Range: 90 dB
Channel Separation: 86 dB (@1kHz)
Output Voltage: 2.0V
Digital Output Impedance: 75 ohm/500 mV
Operating Temperature: 41-95 F (5-35C)
Operating Humidity: 5%-90 (No condensation of moisture)
Power Requirement: AC 115 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption: 13 watts
Dimensions: 17” W x 3.5” H x 12.5” D
Weight: 11.5 lbs unpacked

I'm asking $130+actual shipping by FedEx Ground. The shipping cost will work out to something like $18 for West Coast, $10 or less for East Coast. It will be overpacked in my usual manner (see my Ebay feedback, same user name) which means it will add about 5 lbs to the shipped weight.

I'm in no rush and it’s the holidays, so I'll keep it here for a couple weeks at least. Sometime after the New Year, it will go for sale elsewhere.


If interested, post here first, then send a PM. I want to keep the dibs order clear.

AndyGwis

Good luck with your sale. If I didn't just pick up a Rotel RCC-945 for my two channel rig a few weeks ago, I'd probably hit you up.

CAL is some nice stuff!

billbillw

Pictures added.

When taking the pictures, I noticed a few hairline scratches on the top lid and one small ding on the front panel near the power button. Since the front is molded plastic, its hardly visible. Probably still an 8/10 condition. Can you see the flaws? No photoshopping these other than size/crop.

amulford

I'll take it. Let's do this after the holidays...

RuSsMaN

I've got one of these tucked away for safe keeping. Bulletproof CD player.

billbillw

RuSsMaN wrote:

I've got one of these tucked away for safe keeping. Bulletproof CD player.

I should be doing the same, but I'm running out of places to "tuck things away!"

EDIT: SOLD to Anthony. Hope you enjoy bro.

ohskigod

if pending sale falls through, give me a shout

RuSsMaN

Lou, I've got mine out and ready to move - pm me if your interested at a C-note. Great condition - no remote. It's been on my headphone rig with my Melos and the combo was GOLD.

Cheers,
Russ

tonyb

Had the CL-25,DVD/CDP from these guys,stellar to say the least.Wish I never sold it.Those guys at Cal-labs could put together some good stuff.Imagine with the parts available today,what they could have done.Anyone looking for a good cdp,grab Russ's.

tonyb

Russ,can you do paypal ? If so ,I may be interested.

RuSsMaN

I can do paypal, I'm going to give big Lou first shot, due to his recent interest in this other sale.

Cheers,
Russ

tonyb

Cool....big bad Lou....waiting on you.:)

ohskigod

didnt get the message until today, definitly will take this. PM's Russ as well