CDP Upgrade Options?

Early B.

I'm interested in upgrading/modifying my existing CDP (Bada HD-22 tube CDP). I prefer not to get into the whole DAC thing, so at this point, at least, I want to see how far I can take my current CDP without spedning too much money (around $300 or less).

A while back F1nut posted a thread about his modded Jolida CDP and it came with an upgraded clock. I checked out Trichord Research, but I'm not sure if getting a better clock is the right move. I wanted to get some other ideas on bang-for-buck CDP upgrades.

Is there some sort of device that can be placed between my CDP and pre that reduces jitter, or upsamples, or does something else to improve the signal from the source?

Thanks.

Early B.

Nevermind.

I answered my own question: www.bursonaudio.com

They have some neat stuff at great prices.

VR3

Keep us posted dude... with pics!

markmarc

Check out the archives at: http://www.affordableaudio.org There is an article on a modded BADA just like yours.

Early B.

markmarc wrote:

Check out the archives at: http://www.affordableaudio.org There is an article on a modded BADA just like yours.

Well, of course, that's because it is mine!:p

markmarc

LOL, just call me Homer Simpson!!

Bill Ayotte

That amp looks pretty sweet. I am going to keep an eye out for one of those.

Lsi9

Hey Early,
I really like the Bada CDP, looks nice and must sound good.

Is it worth getting a tube CDP if you don't have any other tube equipment?
also what do the upgrades cost?

Early B.

Lsi9 wrote:

Hey Early,
I really like the Bada CDP, looks nice and must sound good.

Is it worth getting a tube CDP if you don't have any other tube equipment?
also what do the upgrades cost?

Hell, yeah. Gotta have tube(s) somewhere in your system, IMO. The upgrades are relatively inexpensive. The only things I'm considering, though, are an upgraded clock and a few Sonicaps.

Maybe later I'll invest in their DVD buffer.

Lsi9

Thanks early,
The Bada is my latest contender...I wonder how it would stack up against something like the Cambridge 640c.

One more tube question, what would be the average life of that tube, does it need that eventual replacement?

Early B.

Lsi9 wrote:

Thanks early,
The Bada is my latest contender...I wonder how it would stack up against something like the Cambridge 640c.

One more tube question, what would be the average life of that tube, does it need that eventual replacement?

My Bada replaced the Cambridge Audio 640C. The Bada smoked it. In fact, it's not even fair to compare them.

Not sure how long it lasts, but it should last a few years, give or take, depending on how often you listen. Replacement tubes are only about $10 or less, so it's no big deal.

Lsi9

That answers that! Thanks again!

Lsi9

I am eagerly awaiting shipment on the Bada!

Early B.

Lsi9 wrote:

I am eagerly awaiting shipment on the Bada!

Great!

Throw away the stock tube immediately and replace it with a GE 5670 tube. You can find them cheap on ebay.

phipiper10

Haha, Early you got stock in Bada or Part ownership in Pacific Valve!?

Another convert I see!

I'm loving mine. The Bada is hungry to show what it can do so I've been rotating CDs in an out only problem is not enough time in the day.

Trying to get a 4 year old to compromise his Mickey Mouse Fun House and Playhouse Disney for some Tony Rice, Peter Rowan is a tough sell.

I'm losing this battle.

Lsi9

Loving the Bada, Im getting better sound in the highs, mids even the lows. vocals are very acurate and detailed, thanks for the suggestion on the GE tubes I just ordered 4 of them.

Hey brad does your older Bada have the coax out? I figured it would defeat the purpose using it when you are not taking advatage of the tube output.

phipiper10

Good times huh? There is significant difference when using the coax at least in my system. I keep it on there for reference just to remind myself every once in a while of the difference.

I just ordered a couple of Bendix 6385 tubes which, word has it are VERY good. So I'm treating this as another tweak will let you guys know the results.

phipiper10

Holy crap - post 100!

Ricardo

phipiper10 wrote:

Good times huh? There is significant difference when using the coax at least in my system. I keep it on there for reference just to remind myself every once in a while of the difference.

I just ordered a couple of Bendix 6385 tubes which, word has it are VERY good. So I'm treating this as another tweak will let you guys know the results.

yeah, keep us posted on those Bendix.

I've never compared the tubed output with coaxial; of course it all depends on what DAC you are using....anyway, what I have in mind is to connect the non tubed analog out to another input on my pre for A/B; have the interconnects, just have been lazy and haven't done it.

phipiper10

Yeah for me the coax goes to the Onkyo Receiver- I'd be interested to hear that going to a nice Dac.

SCompRacer

phipiper10 wrote:

I just ordered a couple of Bendix 6385 tubes which, word has it are VERY good.

Bendix are stout tubes. I've had great results with them. They can be pricey, depending on which tube type you require.

Lsi9

Do you guys think a tube needs burn in period? I know it needs to warm up, anything else a tube nube needs to know? during installation do you just pop out and replace a tube?

Early B.

Lsi9 wrote:

Do you guys think a tube needs burn in period? I know it needs to warm up, anything else a tube nube needs to know? during installation do you just pop out and replace a tube?

Yes, tubes definitely need time to burn in.

Yes, just pop out and pop in a replacement. For safety purposes, make sure the unit has been powered down for a while and unplug it before swapping tubes.

Early B.

Lsi9 wrote:

Hey brad does your older Bada have the coax out? I figured it would defeat the purpose using it when you are not taking advatage of the tube output.

Yes, my Bada has coax. I've used it to demo DACs.

Early B.

phipiper10 wrote:

I just ordered a couple of Bendix 6385 tubes which, word has it are VERY good. So I'm treating this as another tweak will let you guys know the results.

Yes, I'm also very interested in your comparison between the GE5670 and the Bendix. Please keep us posted.

phipiper10

OK, I just put the Bendix in. It warmed up maybe 5 minutes. The specs say it only takes 25 seconds. See all specs below- (very cool data sheet):
http://frank.yueksel.org/tubes/sheets/131/6/6385.pdf

Smoother, more vibrant were the first things that came to mind after I played some Leo Kotke. Sara Mclauchlan reinforced this with quieter, quiet parts but better defined vocals and some extra dynamics. Lastly Garcia, Grisman and Rice/Pizza Tapes. Again voice and tones were were the highlight with Jerry's voice having more texture, maybe a lot more texture. This generally led to a more interesting listen. I'd also say the sound was easier on the ears.

I don't want to give the impression that this was a drastic change, though I suppose some of the above makes it sound that way. It is distinctly noticeable (or I want to feel good about buying these :eek: ) and probably more so for someone with nicer speakers (I should stop talking bad about mine, I know).

The tubes I got were NOS/NIB mfg date 1/63. TV7 tested 48/48 and 48/46 where 23/23 is minimum.

All things considered, for what I've spent on cables alone I'd say $75 for a single tube was a worthy upgrade. Who knows the sound may continue to get better in the coming days too!

YMMV
Rich

Early B.

phipiper10 wrote:

All things considered, for what I've spent on cables alone I'd say $75 for a single tube was a worthy upgrade. Who knows the sound may continue to get better in the coming days too!

Thanks! Looks like I may have to strongly consider using this tube.

BTW -- the tube will certainly sound better after a few hours. Let it burn in all night tonight and listen again tomorrow. Let us know if you hear a difference.

Lsi9

Hey Phipiper,

You should get in that Music for audiophiles thread, You have good taste...I havent listened to Leo Kotke in years, any particular cds?
Get in that thread! I'm glad the new tube worked out though

SCompRacer

The Bendix tubes pretty much improve on everything from top to bottom. Incredible detail. Here is some history from VTV issue 5 about the Bendix Red Bank Division.

MADGSF

Sorry to drag this one back from the dead!

Early B. I wanted to hear what you ended up doing to your Bada and what you thought of the mod. I am starting my research for a good CDP in my system and the Bada HD-22se is on my short list.

Early B.

MADGSF wrote: »

Sorry to drag this one back from the dead!

Early B. I wanted to hear what you ended up doing to your Bada and what you thought of the mod. I am starting my research for a good CDP in my system and the Bada HD-22se is on my short list.

I upgraded the caps to Sonicaps. Made a huge difference. Night and day. Much more dynamic, more detail. The circuit in the 22se has changed. Fewer caps. Not much to upgrade. I'm sure it's a helluva unit. Better transport, too. Buy it.