Conference hips::uk_audioo

175.0. "Bitstream vs Multibit" by WOTVAX::MEAKINS (Clive Meakins) Wed May 23 1990 11:42

    I currently have a Phillips CD 104, I find that sounds ok, but is 
    uninvolving.  In comparison, my Systemdek IIX, Linn Basik arm and 
    Linn K9 exhibits so much emotion that I just want to sit infront of 
    the speakers an listen to music.  With the CD I can take or leave 
    the music (or is it just sound?).
    
    As CD technology has moved on a fair bit since I bought my 104, I 
    thought I'd audition this newer technology.  To begin with I kept 
    the costs constraints sensible, so I tried:
    
    Rotel 855 (multibit)
    Marantz CD50SE (multibit)
    Phillips 840 (bitstream)
    
    I was found that CD technology hasn't moved on much at all, they all 
    had a little more bass than my 104, they also had larger 
    soundstages.  The 840 was best with the other two tying for second, 
    but the difference was really minuscule.  The major problem was this 
    lack of emotion again.  Even the hyped up 840 bitsream player showed 
    no significant leap forward in sound quality.
    
    This was time for a rethink.  I borrowed a Meridian 206 (a multi-bit 
    player costing �800) for a week to use at home.  I played this 
    through my Muscial Fidelity A1 amp and Reference 2 speakers.  The 
    206 was left switched on all week, it's designed to be operated this 
    way - it really does make a difference.  Even my 104 improves after 
    a couple of hours use.
      
    Now I was really enjoying the music, finally I had found a CD player 
    to better my vinyl playing system.  It had great control over the 
    bass, the mid-range and treble were very pleasant.  The soundstage 
    was larger than I'm used to.  I was using Deltec Black Slink 
    interconnect cable, expensive at �120 for a 0.75m pair, but really 
    worth the money, it does make a very significant difference.
    
    I also borrowed a Meridian 203 (�495), the bitstream DAC that hit 
    the streets last week.  This is effectively the DAC from the highly 
    acclaimed Meridian 208 (�1490).  
    
    I enjoyed the 203, it's certainly good, I used the transport of the 
    206.  The 203 has better detail at low levels, it's possible to hear 
    background noises, whether intended or unintended, that the 206 
    couldn't resolve.  The negative side is that the bass wasn't as 
    rythmic.  Meridian say that their bitstream bass is accurate, the 
    multibit players are said to "over-do" the bass.
    
    The bottom line is that, if I listened to small scale classical 
    or acoustic music mainly I would go for the 203.  For say, Phil 
    Collins or other music that drives along hard in the bass region, I 
    prefer the 206.  In other words, the extra detail of the 203 doesn't 
    automatically equate to extra enjoyment.
    
    I do listen to a very wide range of music, but when I sit down 
    purely to listen to music, I tend to play 206 type music, when I 
    listen to 203 sympathetic music, this tends to be background music.
    
    Though bitstream is said to be a wonderful advance by certain Hi-Fi 
    journalists, I don't believe it - it may be more accurate, but I 
    like the 206 multibit player.  Just as with record decks, most 
    people don't go for accuracy, but what they derive most pleasure 
    from.  I've also listened to the Meridian 208 and Deltec PDM-ONE 
    (both bitstream), the same commnets apply as the 203 in general.
    
    All I need now is the best part of a grand....