Conference hips::uk_audioo

281.0. "Micromega CD players" by BAHTAT::SALLITT () Tue Jun 11 1991 14:49

    By request, I'm creating another topic for Micromega CD players. Are
    there any French noters out there who can contribute to this?
    
    The entry-level Micromega is the Optic. It is a bitstream design that
    uses the Philips chipset and transport. The DAC is on a seperate
    module, so in theory it's upgradeable. It has a digital output if an
    outboard DAC is required/desired. In the UK it retails for around �600.
    Compared to the Arcam Alpha, it presents rhythm better and has a more
    powerful bass; I never compared it to the Arcam Delta, which is the
    same price point as the Optic, though as I understand it the main
    difference between the Alpha and Delta is in detail retrieval rather
    than musical presentation, where the Optic beat the Alpha to my ears.
    In this respect it was about the same as Rega 3 at twice the price;
    that's progress.
    
    Some reviewers slate the Optic on measured distortion and an
    LP-like drooping top end, though I can't hear what they complain of on mine;
    maybe I'm going deaf in my old age..... Having all its buttons marked
    in French, the Optic is great pose value; hang on, I'll just recherch�
    through this disque then set play to aleatoire. There are few
    programming facilities; there is shuffle play (aletoire: I only figured
    that out because an indicator with "shuffle play" came on when I
    pressed the button). There is also a way of programming a disc
    (disque?) to play tracks in a certain order; I was showed how how to do
    it in the shop but I've forgotten, and since the instructions are all
    in French I can't work out how to do it; to be honest I don't
    understand why anyone should want to do that anyway, so I won't work
    too hard to find out.
    
    The next model is the Solo, which retails for around �1500 in the UK.
    It's a multibit top loader single-box design; I've only heard one
    briefly in a Linn LK1/280/Isobarik set up. It sounded OK to me, but
    not amazing in the same way a �1500 record player would.
    
    After the Solo comes the Duo, similar to the Solo but with an outboard
    DAC. I've never heard one and don't know its price. Following the Duo
    comes the Trio, a (surprise, surprise) three box design, with an
    outboard DAC as per the Duo plus outboard DAC supplies. I believe the
    Trio retails at around �5000 (phew!) in the UK. There is an upgrade
    path from Duo to Trio, but I'm not sure if you start with a Solo then
    build up.
    
    Please continue the discussion!
    
    Dave

    
>     pressed the button). There is also a way of programming a disc
>     (disque?) to play tracks in a certain order; I was showed how how to do
>     it in the shop but I've forgotten, and since the instructions are all
    
    Does it have a permanent memory for such programs (Philips call this
    "FTS") ?
    
    Trevor

    re last:"    Does it have a permanent memory for such programs (Philips call this
    "FTS") ?"
    
    Er...very likely, as it uses a lot of Philips chips, but since I never
    use it I don't know for sure.
    
    Dave
    

For some reason I didn't go for the DUO in my last upgrade. In Hong Kong, it is
above HK$20,000.00 (STD1540). I bought a REVOX 126 + Deltec PDM II instead. It 
was cheaper (30% less) and the performance is about the same.

But recently, I heard more and more good comments on Micromega. I felt a little
bit regret not getting a Micromega. On the other hand, if I had paid MORE, I
would have got a Studer 730 + Deltec. And if .....

Hi-end, no end. Technology can be waited.

    I should have got my facts right. Going by HiFi Choice, all Micromegas
    use bitstream.
    
    Dave

    The obviuos solution to the ``All written in French'' problem is ...
    	buy a Kairn ...
    		then use the remote control to do all the work :-)
    
    	These are also ment to sound pretty good with CD's. Still surprised
    you weren't that impressed - I certainly was.
    
    	Rik

    re .5....
    
    Yep, I'm also surprised I wasn't impressed with the Kairn; maybe it was
    the demo, the Kairn had an LK1  stacked on top. Also the LK1 was
    non-standard, like mine. I'm going to another Linn evening at the Sound
    Org. in York this Wednesday, to hear some active Kabers; no doubt
    there'll be a Kairn in front so we'll see.  I'll feed back in another
    topic.
    
    Dave

    Ok Dave, what have you done to your LK1 - I must have missed that note.