Conference cookie::notes$archive:cd_v1

38.0. "the Yamaha CD-2, and help needed" by CYGNUS::LAMBERT () Wed Oct 31 1984 11:07

I was pleasantly surprised to find out from GRDIAN::RIES that a CD NOTES file
existed, and after taking some time to mull over the previously posted NOTES
I thought I would enter my opinion of the Yamaha CD-2 that I have had for about
two weeks now.

I was looking at several CDs for my Hi Fi system, and I came to the decision
to buy the CD-2 based upon the outstanding features and sound that it was
capable of.  I have been listening to it morning noon and night, and still find
myself taking a deep breath at times at how completely awesome the sound is.
The CD-2 comes highly recommended from me, and I know of 5 or so people who have
one, they all say the same things.

I was thinking about some better speakers, and possibly a better amp to go
along with the 90+ db that CD is capable of, and I thought I would see if
anyone in this notes file had an idea.

Current system is,

Thorens TD-166, with a SOTA mat, Micro Acoustics MA-3002 Cart.
Yamaha CD-2
Pioneer SX-6 digital display receiver (I only use as a tuner....)
Nak 480 Cassette deck
DB Systems, DBR-15B, (a DB-1B with the tone control box (that I do not use))
Hafler 200, slightly re worked (Litz(spelling) wire on input and output runs)
JBL 325's (Arrrrgh)

I would like to up-grade my speakers and amp(if necessary) and I was thinking
of something in the 1k range.  Are DQ-10s still made, and are they worth the
money (That is for a speaker design that is that inefficient..)?  Do they
HAVE to me modified, like a friend/owner of same tells me, to get the BEST
sound?  When modified, is Bi-amping a must also?  Subwoofers for the same is
a must according to some, and for the total bucks .per. sound is it worth it?
Snell type A's, are they as pissa as I have heard they are?

That's enough for this letter.

Brian CYGNUS::lambert

To answer a couple of your questions;

1) Yes, DQ-10s are still made.  The only dealer in the New England area (that I
   know of, anyway) is Sound Advice in Cambridge, though I did talk to Dahl-
   quist recently and they informed me that they are trying to get more dealers
   in the area.

2) I've owned a pait of DQ-10s for about 7 years, and I love them.  I don't
   think that any of the modifications I've seen are worth the money.  You've
   got to figure that Dahlquist has been making these things for 10+ years, and
   if there were any good modifications to be made, they'd be the ones to come
   out with them.  They certainly don't need extra tweeters; the DQ-10s, if
   anything, have excessive high end.  Also, film capacitors, bigger wire for
   the tweeters, etc. have dubious value in my opinion.  If you buy DQ-10s,
   don't waste your money on add-ons until you've at least lived with them for
   a while.

3) I think the Snell Type 'A' is a great speaker.  I think it sounds better
   than the DQ-10, and if I were to upgrade, that's probably what I'd get.
   However, I don't think it's worth what they ask for it now.  Five years ago,
   when they sold for $1200/pair, they were reasonable.  For me, they are over
   their return-on-investment limit.

4) Last, if you do get DQ-10s, get a big amplifier.  You'll need it!!

				Vernon

I have "mirror-imaged" my DQ-10a's.  Made a slight difference in the sound 
(I think).  I think all new DQ-10's are sold mirror imaged these days 
(mine are about 5 years old).  About the "a" in DQ-10a.. I think a mod 
was made around serial #1000 and they added the "a".

And they do like power.

__Rich