| RE: .0
There is a lot of discussion on the Musical Concepts modifications
in DSSDEV::AUDIO notesfile. But, Since you brought it up some people
in this conference might find it interesting.
Occasionally notes are entered into this conference by record lovers
saying that CD don't sound as good as records. Well they are partially
correct. But it is because of the CD player rather than the CD itself.
The Manufacturers of CD players have applied digital design and
manufacturing techniques to the analog circuitry. This results in
a product that does not even come close to the potential of the
Compact Disk.
In defense of the CD player manufacturers: They are trying to build
a commercial product. That is they are making tradeoffs on exploiting
the capabilities of the CD to the fact that most stereo systems
do not have the capability of reproducing the dynamic range of the
CD nor would the average listener know the difference. They are
marketing their players on the druability of the Compact Disk itself
i.e. not scratches, skips, etc. What the Musical Concepts modifications,
or any other company for that matter, do is to correct for the
tradeoffs made in the CD player.
The modifications are in two areas: The power supply/digital - analog
isolation, and component quality. In all the CD players I have seen
to date the same power supply(transformer) is used for the motors,
digital and analog circuitry. A lot of players are using surface
mounted components and there is no seperation of the digital and
analog circuitry. What musical Concepts mods do is to use the existing
powersupply fo the digital logic and motors only. The power for
the analog sections is provided by a high quality, low impeadence
regulator and a torriodal transformer. This adds greater depth and
tightness to the bass and clarity to the mid and high end.
The passive components used in the analog section are changed to
high quality film(polypropylene) capacitors and metal film resistors.
The electrolytic DC blocking cap is replaced with film capacitors.
This greatly improve the clarity of the high end and eliminates
some of the harshness caused by the filters, which is what most
record lovers hate about the CD.
**NOTE. A discussion on how the use of different capacitors can
make a difference in sound quality is well beyond the scope of this
discussion. All I will say is it is due to dielectric absorbtion
and effective series resistance. For those interested in reading
more I recommend reading "Picking Capacitors by Walt Jung and Richard
Marsh, AUDIO, Feb, Mar 1980**.
I have heard an a Magnavox (I do not know which model but it cost
$140) that was modified as describe above. I have been auditioning
many CD players to upgrade to and there hasn't been one in any price
range that can compare to that modified magnavox. So I am buying
a magnavox player and having it modified.
For all the skeptics who don't believe that powersupplies and
capacitors can make a difference all I can say is I was one. I do
not have what is called "golden ears". I actually have some hearing
loss. The difference that these mods make are incredible.
I do not have the prices with me so I will reply to this note with
the prices for modifications and the address for Musical Concepts.
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| I used to be a skeptic too, and now own Musical Concepts modified
Hafler DH110 preamp, DH-500 amp, and Magnavox 1041 cd player.
Back in note 179 I wrote a lot of stuff about modifying (how to)
players. Much of it is now outdated. Stock CD players have improved
greatly and I havn't heard an objectionable one in a long time.
The biggest single thing to change are DC blocking capacitors.
These exist in just about all consumer audio electronics. Cost
sensitive manufacturers use electrolytic type capacitors costing
a few pennies instead of paying several dollars for low-loss film
type capacitors.
Your CD player has them and your integrated amp probably has several
sets. Just getting the CD player modified may not buy anything
if the amp won't let you hear it.
How does it sound different?
1. Tighter bass. better defined, less overhang.
2. Less midrange "edge"/"glare"/"grain". Less listening fatigue
kind of like florescent vs incandescent lighting.
3. More detail. Those caps absorb and lose fine details.
4. Greater dynamics. Electrolytics absorbing energy again.
If you order a service manual, I tell you what to change and even
supply some of the parts. Goes for the amp too.
That's the very cheap solution. Musical Concepts' modified Magnavox
460 would be better, but...
Musical Concepts phone #is 314-831-1822. Engineers are on the phones
2-6pm EST (1-5 Missouri time).
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