| Re: Note 1008.0 by USAT03::MLANDERS
> Does anybody have any experience with this deck or with others using
> similar 18-bit, 4x technology? Are there other machines out there with
> similar technology in the $400 price range?
Mark,
I've had mine since March and it's performed flawlessly since then. I
probably average 3 hours/day with it and I have not had any problems
yet. The only thing I might have looked at instead of the Yamaha, was
something that provides a way to play multiple discs. I play a lot
CDs on the weekends and it would be nice to just pop in 5 or so and
let it play!
Good Luck
Dale
|
| I am in the same boat as .0, and have recently picked up the "Best
Audio Gear of 1987" by Audio magazine. The review of the Magnavox
CDB 650 states that it may be the best sounding player yet made.
I would like to know if it compares to the Yamaha, or for that matter
any other player made... Also does the lower priced Magnavox players
sound like the 650?
Also looking to buy.................Scott
|
|
I would like to reference you to the AUDIO notes file for a discussion
on dithering and quantization which addresses the Yahama technique
for 18 bit playback. There are only 16 bits to work with on the
CDs themselves. The "benefit" (depends on who you ask) is in HOW
the 16 bits are used. This technique was developed to try and deal
with the inaccuracies of CDs when trying to reconstruct very quiet
passages. This is the area which is hardest to deal with. However,
from a tonal balance and timbre perspective, most reviewers have
the most problems with the high frequencies. A lot of folks feel
that CDs cannot properly reporduce the "air" around instruments
or the "wood" sound of strings. Most of this is due to high end
shortcomings woth CDs.
The jury is still out on this technique.
On another note(no pun intended), after you read Audio magazines'
top best issue, check out two other magazines: The Absolute Sound
and Stereophile. They are independent, subscriber supported high
end mags. For a feel of how these guys think, look at note 1252
in the AUDIO notesfile for Stereophile's list of recommended gear.
The Magnavox units are quite good, but there are those who feel
there are many better. At least it will give you additional input.
Regards, Jim
|