Cambridge CXC CD transport SP/DIF output

[disarmamant]

Does anyone know if the Cambridge CXC CD transport utilises an output transformer for galvanic isolation of the SP/DIF?

If so has anyone looked at the output waveform on a scope?


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[hifinutt]

any clues here ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS8fumFE-e8

[disarmamant]

[QUOTE=hifinutt;1051679]any clues here ?


Unfortunately not. If it’s got one of those small digital transformers the S/PDIF wave form will likely not be good. I’ve not come across one of those transformers that Marantz and Phillips used in their CD players that did not distort the S/PDIF signal.

I did some experimentation on this, I even used an expensive Lundahl digital isolation transformer that was not much better.

I have an old Yamaha CDX653 that uses the Philips TDA1541 DAC chip and the S/PDIF digital output is via a transistor buffer with no transformer and the output waveform is really clean.


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[jaguarxjr]

Hi there,

I got a CXC transport at Christmas.

I am running it into an MDAC and then to Icon Audio pre and 845 Mono blocks to B & W Nautilus 804s - certainly the best CD sound I've had so far - way ahead of the rather expensive Denon 3800-BD player that I was using previously ( and several other CD players beforehand )

I don't know re the transformer on the SP/DIF but more than happy to put the 'scope on the output - what exactly are you looking for?

Provided there aren't security seals on it I am happy to open it and have a look inside.

Kind rgds,

Ray

[hifinutt]

good to hear such good results from the cxc and mdac . very modest price . all these dacs seem so expensive these days

[Roy S]

certainly the best CD sound I've had so far

+1, I use my CXC with a Chord Hugo TT into a Luxman L-509X through Tannoy Arden IIs & I won't be changing this set up anytime soon.

[Haselsh1]

Yeah, using a Cambridge CXC into an MDAC modded by John Westlake. Love the sound and the filter options.