I want to see if it is true that the first cd players were thin, harsh, hard and 'unmusical' like so many people say. First cd player I got was in 1995, a current model Sony (CDP791E) so I've never tried anything that goes this far back.
Printable View
I want to see if it is true that the first cd players were thin, harsh, hard and 'unmusical' like so many people say. First cd player I got was in 1995, a current model Sony (CDP791E) so I've never tried anything that goes this far back.
Cool, but I think you'll find the opposite...Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
I'd expect it to sound smooth ['analogue-like'], but bold and forthright with it, and like Dave says, have good bass. Some of Sony's early models tended to sound as you describe (a little sterile), but not the Marantz.
Let's also not forget that CDPs back then were being compared with T/Ts, such as the LP12, which at that time would've made almost anything sound thin or harsh!;)
Marco.
Very true. My theory is it was the feted but ultimately not very good flat-earth amps and speakers that were the issue. As you say, good match for the early LP12 or soggy sounding compact cassette, not so good when fed with 'pure, perfect sound forever'. We shall see. :eyebrows:
Get it fired up and listened to then, daftee!:D
Marco.
Later on. Too early for music yet.
Right finally got this son of a bitch thing going.
First of all needed to get one of those dumb 2 prong leads, had to rob one off the AV system.
Next up it powers up, draw trundles out, cd in. Won't read. Tried it a few times decided to give up. Switched it off and pulled it forward to disconnect it. Then realised I had left the cd in so switched on again to get it out and what do you know it reads the disc. So press play, music starts, left channel only. Bollocks. Switch off again, fed up now. Then notice when I pulled it forward right channel interconnect had come out. So put that back in, power up again. Reads the disc but now won't play. Bollocks. Cocked about with it, nothing doing. About to give up again and all of a sudden music starts playing, both channels this time!
Think I might need to get my double E to look at it. I've had players muck about like this before after being shipped so maybe it will settle down with some warm up, get the moisture out of it. We'll see.
Anyway listening now and this is a really good player. I thought I'd play something appropriate to the era so put on Dire Staits 'Brothers In Arms', the record that supposedly kick-started cd player sales worldwide. As expected nothing harsh, screechy or hard about it. Lovely instrumental tone, deep soundstage, guitar sounds very 'guitary'.
Female backing singer on 'So Far Away' comes across lovely. Delicate cymbal work at the start of 'Your latest trick' is resolved very well, superbly realistic. A more relaxed listen than my Sony X505ES but it is drawing me in with its beguiling nature. It's certainly better than any of my slew of budget and mid-price players that range from 10-20 years after it. I'll have to try a wider range of albums to see how coloured it is, but I suspect not much, certainly not as much as some other Marantz players.
Cool. If it continues to work.
Always the gamble with these old players, but it was only pocket money and my tame EE can sort it if necessary. If he can fix B&O (and he can) he can fix anything.Quote:
Originally Posted by User211
Now seems to be working flawlessly, played another couple of albums with zero issues. It's not as good as the Technics SLP1200 but then nothing I have ever heard is as good as that, any format, don't care. But it is good.
Good news!!Sent from my VKY-L09 using TapatalkQuote:
Originally Posted by Macca
Like an old car that's been standing for a while, a bastard to get going again but once you do, you're off.
Or maybe it realised I was trying to play Brothers In Arms and thought 'Oh no not this again!'
[emoji1787] needs a bit of System of a down to blow the cobwebs off.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
Sent from my VKY-L09 using Tapatalk
Haven't got any. :(
Shove it in Marco's boot for a week...:D
Lol - is suspect that would defo shake it fully into life!:D
Martin, pop the lid open and lube all moving parts, particularly the sliders on the CD drawer mech, and work it in well. That usually helps. Vaseline is pretty good, some of which I'm sure you'll have lying around:eyebrows:
Also, using a cotton-wool bud, gently give the laser lens a good clean with some Isopropyl alcohol (or the stuff you use to clean your records).
However, it's sounding pretty much as I expected it to. Nice one:cool:
Marco.
a graphite pencil if you have one is good for slider bars ...
Mech is the CDM 1 Pro so it isn't easy to get into. However after that first CD it's worked perfectly.
Now listen up people next time you see someone on a forum claiming that early CD players were hard and harsh or that 'Digital has come on leaps and bounds' please have a good laugh at them for me because this thing sounds sweet as a nut. Thanks.
Glad it arrived safely and its working fine after a little hiccup. Yes I think I found it won't read a disc that's already in on switch on. Your findings on the sound match mine, magic mid range was one quality I noticed. If I wasn't going file based I would have kept it as a back up. I think the earlier players were held back by the captive lead but you can use what you want with this :)
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
I think they were held back by the UK flat earth amps and speakers of the day myself. I don't think mains cables have any affect on performance. But an interesting theory.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lawrence001
Bit late, but here's my -much modded - PS1 CD player.
Can't do comparison.....Tom? Did it sound reasonable, when you visited?
Ah I meant RCA lead the CD104 etc was captive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
Oh right I didn't realise that. Can't see just an interconnect being the difference between harsh and sweet though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lawrence001
That looks well funky.Quote:
Originally Posted by hornucopia
Does anyone recommend a Marantz CD583?
Sorry if crap threading Mart but interested to know......
Basic TDA1541 player, ok for £50.
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
I'm sure there are a lot of people who might think otherwise. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Macca
Cable debate!!
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
Best grab it for £9 then...:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Lawrence001
Right here!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
Sent from my VKY-L09 using Tapatalk
Having a major clear-up and reorg, managed to get a fair pile of spare gear together and shelved up. (Crappy pic off of the laptop camera, but you get the general idea)
https://i.imgur.com/bhwv56J.jpg
New store opening soon, Macca Sounds:D
Hope those shelves are well fixed to the wall [emoji15]Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
My collection’s not quite so extensive but I did get rid of all my spare kit once (there are other units boxed up in a cupboard)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d700246769.jpg
Piling up nicely there Roy. What's in the photo is about half of mine. Just not enough shelves for all of it.
Doh
What's that to the right of the Pioneer DVD player? Perspex front with nice looking knob. Reckon it would look good in my rack [emoji3]Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
I had a few other units that sort of half worked (if you get my gist) but weren't worth getting mended, just gave them to the recycler (they've moved on from 'rag & bones').
It's an LDR pre-amp.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lawrence001
In the last 18 months I've sold or given away about the same amount as what is on those shelves so I have cut the collection down quite a bit from its height.
There's still a couple of tasty pieces on there, a Marantz CD67SE, Technics SLP770 and a 4 track Tascam digital portastudio. And a Sony DAT deck, forget which model. There's also my spare Technics SL1200 just out of shot.
I like the way you use the kit to support the centre of the shelf above, stops them bowing :eyebrows:
What's happening withthe love of your lifethe Krell?
Needs fixing. :( I'm looking to buy another one if anyone is selling.
Noooooo. :(
Really sorry to hear that.
Is it fixable?
It still has to go to the vet but I'm told it is more than likely a dry joint. There's nothing in it that can't be replaced anyway.
But I'm going to try and get another as a spare anyway, not necessarily the same exact model. I can't take the drop in sound quality going back to a normal amp!
little hoard is nice my Pile of gear is bigger...
:eek:
I dread to think...... :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by dantheman91
Few goodies well i think they are but what do i know any thoughts on Marantz 2225 i can buy one local for £100?Quote:
Originally Posted by walpurgis
Running my Audio Notes Today / Tisbury Pre / Linn LK85 - Nice indeed...
Isn't that one of their receivers with the big black frequency window on the front and enough knobs to launch a rocket. I thought they sold for treble that amount. Nice warm sound.
Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk
Wow - snap that up!Quote:
Originally Posted by dantheman91
Worth it just for the looks!
And yes, worth a lot more if it is in working condition with, as Paul says, a yummy warm and inviting sound (if it's anything like my old 4230).
:drool: :stalks:
http://theonlinephotographer.typepad...arantz2225.jpg
You still liking the Tisbury then Dan? It's a great little device isn't it and mixes well with some much higher end kit.Quote:
Originally Posted by dantheman91
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
Sadly what you see in the photo is only about half of my pile. But I have sold a lot of kit over the past year or so - before that it would only have constituted about a third.Quote:
Originally Posted by dantheman91