1982-1990
A&D DP-9000 (1988)
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While utilizing advanced digital technology, A&D (Akai & Diatone of Mitsubishi) strives for perfection as a tool for listening to music. The DP-9000, a prestige CD player, epitomizes the philosophy behind A&D's digital audio equipment. From powerful energy to delicate, minute signals, the purity and information content of digital sources are faithfully extracted and transformed into crystal-clear, natural music. This represents a new milestone in high-purity digital sound reproduction. The first thing you'll notice about the DP-9000 is the incredibly rigid mechanism hidden within. The chassis that forms the body is a massive U-shaped structure made of die-cast aluminum, molded into a single unit, even down to the sides. Furthermore, the bottom of the chassis features a honeycomb structure for added strength. The top panel is made of 3.2mm thick copper-plated steel. The pickup mechanism, from tray to motor, is also constructed of sturdy die-cast aluminum and directly mounted to the chassis. Unwanted vibrations that corrupt the music signal are completely shut out. And of course, mutual interference between the digital and analog sections is thoroughly eliminated, from the power supply to the construction. The power supply uses separate transformers for digital and analog, with a toroidal core transformer for the analog section to ensure high sound quality. The analog circuit board is tightly shielded in a copper-plated steel case. The purity of the required performance is maximized, and unnecessary factors are thoroughly eliminated to get to the essence. You can be sure that you will be able to feel A&D's commitment to manufacturing in the purest sound quality. The DP-9000 features optical and coaxial digital direct outputs, enabling development into a digital link system that transmits digital signals with high purity. The D/A conversion section employs a 4x oversampling, 18-bit precision, 266th-order digital filter. With carefully selected mature digital components to prioritize sound quality. The output amplifier, located at the final stage of the analog circuit, is a discrete DC amplifier equipped with a DC servo, eliminating coupling capacitors. This uncompromising approach achieves the pinnacle of potential. The components used are carefully selected for their physical characteristics and audibility, including: a vertically mounted, disc-sized stabilized clamper to suppress unwanted disc vibrations; an A-servo system with anti-shock and anti-defect features; a large, centralized display that can be turned off while remaining partially visible; and a variety of CD player-specific playback functions, including program selection, direct selection, and repeat play.
Main Specifications: Pickup: 3-beam laser pickup; Wow and flutter: Below measurable limits; Total harmonic distortion: 0.0025% or less (EIAJ); Frequency response: 2Hz-20kHz ±0.3dB; Dynamic range: 97dB or more (EIAJ); Signal-to-noise ratio: 106dB or more (EIAJ); Dimensions and weight: 460(W) x 112(H) x 330(D) mm, 13.6 kg
Main Specifications: Pickup: 3-beam laser pickup; Wow and flutter: Below measurable limits; Total harmonic distortion: 0.0025% or less (EIAJ); Frequency response: 2Hz-20kHz ±0.3dB; Dynamic range: 97dB or more (EIAJ); Signal-to-noise ratio: 106dB or more (EIAJ); Dimensions and weight: 460(W) x 112(H) x 330(D) mm, 13.6 kg
DENON DCD-1610 (1988)
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The DCD-1610 is a CD player from 1988 equipped with a real 20 bit super linear converter. Unlike dynamic bit shift converters that use attenuators and switching circuits, this Real 20-bit converter has no nonlinear distortion factor, and the 0 cross distortion, which is a problem at low volume, is caused by the resistance error of the MSB, the most influential bit in D/A conversion. Therefore, the distortion is eliminated by correcting this MSB. In addition, a 2D/A system with independent left and right channels has been adopted to eliminate the L/R time difference. The digital filter uses an 8 x oversampling digital filter. By increasing the sampling frequency by 8 x, the band gap between the music signal and the noise signal is widened, making it easier to remove noise components. This allows the use of lower-order analog filters to improve sound quality. The power supply circuit consists of five independent power supplies. One digital section, one pickup servo system, one display system, and two audio systems are supplied separately to prevent sound quality degradation due to mutual noise and voltage fluctuations. A linear motor pickup is used for the pickup mechanism to enable high-precision tracing. The pickup mechanical base is made of BMC (Bulk Molding Compound), which has high rigidity and excellent vibration damping characteristics. In addition, this mechanical base is made into a double floating structure with low-repulsion rubber and spring to increase the vibration absorption effect. The unique double chassis structure with inner and outer chassis prevents external vibration, increases rigidity and eliminates resonance. In addition, the bottom surface is covered with another reinforcing rigid metal from the outside of the external chassis to increase vibration isolation. In addition, vibration from the top surface is suppressed by adopting large auxiliary rigidity metal for the top plate and inserting anti-vibration material between the top cover and the top cover. Wireless remote control is included.
KYOCERA DA-910 (1984)
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The Kyocera DA-910 Remote Control Compact Disc Player stops vibration in its track. How? With ceramics technology-Kyocera's innovative method of ensuring steady laser tracking-immune to vibrations. The bottom line: total purity of sound. Why ceramics? They're rigid and inert, so they provide uncommon stability and resistance to mechanical vibrations from audio feedback. They're non-ferrous, so there are no chassis eddy currents to cause electrical hum. The handsome ceramic-compound resin base of the DA-910 CD player is actually the chassis-supporting and housing all components and isolating vibration. Resonance from the cabinetry is almost non-existent. But Kyocera doesn't stop there. Digital audio's technical requirements demand un-precedented circuit capability so we use fine ceramics throughout to further conquer vibration. For example, all discrete hi tolerance audio components and the 3rd order Besselle analog filters are ceramic encased. There are other material differences. In-stead of an ordinary laminated E frame, Kyocera use a solld ferrite cutlass core power transformer to cut eddy currents, minimize flux leakage and improve voltage regulation. And instead of ferrous metals, Kyocera use 100% aluminum and zinc chassis construction including a diecast laser head and a precision disc drive mechanism. Specifications: Frequency response: 5Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB) | Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 95dB (I kHz) | Dynamic range: More than 95dB (1 kHz) | Harmonic distortion: Less than 0.005% (1 kHz. 0dB) | Wow and flutter: Unmeasurable (dependent on precision of crystal oscillator) | Channel separation: More than 90dB (I kHz) | Dimensions: 430 (W) x 140 (H) x 330 (D)mm | Weight: 9.5 kg
Technics SL-P777 (1988)
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The Technics SL-P777 uitlizez a 4DAC linear 18-bit system for the D/A converter. This circuit employs a 4 DAC configuration in which a D/A converter for the positive signal and a D/A converter for the negative signal are mounted on each of Lch and Rch. Each component is individually D/A converted and synthesized by a newly developed 4 DAC control LSI, eliminating the generation of 0 cross distortion in principle. In addition, the S/N ratio of 112 dB or more is ensured by canceling out common-mode noise, greatly improving the reproducibility of small signals. The digital filter that removes unwanted high-frequency components from the input signal from the CD employs a high-precision four times oversampling digital filter, which provides twice the time resolution of the conventional 16-bit two times oversampling output waveform. It is equipped with an 8-sample linear interpolation circuit. When a data error occurs due to scratches or dirt on the disk signal surface, if the number of data errors is up to 8 in succession, the signal does not shift to the previous value hold and the linear interpolation prevents noise generation. A class-AA system, unique to Technics, is adopted for the buffer amplifier and headphone amplifier. High-quality audio parts are used to further improve sound quality. The Edit Guide function automatically calculates and displays on the display the number of songs, number of songs and remaining time that can be recorded on the A side and B side of a tape by simply selecting the length of the tape to be used (90 minutes, 60 minutes or 46 minutes). It is equipped with an auto-peak search function that automatically detects the peak level of all songs on the disc or program songs, and then repeats playback for approximately 3 seconds before and after the peak point, for a total of approximately 6 seconds. This function allows you to easily set the recording level at the deck. Equipped with shuttle search, it is possible to search from 1/8 times speed to 76 times speed by the angle of the dial in 4 stages each in forward and reverse directions. A wireless remote control is also included.
YAMAHA CDX-2000 (1987)
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The CDX-2000 appeared in 1987 as an upgrade of the previously released CDX-2200, the first high-bit player. While the exterior appearance and basic design followed that of the CDX-2200, the operation key panel was colored gold and the front panel featured the titanium color of the 10000 series, and its presence was enhanced by the four-piece construction and large heavy insulator inherited from the CDX-10000. Its major claim to fame was the 8x oversampling of its digital filter, and together with digital/analog component separation by the current isolation method instead of the conventional photo-coupler system it achieved a 118dB S/N ratio, phenomenal for its time. Additionally, as a symbol of the glitch-free accuracy achieved by the D/A converter component, it was equipped with the new Pure DAC Direct Switch that output the DAC signal without passing through a low-pass filter, well-received by audio enthusiasts as a novel approach compared to the sound of the "original" DAC. (Source: Yamaha)
1991-2000
harman/kardon HD7600 (1991)
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The most remarkable breakthrough in digital technology since the introduction of compact disc players. That's 3D Bit Stream. Exclusively from Harman Kardon. 3D Bit Stream turns digital data into musical experience at 33,868,800 times per second. (100 times faster than conventional CD players.) The 3D Bit Stream CD players offer unsurpassed linearity, low-level accuracy, and freedom from phase irregularities. Or, quite simply, 3D Bit Stream lets the music flow. From the delicate sound of a classical Spanish guitar to the driving rhythm of a bass, 3D Bit Stream captures all the dynamics, dimension, and drama of a live performance. Harman Kardon has a history of firsts: from the world's first high fidelity receiver. The first cassette deck to incorporate Dolby*. That's Harman Kardon. Pioneering technology for people who love music. |
PIONEER PD-T09 (1992)
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New technology reflected in sound quality. Technical features of the PD-T09: Equipped with legato link conversion that breaks the playback limit of 20kHz. Due to its format, the CD limits the frequency that can be recorded on a disc to 20kHz. However, sounds from nature and musical instruments contain components above 20kHz. Strictly speaking, the original signal waveform itself is not recorded on a CD. Therefore, Pioneer has developed a new Legato Link Conversion that uses digital signal processing to estimate the original signal before recording based on the signal recorded on the CD, and makes it possible to reproduce frequencies above 20kHz according to the 1/f decay characteristic. This is installed in the PD-T09. With more natural sound quality, it opens up new possibilities for CDs. Legato Link Conversion connects the music signal data recorded on the CD every 22.7 µsec with a smooth function curve that is suitable for reproducing the frequency components of natural sounds and musical instruments. This has made it possible to obtain a waveform transmission that is extremely natural and close to the original music signal, without any unnecessary ringing (excessive waveform disturbance). At the same time, this also reproduces ultra-high frequency components above 20 kHz, making it possible to reproduce extremely natural sound quality to the ear. Equipped with Pioneer's original high-speed pulse flow D/A converter. D/A converters are extremely important components, as their conversion accuracy determines sound quality. Pioneer has advocated the idea of high oversampling and low-order noise shaping in 1-bit D/A converters. The High-Speed Pulse Flow D/A Converter is an original development that further evolves this idea. The 1-bit method expresses the resolution in the amplitude axis direction as two values, 0 and 1, in the time axis direction, and performs high-precision D/A conversion by applying bit compression and further using noise shaping technology. However, re-quantization noise occurs during bit compression, which can cause noise. The noise shaper pushes the requantization noise that is distributed throughout the entire range out of the audible range. However, Pioneer believes that the presence of noise, even outside the audible range, is undesirable in terms of sound quality, and has therefore devised a unique innovation in the noise shaper. In the high-speed pulse flow D/A converter, the noise shaper operates at an extremely high oversampling frequency of 384fs, enabling finer sampling and significantly reducing the noise floor caused by requantization. Equipped with three independent transformers for digital, analog and DAC. Powerful power supply. The power supply section is the energy source that operates all circuits. In addition to providing a stable power supply, the PD-T09 has also thoroughly eliminated mutual interference. Firstly, the power transformer is equipped with three independent transformers, one each for the digital & servo, analog, and D/A converter. Furthermore, the power supply circuit uses a 6-part 15 regulator. The secondary sides of the three power transformers are separated into six parts: digital & servo, servo drive, D/A converter, and audio +, -, and FL, eliminating mutual interference. In addition, a newly developed discrete power supply is used for the audio circuit. A discrete power supply is also used for the digital & servo.
Pick-up: Three beam semiconductor laser system
Frequency characteristic: 2 Hz to 20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio (EIAJ): 115 dB or more
Dynamic Range (EIAJ): 99 dB or more
Channel Separation (EIAJ): 110 dB or more
Wow & flutter (EIAJ): Measurement limit (± 0.001% W. PEAK) or less
Harmonic distortion factor (EIAJ): No more than 0.0015%
External dimensions: Width 440x Height 151x Depth 433 mm
Weight: 20kg
PD-T09 Japan Market
PD-95 International Market
PD-S95 Elite (transport only) U.S.A.
Pick-up: Three beam semiconductor laser system
Frequency characteristic: 2 Hz to 20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio (EIAJ): 115 dB or more
Dynamic Range (EIAJ): 99 dB or more
Channel Separation (EIAJ): 110 dB or more
Wow & flutter (EIAJ): Measurement limit (± 0.001% W. PEAK) or less
Harmonic distortion factor (EIAJ): No more than 0.0015%
External dimensions: Width 440x Height 151x Depth 433 mm
Weight: 20kg
PD-T09 Japan Market
PD-95 International Market
PD-S95 Elite (transport only) U.S.A.
SONY CDP-XA55ES (1998)
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The XA-55ES was the last CD player in the ES series equipped with a variable digital filter and enhanced power supply. In this model the pickup is fixed to a solid base and the disk moves on the mechanical base, so that vibration of the pickup is sharply reduced and the current required for servo operation is relatively slow to compensate for disk distortion and eccentricity. In addition, the CDP-XA55ES uses a zinc die-cast base for fixing the optical pickup to reduce the resonance of the base itself and improve the reading accuracy. The CDP-XA55ES also uses a BSL motor for rotating the disc, which has less rotational unevenness. It is equipped with a 24-bit variable (VC) digital filter that can change the cutoff characteristics and subtly control the atmosphere of music. The new 24-bit filter improves the processing power and reproduces higher definition sound quality. In addition to the conventional standard position, five types of positions are available: clear, plain, fine, and silky. You can select the optimal position according to your audio equipment, room environment, and song. The XA55ES is a High-quality design using "current pulse D/A converter" and "triple R core transformer" The "Current Pulse D/A Converter" has a stable and clean current source, and is not affected by voltage noise from the calculation circuit, allowing it to reproduce expressive low frequencies. In addition, the iron core of the transformer is seamlessly shaped, and the cross section is made into a circular donut shape, greatly reducing magnetic flux leakage and vibration, and adopting an "R-core transformer" that realizes a clean current supply. By installing independent transformers for the analog circuit, digital circuit, and mechanism drive system, a highly pure power supply is supplied. The transformer for the mechanism drive system, which supplies a large amount of power, is stored in a dedicated shield. Mutual interference between each block is minimized.
Size (WxHxD) 430x125x375mm | Weight 13,2kg | Original sale price in Germany 2600 DM.
Size (WxHxD) 430x125x375mm | Weight 13,2kg | Original sale price in Germany 2600 DM.
TEAC CD-5 (1994)
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A shape that makes a statement, an innovative vibration control structure that brings out the best in music. Vibrations and resonance caused by the "bonnet" greatly diminish the nuances of the sound recorded on the disc. A vibration control structure with high rigidity and high mass is adopted to eliminate adverse effects due to vibration and resonance. For the CD-5, a steel damper material with a thickness of 1.6 mm and a weight of 1.1 kg is rigidly fixed to the top plate, and a steel damper material with a thickness of 1.2 mm is also used for the bottom plate. By making the upper and lower sides of the casing highly rigid and heavy, a stronger structure is achieved. In addition, the front panel is made of 5 mm thick solid aluminum, and by placing only the minimum necessary keys, the opening is reduced and the influence of sound pressure is reduced. The D/A conversion section uses the Philips D/A converter bit stream "SAA7350" and has a 1-bit 4-DAC configuration, thereby eliminating non-linear distortion and 0 cross distortion in principle. The digital filter uses a 20-bit 8-times oversampling digital filter.
Main features of the CD-5: High rigidity, high mass structure with heavy steel damper material on the top and bottom of the case and 5mm thick solid aluminum on the front panel | Conical bottom with pinpoint grounding to minimize unnecessary vibrations | Bit stream 1bit DAC that reproduces the nuances of sound clearly | External dimensions: W481×H123.5×D295 | Weight: 7.2kg | Available in Gold and Black
Main features of the CD-5: High rigidity, high mass structure with heavy steel damper material on the top and bottom of the case and 5mm thick solid aluminum on the front panel | Conical bottom with pinpoint grounding to minimize unnecessary vibrations | Bit stream 1bit DAC that reproduces the nuances of sound clearly | External dimensions: W481×H123.5×D295 | Weight: 7.2kg | Available in Gold and Black
