which valve cd player or upgrade? - World-Designs-Forum

Richard · #1 8th February 2011, 01:25 AM

Hi all, I've had the same Pioneer PD91 player for 20 years

and have listened to others from time to time but never found one noticably better. It's been upgraded a bit but doesn't have a valve output stage.

I understand there are 2 basic types; a valve buffer stage that sits between cdp output and preamp, and a valve output stage proper that replaces the cdp op amp output stage.

I've only seen the output stage kits recently thanks to another thread and thought I'd ask who's using these valve kits or any other valve op stages like Lampys and is there a worthwhile difference etc?

There have been a few modded players on eBay the last week or two and I wondered if they're worth having a go with or maybe get a 1541 dac type player and do my own etc? Anyone tried different ways and have any advice?

What about commercial valve cd players? Any good and any recommendations? Thanks

Ali Tait · #2 8th February 2011, 08:17 AM

Rich, Nick came up with a PP output stage using Sowter output trannies that I've heard on the end of a Buffalo dac. Probably the best digital I've heard to date. I'm sure he'd be happy to provide details.

alnewall · #3 8th February 2011, 09:23 AM

The biggest gain is to dump the op amp output circuit which is usually more complex than needed, and replace with valves.

I originally built a Lampizator output stage for a CD50 (1541 dac) using 6n1p/E88CC tubes, but prefer the Cirrus Logic version with 6n6p tubes that i use now.
It's down to personal taste to some extent.

Sometimes the commercial offerings are little more than a buffer.

Really Aardvark · #4 8th February 2011, 07:18 PM

I used to use MF x10d buffer stage - original one in the round case - it 'helped' by removing some of the high frequency hardness/hash in a fully ss system but it wasn't the long term solution I'd hoped for. (Still got it somewhere if you want a borrow). This was before my 'valve days' started and I forked out for Chord's DAC64 which provides a solidity of instrument sound I appreciate as a semi-pro bassist. Others think it a tad overpowering. So I think buffer circuits probably don't do it. If one of the Pre3's strength is in its transformer output then Ali's suggested PP transformer stage replacing the op-amps sounds like a good idea to develop. Mind you I'd be spitting feathers if it did go better than my DAC!

PS - didn't I see a Meridian 500 series CDP in one of your pictures on the forum?

soulminer · #5 8th February 2011, 10:38 PM

I used to have a Tube Technologies Fusion CD64. That was also based around the same 64 bit DAC that the Chord used. It was a very nice player indeed. Sadly it had to go when things were a bit tight. I wouldn't hesitate to get another though. Nice piece of kit. Used 2 x ECC88s or 6922s. Very detailed but smooth, powerful and open sound.

davebms · #6 8th February 2011, 11:06 PM

i also used the mf x10d buffer it was ok untill i went kt88 power, then the system went to worm and slow (poss some sort of impedance prob) i have listend to a two box lector very good but ££, the lampy thing seems good but i have only listened to it through headphones i am working away for a few days but will try it in the main system the we/end will let you all now how it goes (sounds to good to be true at the moment so i am a bit suspicious )

dave

Ali Tait · #7 9th February 2011, 08:12 AM

Yes agreed, the Lector players sound fantastic. Wish I could afford one.

bob orbell · #8 9th February 2011, 09:56 AM

Hi Richard, and all, this maybe of interest to you, I have just heard the new Icon audio CD X1 player, this player sports 24bit/192kHz upsampling, and two 6SN7 output valves (lovely valve), in the contex of my kit (pre3 icon MB90 power amps, Monitor audio PL100 speakers, the sound was very good, much better than my MF X RAY, cleaner more detail etc. Price is around £1000.00. BOB Anyone care to lend me a grand?

bob orbell · #9 9th February 2011, 09:59 AM

Forgot to say, Icon audio do 30 day money back garantee. BOB

david · #10 9th February 2011, 10:03 AM

Hi Richard,
I used the following:

1. Arcam Alpha+ used only as transport clocked and synched to modded Audio Note NOS 3.1 valve output stage

This produced a wonderful, powerful, dynamic sound and was my staple until I sold it.

2. Arcam Alpha+ with Thorsten Loesch valve output stage run off internal DAC in NOS mode

This was really enjoyable too. Slightly more subtle, less powerful sound but great fun too.

I sold this one too. I do have a full set of parts and a few Arcam Alpha +s if you are interested as I intended to build another, but then went the way of computer audio run thru an external DAC and have never gone back to CDs.

Cheers
David