DAC resolution: 24bit 192KHz multilevel sigma-delta with
synchronous upsampling
Clock Jitter: Less than 14ps directly distributed to DAC
0dBFS signal output: 2.3V RMS
4.6V
RMS (XLR)
Output Terminals: Gold plated Tube RCA unbalanced and gold plated XLR
balanced
Frequency response: Less than +/- 0.1 dB deviation 20Hz-20kHz
Phase response: Less than 2 degrees deviation 20Hz-20kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 115dB (XLR output)
Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 100dB (Vacuum tube RCA output)
Crosstalk: Less than -100dB
Distortion (XLR): Less than 0.002%
Distortion (RCA): Less than 0.015%
Intermodulation: Less than 0.002% (19kHz + 20kHz)
Remote Control: Philips RC-5 compatible IR system 36kHz modulation frequency
Vacuum tube: Sovtek 6H30 x2
Dimensions: 51cm x 43cm x 14cm (HxWxD)
Weight: 30kg
Droplet CDP5.0
Full Balanced Tube CD Player
"For the average listener who -- I'll cheekily;assume -- will
be attracted to the Droplet's value factor and ability to
render
a preamp unnecessary, this is a non-issue. To do better to any significant
degree would entail at least a doubling of the Droplet's asking price
and thereby defeat the entire purpose. Banish all common wisdom that
might pertain to this subject then and look at this mighty kidney as
a transplant for the usual preamp in a single-source digital system.
As an ex-clarinetist and to get started, I picked Brahms' famous Clarinet
Quintet in B-Minor Op. 115, planning to cue up three different recordings
thereof: my former classmate Sabine Meyer with the Vienna string sextet
[EMI Classics 7543042]; Jazz monster Eddie Daniels who plays classical
just as well [with the Composers String Quartet on Reference Recordings
RR-40]; and Kjell Fag, the former principal player of the Stockholm
Opera, here with the Zetterqvist Quartet [Opus 3 CD 19301]. Fagus
and Daniels play on clarinets with the Boehm fingering system, Meyer
plays the German Oehler system. Tonally, Daniels' Buffet-Crampon is the
leanest and most lit up, Meyer's Wurlitzer the fattest and dynamically
most endowed, her choice of string partners and how they were recorded
the keenest." "for its exceptional analog output stage and ability to render
a preamp mute and passé. For sheer performance for the money, this player
would deserve one of our carefully administered Blue Moon Awards." 6 moons click
for review
Mark Levinson 326S Baby version of the Ref 32 Pre-amp at a reasonable cost of £6,995. Like most technologies the benefits of the research for the reference products trickle down into more affordable products like the 326s Pre-amp. You get alot of the quality of its bigger brother, providing a jump in the quality available at this price. |
Ayre Acoustics C-5xe Universal Disk Player Stereophile Extract: "It ought to be fairly obvious that I found the Ayre C-5xe more than satisfactory. I didn't expect it to disappoint, but I was unprepared for just how much it delighted me. I've heard a lot of impressive audio components over the years, but I've heard very few that afforded me greater musical pleasure or sent me on as many voyages of musical discovery through discs I thought I knew well." - Wes Phillips, July, 2005 |
Gryphon Diablo The ultimate reference integrated amplifier at £6100. The Gryphon sonic magic in a reasonable sized and georgeous case, you must hear this as it puts most pre power combo's to shame, pure music at its best. |
Brinkmann LaGrange turntableThe Brinkmann LaGrange turntable is without a doubt the best source component I have ever had the chance to enjoy over an extended period of time. It represents a level of perfection and emotional connection to music that I have never heard before. - Danny Kaey extract from Positive Feedback |
Teac Esoteric DV-50SThe Esoteric DV-50 is the most fun you can have with digital music playback short of the dCS trio reviewed by Michael Fremer in April 2003 (Vol.26 No.4). Given that the dCS gear costs about six times as much as the DV-50, the Esoteric is a screaming bargain, especially considering its hyper-advanced technology, bulletproof build, and exceptional sound. You can even play movies on it. - Stereophile Extract |
ProAc D100 The
imposing new Response D100 takes on the mantle of flagship model
from our legendary Response Four, which has delighted discerning
audiophiles for the last twelve years. |
