Accuphase or Audio Note CD Player
Accuphase or Audio Note CD Player
I've been running a Bryston CD-3 CD player and BDA-3.14 Streamer with my CJ CAV45 S2. Thinking of moving to an Accuphase DP-450 to handle both, or Audio Note (UK) CD 3.1x/II for just CD playback. Anyone have experience with either option? Thanks very much.
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Big Dog RJ
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Re: Accuphase or Audio Note CD Player
G'day mate, nice one on the CAV45 S2.
Since the CAV45 is more of a control amp, without active gain stages, and uses the volume control primarily in passive mode, my best adive would be to use whichever source component has a higher output voltage.
The higher the output, the better control range you'll have with the CAV45's. Prior to the phono-preamp that I'm usung now (TEA2SE Max), I was using a phonostage with relatively low output. This wasn't sufficient for the CAV45's passive control, and in certain cases I would have to turn the volume level to nearly full to get decent sound. Then I switched over to the Rega Aria phonostage, which had variable settings, and could go upto 65dB. That was an excellent match with the CAV45, since the cartridge was medium output, so the volume levels could be adjusted with greater range on the CAV45.
I then borrowed a Manley Labs phonostage which had settings upto 70dB, and that was even better on low to medium output cartridges. Obviously the best option would have been to use a higher output cartridge, something like 1.5mv and above.
On digital playback, I was using a McIntosh SACD player, and its high output matched quite well on the CAV45. So no issues there.
Therefore, best to aim for higher output voltage, the CAV45 won't have to struggle so hard.
I used two kinds of speakers when I had the CAV45 and S2 version, both were electrostats (Quad ESL 2905's and ML Ethos). On the Quad 2905's, the CAV45 had to push quite a bit more, and its Output stsge of EL34's were really put to the test. It handled the large Quads quite well, and sounded wonderful!
Then on the ML Ethos, which are hybrid stats, that level of playback was even better. It shifted onto another dimension, and with the Ethos, since they're hybrids with built-in powered bass drivers, the CAV45 S2 only had to drive the stat panels. Handled them beautifully, no issues. So just a bit of history during my pleasure of owning this wonderful control amplifier.
Cheers, and hope all goes well.
RJ
Since the CAV45 is more of a control amp, without active gain stages, and uses the volume control primarily in passive mode, my best adive would be to use whichever source component has a higher output voltage.
The higher the output, the better control range you'll have with the CAV45's. Prior to the phono-preamp that I'm usung now (TEA2SE Max), I was using a phonostage with relatively low output. This wasn't sufficient for the CAV45's passive control, and in certain cases I would have to turn the volume level to nearly full to get decent sound. Then I switched over to the Rega Aria phonostage, which had variable settings, and could go upto 65dB. That was an excellent match with the CAV45, since the cartridge was medium output, so the volume levels could be adjusted with greater range on the CAV45.
I then borrowed a Manley Labs phonostage which had settings upto 70dB, and that was even better on low to medium output cartridges. Obviously the best option would have been to use a higher output cartridge, something like 1.5mv and above.
On digital playback, I was using a McIntosh SACD player, and its high output matched quite well on the CAV45. So no issues there.
Therefore, best to aim for higher output voltage, the CAV45 won't have to struggle so hard.
I used two kinds of speakers when I had the CAV45 and S2 version, both were electrostats (Quad ESL 2905's and ML Ethos). On the Quad 2905's, the CAV45 had to push quite a bit more, and its Output stsge of EL34's were really put to the test. It handled the large Quads quite well, and sounded wonderful!
Then on the ML Ethos, which are hybrid stats, that level of playback was even better. It shifted onto another dimension, and with the Ethos, since they're hybrids with built-in powered bass drivers, the CAV45 S2 only had to drive the stat panels. Handled them beautifully, no issues. So just a bit of history during my pleasure of owning this wonderful control amplifier.
Cheers, and hope all goes well.
RJ
Re: Accuphase or Audio Note CD Player
Completely agree that the higher output sources would probably be a better match. Not much more to add than the excellent comments by RJ.
One thing I will say is that in my experience,... when trying to load match components, I actually have often found the speaker to be the biggest factor. On a really sensitive speaker, relatively low voltage outputs from sources can sound incredibly good. Also, as a general rule I don't like the volume controls at either extremes, so that is a somewhat objective measure I have seen as a predictor of audio fidelity.
One thing I will say is that in my experience,... when trying to load match components, I actually have often found the speaker to be the biggest factor. On a really sensitive speaker, relatively low voltage outputs from sources can sound incredibly good. Also, as a general rule I don't like the volume controls at either extremes, so that is a somewhat objective measure I have seen as a predictor of audio fidelity.
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Home Theater in Member Gallery
Main stereo: ART Amplifier and ET7s2. 2nd stereo: PV-14L and MV-55. Previously Owned: PF2 preamp, Evolution 2000 Amp, PV-12AL preamp, D/A-2b Vacuum-Tube Digital Processor.
Home Theater in Member Gallery
Main stereo: ART Amplifier and ET7s2. 2nd stereo: PV-14L and MV-55. Previously Owned: PF2 preamp, Evolution 2000 Amp, PV-12AL preamp, D/A-2b Vacuum-Tube Digital Processor.
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Big Dog RJ
- Ultimate
- Posts: 2482
- Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2014 6:30 am
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
Re: Accuphase or Audio Note CD Player
Yes, that is correct and a very valid point on speakers.
Also just to add, in most cases, owners have already decided or chosen on their choice of speakers. The speakers regardless of specs (sensitivity, impedence etc) is already sitting in their listening rooms. So the majority of them can't simply get rid of speakers to suit the gear. It's a bit easier to adjust or alter your gear to suit the speakers. Also, with very high sensitivity speakers, such as horns, where efficiency ratings are as high as 102dB or above, also introduce a whole bucket of other problems. Unwanted noise, excessive tube hiss, and tranny hums, are all amplified multiple times higher thanks to very high efficiency designs. So when using these types of speakers, you have to be extra careful when selecting the right gear, especially the amplifiers. Get the gear wrong and it's a complete mismatch and music is no longer enjoyable.
I know quite a few who've done this and are now regretting having sold their previous speakers, which were after all a better match.
That's why I always question, when something is matched well and there's great synergy... why mess with it?
Cheers mate, and enjoy those fine tunes.
RJ
Also just to add, in most cases, owners have already decided or chosen on their choice of speakers. The speakers regardless of specs (sensitivity, impedence etc) is already sitting in their listening rooms. So the majority of them can't simply get rid of speakers to suit the gear. It's a bit easier to adjust or alter your gear to suit the speakers. Also, with very high sensitivity speakers, such as horns, where efficiency ratings are as high as 102dB or above, also introduce a whole bucket of other problems. Unwanted noise, excessive tube hiss, and tranny hums, are all amplified multiple times higher thanks to very high efficiency designs. So when using these types of speakers, you have to be extra careful when selecting the right gear, especially the amplifiers. Get the gear wrong and it's a complete mismatch and music is no longer enjoyable.
I know quite a few who've done this and are now regretting having sold their previous speakers, which were after all a better match.
That's why I always question, when something is matched well and there's great synergy... why mess with it?
Cheers mate, and enjoy those fine tunes.
RJ
Re: Accuphase or Audio Note CD Player
All extremely helpful - thanks very much.