Hi-Rez Highway: REVIEW: S.A.T. CDFIX CD Player/Recorder by Lexluthor

Model:	CDFIX
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$1850
Description:	High end CD player with 24 bit /96 kHz upsampling
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available

Review by Lexluthor on November 21, 2001 at 07:40:42
IP Address: 158.36.18.69

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for the CDFIX

It all started when I borrowed a burned in S.A.T. CDFIX for a weekend. Firstly, it was quite interesting to se how different my impression of the sonic qualities of the CDFIX was compared to the review in Hi-Fi+. I have never auditioned a CDP which reproduced music with such clarity, detail and openness in the top. The impulse response is stunning and makes the soundstage fast and firm. My CDs were reproduced in a very "foot taping" way supplied with giggles due to all the previously unrevealed details which were now revealed from my favorite CDs. It separates every single source of sound from each other and makes the listener listen to a ensemble of musicians rather than a smear sound. This is especially fun to listen to when there are many musicians and instruments e.g. choral part of Beethoven's symphony no 9. The dynamics is stunning, try Yello Baby and have fun. It sound as every single chain in my hi-fi is upgraded. In curiosity I opened the top lid and the inside is quite different regarding the power supply compared to the pictures of the CDFIX in HiFi+. The two transformers are moved away from the master board and replaced by toroid transformer (ring core) mounted to the bottom plate to the right. There are also a few more capacitors. The 24/96 kHz DAC upsampler board is mounted as a plug in card so I guess CDFIX is upgradeable when new and better technology is available. The remote control has also a lot more of functions (and buttons) than the one shown in Hi-Fi+. I can change from 24/96 to 16/44 by pressing a button on the remote. The upsamling feature is a major issue and I think this separates CDFIX from my previous players. I do not know if this CDP is a rev. II but they are obviously changed some parts. Do not blindly be guided by reviewers but listen and judge by yourself - it is worth it. This CDP is now a part of my system :-)

Product Weakness: No outlet for headphones.
Product Strengths: Smooth treble, detailed and wide soundstage even with very complex music. Firm and deep bass.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	S.A.T Amplifix
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	S.A.T. CDFIX
Speakers:	ProAc Response 2.5
Cables/Interconnects:	Red Dawn XLR
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, jazz and pop.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	4 weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	No outlet for headphones.
Product Strengths:	Smooth treble, detailed and wide soundstage even with very complex music. Firm and deep bass.