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In Reply to: RE: What does 'high performance' mean in this context? (Nt) posted by 13th Duke of Wymbourne on April 27, 2025 at 12:10:07
The difference is remarkable! Now that the coax link is fixed, the Cambridge produces a lovely warm sound with awesome bass and all the details, free from any unwanted brightness.
Although I was initially disappointed with the sound of the Cambridge CD transport I bought a few years ago, I sensed its potential and decided to store it.
Follow Ups:
I understand that 'high performance'is banded around in audio circles as there really aren't any definitive benchmarks. I see its use to mean 'I like this product so it must be good', which is a recommendation but not definitive.
Disclaimer, I have never experimented with CD transports but I know how they work and this is one area of audio where, if there really is a difference in SQ between transports there must be an answer. The ones I've identified are:
1. Is the data being sent correctly, or the same, in both cases?
2. Is there a difference in jitter between the cases?
3. Does one conduct more electrical noise into the external DAC, or is the DAC more susceptible to the noise from one connection compared to the other?
IMHO, there is no 'high quality signal transfer' in the case of SPDIF. The data is either received correctly of not, there is no 'more correct'. In your case, unless the original signal level is so marginal it is not being decoded I would expect the data to be the same and the recieved jitter level to be dominated by the SPDIF receiver in the DAC that acts as a filter to incoming jitter. Anyway, congrats on your result and there is no worry that we'll all run out and copy you as you've 'painted' over the solution:)Edit - after posting I saw Abe's responses that probably hold the answer.
Edits: 04/27/25
I find it rather surprising that modern CD players frequently omit isolation transformers, a feature present even in older units such as the Rotel RCD-855. The most notable difference following the modification was the enhanced resolution and lower distortion.
Edits: 04/27/25
" The most notable difference following the modification was the enhanced resolution and lower distortion."Any properly functioning SPDIF interface should sound better vs one that is borderline broken.
Edits: 04/27/25 04/27/25
I have both Cambridge CXC V2 and Tascam CD-200. Here are my observations:
1. Optical Toslink sounds OK. But just OK. Don't expect any magic.
2. Coax sounds pretty bad. No resolution. Also distortion which I can't listen for longer time.That is why I put both into storage for more than several years.
After mod:
1. Tascam CD-200. I got the resolution I want. But I need warmth and bass. I know I get the SPDIF polarity reversed. I will try the other way to see if I can get warmth and bass.
2. Cambridge CXC. I got resolution, warmth and bass. However the output is lower than I expected.After mod, in both cases, the distortion is gone.
This is not a fool at all.
Edits: 04/27/25 04/27/25
...so yes, your "High Performance mod" should sound better.I'm specifically commenting on your Cambridge which shows the stock SPDIF output level significantly lower than the SPDIF spec calls for. You can plainly see the very low amplitude in your own scope images. Not rocket science or my opinion. I calls 'em as I sees 'em ;-)
Whatever SPDIF repair / mod you performed on the Cambridge SHOULD sound better than the stock output which was essentially broken.
Good luck.
Edits: 04/27/25 04/27/25
I am pretty happy with the result of Cambridge CXC except the digital output is lower than my calculation.
Please note, I have Linn LP12 turntable setup. My CD play is no worst than turntable which means a lot.
Sometimes, music can bring you to tears.
...in more ways than one ;-)"Sometimes, music can bring you to tears. "
I've had various gear over the years. Some that were Class A Recommended brought me to tears after emptying my wallet. It wasn't due to SQ.
P.S. Nice Siglent scope BTW. I have an oldie Tektronix.
Edits: 04/27/25 04/27/25 04/27/25
@AbeCollins
@13th Duke of WymbourneHere are the problems of Cambridge CXC I try to fix:
1. No output isolation transformer.
2. Poor driving capability.
3. Not true 75ohm.I measured the rising edge.
1. Mine is 32ns
2. Cambridge 38ns
3. Tascam 60nsThe slower rising edge, the worse jitter.
Edits: 04/28/25
why is stock interface so far out of spec?
Only spin disks in my 24 year old Honda. :)
The transmit output level of 0.1 Vpp from his Cambridge stock SPDIF port was 1/2 the minimum of 0.2 Vpp called for per the SPDIF spec going to the SPDIF receiver in his outboard DAC. It would more typically be greater than 0.5 - 0.6 Vpp.I'm not convinced that his "High Performance" SPDIF mod would do anything for a transport with a properly functioning SPDIF output. He basically replaced his broken SPDIF output for one that works.
- - - - - - - -
I played with marginal SPDIF signal levels decades ago and it can progressively degrade the audio quality to the point of very minor distortion, major distortion, then intermittent static in the music and dropouts.
I was experimenting with very long SPDIF cables making them longer each time while audibly noticing the sound quality degrade. I used various lengths of RG6X coax which is quad shielded 75 Ohm and more commonly used in low loss Cable TV (and satellite) applications but works fine for SPDIF. I was running a 5-Disc Adcom CD Player / Changer as a transport to a distant outboard DAC in another part of my house.
Edits: 04/27/25 04/27/25 04/27/25 04/27/25
odd that his $600 transport performs marginally out of the box. Don't think I've run into that situation before.
I was experimenting with very long SPDIF cables making them longer each time while audibly noticing the sound quality degrade.
Always chose 2M as it was said shorter could create signal echoes. Garage system employs a DH Labs D-75 BNC cable purchased fifteen years ago for the main system connecting my first Touch.
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