Popular Post PYP Posted May 27, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted May 27, 2020 Thank you, Chris. Knowing the sound of past units, I think you nailed it. Long ago and far away, I had a Denon CD player that was modified by Alex. It had many of the features you identified in your review: differential tube output stage that is transformer-coupled at the output, volume control and paralleled chips. He used expensive parts when those sounded good to him, but didn't buy into the latest and most expensive stuff was best. He trusted his ears. He not only designed the stuff, he did all the point-to-point wiring himself. While changing the tube (there was only one), my jaw dropped. I couldn't believe the craftsmanship and, quite simply couldn't believe anyone had the dexterity to do the kind of work he did. The price was very reasonable (couldn't afford much back then) and Alex is the only designer I know who would send you an upgraded unit before asking you to pay. He cared about happy customers who shared his love of music. I had that Denon for many, many years. My wife especially loved it for its slightly romantic sound and world-class midrange. Having heard the results from eliminating the preamp, I've never used one since. As new high resolution formats became available I chased those and Alex inevitably moved on to designing his own gear, which I couldn't afford. My wife was unhappy for years because the replacement DACs didn't, as Alex would say, have the magic. Had I not committed to my current DAC (Mola Mola Tambaqui), which works so well with my Mola Mola amps (happy wife again), this is the DAC I would audition. Albrecht, The Computer Audiophile, joelha and 2 others 3 2 Grimm Audio MU1 > Mola Mola Tambaqui > Mola Mola Kaluga > B&W 803 D3 Cables: Kubala-Sosna Power management: Shunyata Room: Vicoustics “Nature is pleased with simplicity.” Isaac Newton "As neither the enjoyment nor the capacity of producing musical notes are faculties of the least use to man...they must be ranked among the most mysterious with which he is endowed." Charles Darwin - The Descent of Man Link to comment
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