Wow, I'm listening in my car (Volvo XC90 2021), didnt expect that much difference, but the TDA1541/Marantz track is on a completely different level, more air, cymbals e t c less splashy, bass more alive, better flow, depth, width, separation! The other track more sterile, less dynamic, harsh, clinical, doesnt capture your heart.. Kind of what I'd expect modern gear to sound like.. And thats in my car..
@@anadialog That is interesting. I really like this kind of video by the way, modern gear and vintage gear in comparison. Here a Grundig CD 8200 is playing, with a TDA 1541 chip, although not the select chip in the Marantz in the video. Still, a very nice CD player. Amp is a Tandberg receiver, TR-2025, speakers Scandyna SD 503 or Tandberg Hifi System 4. All vintage!
@@raymondchan3587 This is the same model. It just have different names between marketing regions. In Japan, the name of the original 100V model is PD-T09. In Europe (220-240V models) it was sold under PD-95 name. And in North America (110-120V models) it was found under PD-S95 ELITE name. All models have gold champagne color only, no known black version. This was (and still is) the best CD player/transport Pioneer ever made.
Hi , I listened on Senheiser headphones , the first track was all left and right nothing much in the center , the second track sounded more analogue and had some sound in the center . I have a Philips CD150 with twin TDA1540 D.A.C'S , I find that results can vary from quite bad to amazing depending up on the quality of the recording / c.d. mastering . One particularly good c.d. is Tubular bells by mike Oldfield . I got the distinct impression I was listening to the Master tape . Like Vinyl only without the surface noise . Best regards from Chris in the U.K.
Marantz Cd Player Cd-63 SE it's been serviced and a lot of the parts upgraded it sounds brilliant it hasn't got that harshness that some cd players have.And it's another way of being green and stopping these things going to landfill because they're still very good
There are a number of ways to get more from the stock 94mk2. Firstly this player, as did most implementations of the TDA 1541, whether a single crown or double crown, benefitted from being left on. With proper warm up the sound will open up, with better instrument separation, depth and width of image. Bass, mid and treble improve too, and a slight forwardness in the treble sweetens, and is less course. Compare to on for an hour or so, and 24 hours after being left on, its significant. Secondly If using the player as an integrated put a shorting plug in the unused Digital output. Back in the day Marantz started to include these as a freebie because it offered a significant improvement in performance. Thirdly the bottom plate, which is thin holds the player back. There are two ways to deal with this, first is three cones, one under the transport, one under the mains transformer and one to balance. I recall well playing around with this back in the day [owned one of these from new back in the day] and nearly driving myself crazy as moving the cones around a little changed things. Coming to the conclusion that a thicker heavier plate might i prove things I made a replacement from 1/4 inch aluminium plate, which I brushed finished and lacquered. With the stock feet that helped, but placing the cones back underneath that sounded best - go figure. As you have also discovered the mains cable makes a difference. I worked my way up successive Marantz players from a 273le to a 65 se, cd85 and then the cd94 mk2. Regarding factual errors in your video the cd7 was not the top model when the cd94 mk2 was released, that honour fell on the cd12 le which was a two box design, transport and dac. Many claim the 94mk2 is better sounding, not something I can confirm or say no to as I have not heard a 12 in my own system. The shame of the 94 mk2 is its a balanced design, but having no xlr outputs, which the da12, and da94 had we will never know how much better that design, in true balanced mode, might have sounded. The player was designed by Ken Ishiwata, but Eric Kingdom also had involvement in it too. Eric came to Marantz from Sony and I recall well missing out on a few tweaks he knew and could implement. Lacking access to a car I was unable to go home, get the player and let Eric work on it after the audio show, he and I were working at had finished. That niggles at me, still to this day. There was a very limited version of the 94mk2 that Ken Ishiwata applied modifications to, audio reviewer Ken Kessler used one for years as a review source. There was also a cd 95 integrated player and a transport version called the cd95r, and a limited edition with better dac these came after the 94. There is also an ultra rare player the cd99se and 99 limited, these I never saw, back in the day, but it’s generally stated these were the pinnacle of the 94 chassis based designs. I own a cd7 and have compared the two, the cd7 has the edge on the 94mk2. One weakness in these players is the belts that help open the drawers commonly fail, and modern replacements in my experience don’t last long, leaving the player with a drawer that won’t open. Enjoyed the video, thank you for posting.
Ah yes, the dreaded belts. They are already problematic on my CD11LE and have failed completely on the CD960.. SO annoying! Very interesting though, al the background info! Are there also tweaks like that for the CD12LE and CD11LE? I did read somewhere that the CD11LE was Kens favorite for many years, so that's the one I have... It's great, but I AM still very curious about the CD94 MKII...
I realized that I'm not really an audiophile in the way most people are. I legit don't really hear that much of a difference between the two tracks you played, and honestly haven't heard a huge difference between turntables either unless they're really bad at holding speed or poorly isolated. But with the same cartridge? No difference from the phono output. Same with CD, I can't hear the difference between the players. I have a really nice pair of Pioneer studio monitors made by TAD which should easily show any issues, but they don't. I produce music myself and find this whole "the way the artist intended it" discussion funny, since the gear they used to monitor the mix on varies wildly from what each person has in their setup. Especially the room can and will make a huge differrence, moreso than some fancy cables. Paying so much money for a CD player is wild, I found my Pioneer PD-4550 outside because it wasn't working, turns out the lens was just dirty. To my ears it sound great, can't hear any distortion or lack of whatever. It's always interesting to see which justification people make for their hobbies, more power to you!
Another insteresting video. It's not too late to give a chance to the excelent Philips TDA1541 :) In my collection, I have 2 CD players, the Marantz CD 40 (TDA1541A) and the Marantz CD80 (TDA1541 Single Crown), both modified, and the sound differences are huge, when compared with the standard version (of both). I also have the excelent Arcam CD23 (with the Ring DAC developed from dCS), modified, as well. My suggestion is... Find a really good technician, able to implement the proper mods to your Marantz CD94 and you will be shocked about what can deliver your vintage CD player. I'm really not shure that after that experience your Holo May DAC still is the winner.
I really like the FTS function on my Marantz CD11LE as you can also remove tracks from the playlist (e.g. I removed the track 'Babe, I'm on fire' from Nocturama by Nick Cave). It's true that swingarm lasers have a rounder sound signature. I preferred it to the Accuphase DP450 mechanism with female voices. The placing of instruments (focus) is less sharp with the CDM4/32 pro laser.
I have the Marantz CD12/DA12 transport/DAC. 1 of (approx.) 500 made. Over my ownership I also had a CD94 MK2 for comparisons sake. As great as the 94MK2 is, the CD12/DA12 was/is significantly better. Don't go forgetting this. Many feel that the CD12/DA12 is better than the later CD7 (that you made mentioned to in your video). Also, if you're looking for a Philips CDM1 mech based transport, look no further than the Wadia WT3200. Good buying now (given they. are a little older) and one of the best sounding and most universal (compatibility with DAC's) I've come across.
Experts claim that Philips LHH 1000 is the best that came out of Philips production, just like Marantz CD 12 from Marantz production, it is among the best cd players ever.
I actually have the Philips CD960 and 3 (or4?) DAC 960, but I never checked on the TDA1541ies, if they are royals.. Is the Maratz in case of sound quality superiour to the Philips? I´m not sure, maybe Philips used different caps?
Pioneer PD93 owner here...beats Marantz ;-) 20bit D/A at its best...2xPCM63K vs 2xTDA1541A ... both are awesome and used in some serious DACs today, like by Abbas Audio... sorry, FPGA-ultra-highend-vendors, for sure it is not the answer from on sonic prospective, sure technical ..
@@justinparkman3585 Would probably cost £5,000 in today's vastly overpriced specialist hifi market. That is why they are commanding high used prices. Worth it though.
I don't understand any of this stuff. All I know is what I heard. Which is unusual for me. Most sound comparison videos I can hardly hear a difference, if at all. This one I could definitely hear a difference. Here's what I heard. The first track sounded leaner and sharper than the 2nd track. The second track sounded rounder and fuller to me, which is why I preferred the second track. I don't know which track was better. I just preferred the second track. What was being compared here transports or dacs? I'd like to hear a comparison between a cd player as itself, both transport and dac compared to the same cd player with an external dac. Also, saying something sounds like it was intended to sound is impossible unless you were in the studio when it was being recorded and mixed and processed. What's really being said with that statement is it sounds like the sound I prefer.
Hi Gary, some confusion here. The two tracks were exactly what you hoped they were, the CD player with it's own internal DAC (which you preferred) and connected to an external DAC, the Holo Audio May KTE, one of the best DACs in the world. For your last statement, you are following a narrative proposed by others without fully understanding it since I did not say "sounds like it was intended to sound", I said it is faithful to the recording. That is a totally different concept and it is actually the true definition of Hi-Fi. High fidelity is the sound faithful to the original recording on the record, and no, it is no faithful to real, live music. That is another misconception.
Trough my tube amp and Triangle speakers, marantz sample sounds way, way better, bigger soundstage and better separation, it was very noticeable difference.
What about ripping your CDs with a program like exact audio copy and then reproduce the files through a DAC ? It seems that this way you can avoid all the mechanical issues related to the transport , data recovery from the CD etc etc. what is your opinion about this? Thank you!
I did try that a LOT. Only with my Naim ND5XS and the dCS Verona/Delius combo, it beat the Marantz CD11LE through the dCS combo. Everything else streaming was comfortably beaten. BUT, I do need to re-calibrate the laser unit on the Marantz, so that may change. So my personal experience is that the CD tended to sound better than the stream. Perhaps that would be better with a high-end network switch, but I tried lots of things.... Don't get it, the stream should be better in my opinion. John Darko (has his own channel) also tried it and came to the same conclusion....
@@anadialog Weirdly, I agree. Well, my Naim streamer DOES sound better than the Marantz CD player (which probably needs a service). But the dCS Verdi I tried before.. Oh my.. That was fantastic! I DO wonder now how good the dCS Network Bridge is as a streamer. It is supposed to be fantastic. We'll see, as it is inevitable that I'll own one one day. The CD11LE will probably get some small upgrades (better clock, new caps and belts). It should be a good competitor. And streaming is more boring. It's much nicer to physically select something, put in into or onto something and listen... By the way, are you all right with this enormous heat in your area?
My advice is to NEVER buy used electronics on E _ _ Y unless you can trust the source. You have no idea where the electronics have been -- and what condition they have been kept in. I have been burned twice.
The Marantz 94mk2 (TDA1541 dac) has much better detail, presence, and natural. It also revealed the texture of instruments giving you "a true to live like" experience. The other dac has nothing to offer to a serious music lover.
Interesting vid of a genuine classic, thanks. A tip from me though: you really need to use manual focus on your camera when you're shooting a component like this because your camera's autofocus was constantly hunting for focus (especially when you put your hand/arm in shot) which made my head feel a bit funny after a while!
I had a Marrantz CD player, back in the day. I don't now, of course, because we currently use the same technology, but far more refined. A modern D/A converter will sound so much better than it's 30-year-old equivalent.
Well, AMR was using this converter and now something similar but worse in their best ausiophile CD players...the Philips is a true legends still used today! But as I claimed I prefer the Holo Audio...
How that expensive 1.5M power cable will improve the sound quality? Don't understand, sorry... Especially if in the walls are 30 years old cheapo cables, on some buildings even aluminium instead of copper. And that piece of cable between the player and the wall socket will improve the sound? Similar when some companies trying to sell a high-end optical cable for $300, promising better sound. Come on. Never got this placebo thing, really. Nice player by the way.
I explained this in several power cables video I made, also in DIY videos. I will leave you with one important aspect: you must reverse the point of view. The power cable is the 1st meter of cable for the amplifier or any other piece of gear. It is the most important and crucial, especially for amplifiers in push-pull configuration. In any case, which quality power cable have you experienced?
I have a DENON DCD 3560 from 1991. Sony's linear motor transport is much faster than overhyped CDM-1 and very stable. I also have a DCD 1500 mk2 from 1987 and still working fine, so nobody should worry about KSS-151A. 3560 is more robust 17 kg. You should test one as transport and player as well. You would be surprised. Old Denon TOTL players are built like tank.
If you want to try an amazing older DAC, try the Marantz HD DAC1. I have tried many many high end modern DACs and they just can’t beat it. It does benefit a lot from a galvanic isolator however on the USB. Great channel!
In January i was bought a second hand a nakamichi CD unit OMS-1A, the sound signature, is very warm, very charming, i don't know hot to describe the sound, but it's not like technology from today, maybe is not the machine only completeley because i use a NAD preamp made in japan from the 90s, maybe is a combination of both, but of course not is my imagination, sounds very good, with classical music, and progresive rock, best wishes from Mexico.
One small remark: The Philips CDM-1 is not made of Zinc, it's made of Zamac which is an alloy composed of zinc with aluminium and small parts of copper and magnesium. It has a relatively low melting point and is easy to cast. Also CDM-0 was made of Zamac and even the frame of some of the Philips CD players like the CD-100 was made of Zamac
I had one of these from new. Great player giving 15 years of good service before developing a transport problem. Currently have SA-KI Ruby SACD player.
Thanks for introducing us to this album “Unicorn” by Teruo Nakamura. It was a great sounding album and quite a funky fusion of styles. I even felt some spiritual aspects to it.
Right away I could hear that the first track was not a TDA1541A. Never heard the Holo spring but know the basic character of the 1541A. One main thing is the homogeneous presentation it does. It gives the sum of the instrument rather then presenting them in separation. For me this homogeneous presentation is a big part in what many call "musical". A lot of modern and some old (high end) Hifi tends to pull the music apart, both in time and space.
Yeah, same here. Second track immediately sounded like a TDA1541.. Very recognisable. Interesting thing: the TDA1541A is 14 bits, not 16! So it's this 'good' with 2 bits missing.. ;)
Hey AnaDiaLog, great video as always mega-grazie! Did you hear the latest about MoFi & DSD?? They’re making our vinyl out of digital! Please make a video we need to hear your feedback?
How does it compare to, for example, The Marantz CD6007 CD Player is the replacement for the multi-award winning CD6006 UK Edition. The Marantz CD 6007 features a new Hi-Res D/A conversion.
I manage to get a Philips cd850 mk II for 200 euros in mint condition with remote. What a fantastic player is this with a very lot of options and incredible sound.
Wow, the two recordings sound TOTALLY different! The most pronounced difference I'd say its DYNAMICS! I'd say the first recording sounds more faithful and the second more exciting. Dunno which one I'd choose, each one have its charms. Maybe the second, sounds "faster" and more colourful...
"Wow, the two recordings sound TOTALLY different! The most pronounced difference I'd say its DYNAMICS! I'd say the first recording sounds more faithful and the second more exciting. " Really funny as you not hearing the original but a version which was highly compressed by RU-vid :-)
@@elkeospert9188 not only that, it has gone through the sound card, audio software etc, but still the difference is quite pronounced, something I wasn't expecting, that's why I said "wow"...
It was a good player in it's day, beautiful aesthetically and a has a decent CD transport but that modern DAC smokes the old TDA1541 (not really that surprising) I was surprised to even hear the difference on my laptop speakers let alone through youtube which chops off frequencies above 15k. I'm not sure I get the obsession with these old DAC's, whilst some implementations can sound nice most modern delta sigma dac's just have the edge on smoothness imo
Just a minor correction: RU-vid typically doesn't chop off frequencies above 15kHz. Something like that only happens when you download something off RU-vid using some 3rd party tool or website. Such tools typically transcode the audio to MP3 (which RU-vid doesn't use) with the ~16kHz low-pass filter as a side effect. But RU-vid's own audio playback doesn't do any of that and plays back up to 20kHz just fine. (There are some reports out there that playing back RU-vid through the Safari browser does filter at about 16kHz though, but most other browsers and devices don't).
Interesting. Newest DACs probably better and measure better but sometimes it’s how the actual music sounds. The TDA1541 chip just seems less fatiguing listening to music. I have a Sony with the TDA1541 and it sounds better than my more modern CD player with much better DAC
There are literally many dozens of things you can do inside a CD player as far as mods. My early players were all Magnavox and used various 1541 chips. Besides lacking bass, those players lacked something that is more important; tone colors. The first CD player I really liked was an Onkyo and then a Marantz that also played SACD. It's possible to triple or near triple the sound quality of a CD player. Above or below the best analog? I wouldn't bet either way. Having something really good underneath a CD player is very important. I'm not sure if vibration affects a stylus playing a groove any more than a laser playing pits, although the general belief is the former. To see what's inside your CD player, take the top off. I keep the top off, for best sound. If you sit real close to the player you can't do that, stray laser light can damage your eyesight. 2 More Reference CD discs: Copland/Ives multi CD set. Johannes and the Dallas symphony was recorded that day many years ago using special figure 8 microphones designed by someone named Fischer. Listen to the purity on the brass. They also recorded their famous version of Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances in the same session. Tiger In The Rain-Michael Franks. All his music seems to be recorded amazingly well. This is a reference example of true deep tone colors.
I've been trying to thrift/charity shop for a single tray CD player for YEARS! I don't recall coming across a single model. Plenty of DVD and blue ray players. Hoping for the day I happen upon a pioneer elite, Sony es, or something special. The only new machine that's reasonably priced is that NAD model.
Yep still looking for the 120V version. When my ears were younger this particular model sounded great. I would trade my current Cd player for this older inferior one because the sound was more pleasant.
They both sound wonderful. Listening through my humble IEMs, the HOLO sounds less bassy and the electric guitar on the R channel is neutral sounding. Treble is more airy and a bit relaxed. I think it's more "analytical" in terms of percussion instruments' separation. The sound from the TDAs is more warm and straight forward. Bass is more and the guitar (wah wah?) on R channel is more prominent, a bit dominating the mids. Treble is more and still analytical, but not so airy. I honestly don't know which is my favorite!!!
Something to be said for great build quality. I bought a Denon dcd a100CD player used for a little less than half of its $2500 original price to match a used like new pma a100 integrated amp I also purchased used. Not inexpensive but heavy and well made. Compares very well to a 2 grand analog set up. I enjoy both equally, just different. Never tried an outboard dac.
This CDP is a great machine indeed but to show his real level needs some updates. Take a look at what I´ve done with a regular Marantz CD94 here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rQ2_EVI0CnE.html
Thanks for another great video, I always enjoy them. My first CD player was a Marantz CD50SE which I bought brand new for £350 in 1990 and it had the TD 1541a chip in it. I am sorry to say I sold it about 5 years ago.
Great video - you're extremely well spoken and easy to listen to. I just got the cd94 mk1 to use as a transport only into a Schiit Yggdrasil dac. I am actually super happy with the choice and the chunkiness of the tray. I assume mk1 and mk2 are not different in regards to drive since both use CDM1s, but it's the Dac chips that change from one to another - is that right?
Excellent Guido. If it helps with your quest of CD reproduction, I have discovered Audio Note CD transports and they are amazing. Very analoguesque sound if that means sth to you. Silky and natural. I bought a CDT Two/II and now I listen to CDs more than ever.
Have a vintage Philips CD 160 I bought in 1987 which features the TDA1541 Dac. Sat in it's box for years and was planning on dropping it off at the local Sally Ann. Keep in mind I've never serviced it so it could probably use a lens cleaning among other things. Recently I decided to hook it up to my Marantz SR 5600 and was reminded why I wanted to toss it. I went to a local parts store and picked a set of Vibrapod isolators. I installed the set of 4 under the player. Wow! I was blown away at how open and alive the tunes sounded now. Bass was tighter, midrange sounded cleaner and the treble was mightily more detailed and airy. I use a combination of Sorbothane and Vibrapods on most of my equipment to great effect. I guess the lesson here is to never underestimate the importance of component isolation.
I LISTENED TO IT ON A VERY SENSITIVE PAIR OF TITANIUM HEADPHONES AMD I COULD HERE MORE BASS MORE CLARITY I COULD HEAR SOUNDS STARTING AND STOPPING MORE CLEARLY. THE SECOND ONE WAS BETTER
Hi Troy, I don't and and didn't even want to activate memberships because it create exclusive content for who pays ans I don't like that. Everything must be free and accessible to everyone. For those who want to help the channel you can buy me a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/anadialog Otherwise a nice comment, a thumbs up and a video share will do the trick to enlarge our community!
Thanks Guido! I was hoping you might make one of these videos! I picked up the CD11LE for 775 euros eventually. But it does need to be serviced one day. Calibrating the laser seems to help a lot as well, but 1992 electronics might need to be looked after as well (most certainly the CD960's..). I just wonder. Do you stream as well? And what's the difference between the CD94 MKII as a transport and the streamer going through the Holo May? Oh, the Pro-Ject CD-Box RS2T is I think a Pro transport of Philips' that didn't exist any more, but some of Pro-Jects technicians actually worked on that transport to start with. So they created a 'new' one improving on the few downsides of the original transport (that's what they say anyway). Don't know what a replacement transport would cost, but still, VERY good indeed as well. Not vintage though..
The CD box picture with it's Aztec / Inca / or some ancient Messo American iconography style really seemed to match the music surprisingly well (not that ive heard whatever music they played, it can't have been like what i heard) but nonetheless, it mstched it & i liked what i heard in as far as i did.
Two of my favourite CD players of all time. Sony SCD-1 Super Audio CD/CD player Givecthis a whirl I'd say it demolishes most so called high end players and it feels like it's milled from a solid ingot. Linn Sondek CD12 CD Player, now that will test you
Very late comment I k know. I have the cd94 with the cda94 dac. They are incredible. I also have a chord Hugo which is excellent, but the marantz pair from 1986 whips it’s but in every way.
Never late, I try to read everything and the video will live for ever. That is why I prefer RU-vid over TikTok or Instagram...thinks are not used and consumed but appreciated and cherished over time... Interesting that your combo is better than a Chord!
@Guido just got one after your video and also hearing one at my friend place as he was always happy with one. Hopefully will do recap later. Thanks for your video
I'm not sure about taking a second hand cd mechanism, also seems hard to find in N. America. But have you looked at the Atoll DR200 transport? Seems to be a TEAC drive, maybe the same as the Primare DD35, but seem less expensive.
Oh, the Philips transports are FANTASTIC. The CDM-1, CDM-4 (Pro) are almost indistructable. So buying them used? Not a problem! i wanted a CD 94 MKII, but it was too expensive (I do own a Philips CD960 which is a CD94MKI). Very good indeed. Now I found a Marantz CD11LE which is a very good step up from the CD94. Both using it's own DAC or an external one. Unfortunately, a real CD playing through the CD11LE to my dCS Delius doesn't sound as good as using the Naim ND5XS as a transport to the same DAC. Perhaps I'm going to try upgrading the clock inside the CD11LE (Tent clock), we'll see. But still, the best transport I heard so far (by some margin!) was the Pro-Ject CD-Box RS2T. Even without the external power supply. THAT really was amazing to me...
It greatly depends on what one is looking for in music presentation. Current audiophile wisdom puts more emphasis on _absolute_ detail retrieval, as against the 'older' antique more 'rounded' sound presentation. Which one is better? Matter of taste, system synergy and let's not forget the recording itself. There's no "absolutes" in sound reproduction methinks. Thanks for the lovely presentation of this legendary player. 😃
Thanks Guido, I love vintage VS modern stuff reviews . I trust a lot your impressions but must admit I'm a bit confused about power cables in a CD player. I've seen weeks ago a video from Audiosciencereview where Admir talks about a power cable from Audioquest. To be honest I'm lost. Take care!
I'll try to add more info in the future. But please, this is not a precise science yet, trust your experience and ears. Do make your own tests. Don't take my or other youtubers' words for granted.
You should try any one these CD players with Philips TDA1541A S1 DAC chip and Philips CDM9 transporte mechanism: Naim CD3, Naim CD2 or Naim CDi - your head will blow away!
![ANA[DIA]LOG](http://yt3.ggpht.com/50CpmGNilS8aoMlarZVhI_GxRDoZdbj4ZgwCMZXg-Rq2PrEvCytlE6RVyLUrNY-rwE_sAlZ1Zw=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)