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Post by ijrussell on Sept 8, 2023 9:43:02 GMT
I love CD and just can't get on with streaming. The CDMs are/were really good transports. I loved the display plus the BNC SPDIF output. I never used the AES/EBU output. It'll be interesting to see how your comparison goes. I have a Jay's Audio CDT2 MK2 which has been fitted with the MK3 upgrade if you're interested in further comparisons. . |
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Post by zleepy on Sept 8, 2023 10:00:35 GMT
Oli, you might just be surprised by the performance of the Audiolab, even in stock form. My 6000CDT very comfortably beats my streamer but that might not be your case, as your streamer is top notch. In any case I agree, it is a lot of fun comparing and doing upgrades on devices like this  |
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Post by misterc on Sept 8, 2023 12:10:03 GMT
I love CD and just can't get on with streaming. The CDMs are/were really good transports. I loved the display plus the BNC SPDIF output. I never used the AES/EBU output. It'll be interesting to see how your comparison goes. I have a Jay's Audio CDT3 MK2 which has been fitted with the MK3 upgrade if you're interested in further comparisons. They really respond well to a 10Mhz word clock input Ian, the stock one is a bit meh
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Post by ijrussell on Sept 8, 2023 13:12:03 GMT
I love CD and just can't get on with streaming. The CDMs are/were really good transports. I loved the display plus the BNC SPDIF output. I never used the AES/EBU output. It'll be interesting to see how your comparison goes. I have a Jay's Audio CDT3 MK2 which has been fitted with the MK3 upgrade if you're interested in further comparisons. They really respond well to a 10Mhz word clock input Ian, the stock one is a bit meh
Oops! Sorry, Tony but I made a typo - I only have a CDT2 which doesn't have the word clock input. I've corrected the post. . . |
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Post by misterc on Sept 8, 2023 13:23:28 GMT
No problem Ian, I recently isntalled one a gent in Northampton, I was very presently suprised. The Jay's audio is in the more than ok box for ourselves.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Sept 8, 2023 13:46:16 GMT
ijrussellI found a Jays Audio CDT2 (i think) for sale, but when i enquired it had already gone. Also, i'd have had to sell the X50D to finance it, which i am not yet convinced is something i should do. I would appreciate a little bake off with the Jay's in my system Vs the X50D and Audiolab. Fantastic offer, thank you. I'll see what dates i have available and we can see if anything aligns! zleepyI don't think i will be too surprised as my only exposure to a CDT is an Audiolab 6000, which knocked my socks off at the time. I didn't have the digital chain i have now, so i have no idea how one would fare in comparison now, but i doubt it would be embarrassed.
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Post by sq225917 on Sept 13, 2023 22:33:06 GMT
I have a spare original uk made cdt 8000 with philips cdm 9 Pro mech if you want Oli. £120 + p&p
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Sept 13, 2023 23:11:10 GMT
I have a spare original uk made cdt 8000 with philips cdm 9 Pro mech if you want Oli. £120 + p&p I wish I'd known...I believe that's what I have now for twice the price! |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Oct 12, 2023 12:07:19 GMT
It's been a month since the last Bigblog update, so here's another: Digital, I genuinely thought i'd be over the idea of CD by now. Having to purchase CDs en-mass due to having all of them ripped and saved on a SDD is really frustrating, but on a kind of positive note, i am really enjoying searching for the specific versions of the albums i want. It's quite rewarding when you have mining the internet for a few dqys and then you nab it for £3 lol..It's like vinyl collecting, but much much cheaper. The Kenwood CDT continues to blow my melon daily. Sitting here listening "The Stone Roses - The second Coming" (424 503-2) and it's the best SQ i have ever heard from this album. It has caused me a serious quandary over the last week or so, as the plan was to save up and buy the TEAC VRDS 701T after i was let down by the eBay seller. However, i am blown away by what i hear and even though i could have pulled the trigger on a new TEAC, i just can't seem to do it. You lot know me by now, and i don't usually hesitate to do anything, but the Kenwood has my attention. In truth, i think i would need to hear them side by side before i could be sure of making the purchase. The plan was to compare the Kenwood to the Jay's Audio CDT2-MK3, but unfortunate that had to be cancelled due to a potential Covid outbreak. We will reschedule, but for now i am not going to do anything, especially as we have a superclock on the way for it, and i want to see what, if any, difference it makes. One thing i have done is buy a new digital interconnect due to my Wireworld being AES and the CIearer audio cable I have being too short, so I picked up a Clearer Audio RCS to BNC copper line cable, with two "Super-suppressers" (Ferrites) for £25 on eBay. I really rare these cables, so if you need a cable, give them a look. Elsewhere on the net, i responded to a WTD thread and recommended one of these cables, but was instantly (almost) replied to with a response of wanting something "higher up" the food chain. That responder is a member here, and I am hoping this nudge creates a bit of dialogue around the subject, as i am genuinely interested in what people *think* makes one digital cable better than another, or why it should cost more to buy a good one. The Clearer Audio cable dispatched the SAEC DIG4000 MK1 cable, and a MK2. These cables (SAEC) are as good as it gets IMO, as they are properly specced cables with proper datasheets available, rather than smoke and mirror descriptions and bullshit. SO, come on...tell me why we need to spend more!! |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Oct 19, 2023 16:46:34 GMT
Having a play with this device, thanks to mikeyb  |
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Post by rexton on Oct 19, 2023 18:49:37 GMT
What is it?
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Oct 19, 2023 18:56:42 GMT
It's a Logitech Transporter. |
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Post by Bigman80 on Oct 19, 2023 19:48:20 GMT
It's never a straight forward thing, is it. HiFi...... Twists and turns at every opportunity. You may be wondering what it is that has be pouring out this tale of hifi shenanigans, so i'll tell you....Cables You all may remember that shortly after (same day) hearing Maccas TEAC transport, i sold my NovaFidelity X50D. This was done because the TEAC had convinced that there was a little more crunch/bite/vibrancy to the music via CD. This led me down the path of pursuing CD as my digital medium. FFWD to me missing out on the TEAC transport on eBay and SteveW coming to my rescue with the rather epically transparent Kenwood DP-X9010 CDT. I am now a few weeks into CD and have been purchasing CDs at an alarming rate! So when Mikeyb offered me a free loan of this Logitech Transporter, i refused initially. However, ever keen to gain experience, i ended up with it in the system today. It's a pretty lovely device in all honesty. A little tricky to set up when you are a computer-phobe, but thanks to Mikes expert advice, it was up and running in around 20 minutes, and sounding laughably good. So good that i cancelled my bid on a Denafrips Avatar CDT i have been watching for 7 days now. The Logitech runs off Logitech Media Server, and after ripping a few of my new Silver Spinners, i was playing music with a great amount of enjoyment. The digital info being sent via the router and LAN cable to the Logitech. Brilliant. Then the fun stopped. Nothing to do with the Logitech, it was me.... I had this niggle in my mind.."how does it compare to the Kenwood CDT" i wondered. As you will be in no doubt about after all theses years of reading my ramblings, i got straight into comparing. The sound from from the LT (Logitech) was smooth and very easy on the ear, but the Kenwood was definitely more transparent, but that bite/crunch and vibrancy was back again with CD. What is it about CD that is doing this, i said to myself. I sat back in the chair with the LT playing Peter Schneider's - Secret Mission, and a thought occurred to me...Take the Wireworld AES out of the LT and try the Clearer Audio RCA to BNC. BOOM! There it was....the crunch, vibrancy and bite came to the fore. The soundstage evolved into a more 3D version of itself. I was staggered. This Logitach was now singing in a very similar way to the Kenwood, but wait.... When Macca visited here with the TEAC, we used this cable on it...the Clearer Audio. The X50D had the Wireworld 7 AES cable in...and the sound was...Oh No! You see, my brain connected the dots and i realised that our initial complaints around the smoothness of the X50D were eerily similar to what i was thinking about the Logitech with the WW7 cable...Oh NO! What a sausage. I should have tried the Clearer Audio cable with the X50D! The X50D was only a touch off the TEAC transport at the time, but there was enough in it for me to want to delve into CDTs, however, i am now wondering if i have made a gross error of judgement. There is only one way to find out. My new Novafidelity X50D arrives early next week  It needs the PSU change etc, but i have to find out....More patience required in future, i think  |
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Post by brucew268 on Oct 19, 2023 20:26:11 GMT
Oops! Houston, we have a problem. Me.   Glad you've got a measure of clarity on what you were hearing. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Oct 19, 2023 20:33:33 GMT
Oops! Houston, we have a problem. Me. Glad you've got a measure of clarity on what you were hearing. Yeah, it's a stupid oversight, but it happens now and again, but I think we just got wrapped up in how good the TEAC was and it left my mind. I'll make sure now. However, it's not all bad news....I have some great CDs and I have hand picked the versions I wanted. I will continue with this approach, as the SQ is only benefitting! |
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Post by mikeyb on Oct 19, 2023 20:48:38 GMT
I'm telling ye it'll be minidisc next, maybe even cassette 😂
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Oct 19, 2023 21:26:45 GMT
I'm telling ye it'll be minidisc next, maybe even cassette 😂 😂😂 There an old mini disc player for sale by me...the thought did cross my mind lol |
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Post by mikeyb on Oct 19, 2023 21:39:32 GMT
I'm telling ye it'll be minidisc next, maybe even cassette 😂 😂😂 There an old mini disc player for sale by me...the thought did cross my mind lol 😂 |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Oct 19, 2023 21:41:46 GMT
There's no helping us, honestly.
I was given a boat load of CDs and I'm buying more before I have fully explored that treasure trove.
There's something wrong with me. Lol
Anyway, that Logitech is an absolute cracker. I have enjoyed today's session, and will likely give it another whirl over the weekend once it's been on and active for a few hours. I'm a fan!
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Post by mikeyb on Oct 19, 2023 21:55:49 GMT
The fact that the Transporter is still supported by ex Logitech staff is tremendous too.
I’ve been a fan of the software and the various devices for some time now.
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Post by zleepy on Oct 20, 2023 6:41:23 GMT
Your dedication is unbelievable Oli. Hats off!!
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Oct 20, 2023 6:44:52 GMT
Your dedication is unbelievable Oli. Hats off!! 😁 |
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Post by mikeyb on Oct 20, 2023 9:28:51 GMT
I suppose dedication is one word for it 😂
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Post by bencat on Oct 20, 2023 9:36:44 GMT
As someone who has always used Logitech Media Server for there streamer software since buying a Squeezebox Touch when they first came out I can only agree that it makes music and sounds excellent . Just a suggestion Oli if you have not done so already . Under LMS Plugins there is one called Material Skin . Add this then reboot your LMS . Go back to settings and along the top tags drop down Interface where you will find listed Material Skin . Choose this as your setting and then refresh your server page . You will now have a really nice GUI that is available on any internet device using just the URL - 192.168.1.XXX:9000 the XXX being what ever three number your LMS has been given on your net work so for example mine is 192.168.1.101:9000 apologies if Mikeyb has already set this up but it does make LMS both easier to use and better to look at . It also has in the top right of the screen a ! button which takes you to a page detailing Artist History , Album Details and review and also in some cases Lyrics .
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Oct 20, 2023 14:31:20 GMT
As someone who has always used Logitech Media Server for there streamer software since buying a Squeezebox Touch when they first came out I can only agree that it makes music and sounds excellent . Just a suggestion Oli if you have not done so already . Under LMS Plugins there is one called Material Skin . Add this then reboot your LMS . Go back to settings and along the top tags drop down Interface where you will find listed Material Skin . Choose this as your setting and then refresh your server page . You will now have a really nice GUI that is available on any internet device using just the URL - 192.168.1.XXX:9000 the XXX being what ever three number your LMS has been given on your net work so for example mine is 192.168.1.101:9000 apologies if Mikeyb has already set this up but it does make LMS both easier to use and better to look at . It also has in the top right of the screen a ! button which takes you to a page detailing Artist History , Album Details and review and also in some cases Lyrics . I'll certainly be having a look. I'm just ripping some CDs to go on the X50D when it gets here. Aqvox have a very useful section of information on how to configure EAC for "optimal" performance. It accompanies their CD ripper 😃 |
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Post by antonio on Oct 21, 2023 2:05:29 GMT
I suppose dedication is one word for it 😂 Another word might spring to mind for someone selling and re-buying a perfectly good streamer.  |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Oct 21, 2023 6:08:48 GMT
I suppose dedication is one word for it 😂 Another word might spring to mind for someone selling and re-buying a perfectly good streamer. 😁 |
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Post by bencat on Oct 21, 2023 15:38:41 GMT
Just asking will the LMS Transporter be for sale at any point ? Only when Oli does not need it of course but I might well be interested .
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Oct 21, 2023 16:46:41 GMT
Just asking will the LMS Transporter be for sale at any point ? Only when Oli does not need it of course but I might well be interested . I believe it is ... mikeyb ? |
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Post by mikeyb on Oct 21, 2023 17:07:11 GMT
Just asking will the LMS Transporter be for sale at any point ? Only when Oli does not need it of course but I might well be interested . It will be once Oli is done with it, which will be any minute now He'd be as well keeping it until it is sold, then posted or collected from his house, no point coming back to me to be sent out again. |
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Glad you've got a measure of clarity on what you were hearing.
