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Harman Kardon HD 990 anyone? - Page 2

post #16 of 25
4/23/09 at 7:32pm
Thread Starter 
Back from the dead for an overdue update.

Long story short, I did open the player and took a bunch of photos, but decided I want to try it with a tube output stage - see here:

Tube Output Stage for the HD 990

I did not eliminate the stock H/K output stage - it can still be used when needed/wanted.

Will follow up with the review of the stock player in a few days.

P.S. Interesting thing. The price in Europe had risen for about 40% once several good reviews of the unit started popping up. And while it is still a good buy, wish it was still available at the original price - I paid EUR 280 for it.
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post #17 of 25
4/23/09 at 7:56pm
I cant seem to find any websites that sell it online in the US. Is it released in the US as well?
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post #18 of 25
4/24/09 at 10:26am
Thread Starter 
Alas, the H/K website for US does not even list the new H/K products.

They are sold in Europe and Australia for some time now.
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post #19 of 25
5/15/09 at 1:25am
Hi Insides,

how does it compared to the Cambridge?

Thanks,
---
David
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post #20 of 25
6/10/09 at 2:59pm
Thread Starter 
Haven't revisited this thread in a while... apologies - will have a more thorough follow up this weekend.
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post #21 of 25
1/11/11 at 8:03am

i like how there is no reply :) i have this cd player and really like it. it sounds amazing as a DAC (better than when playing a CD for some strange reason.)

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post #22 of 25
1/25/11 at 11:32pm

yeah, what happened to insides?  lol.. researching stuff is so fun when its so old.

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post #23 of 25
2/18/11 at 12:42am

I am planning to buy this cd player. How does the sound quality fares comparing Marantz cd6003 / cd5004 ? Any inputs on sound quality on DAC ?

 

Thanks for your help !!! 

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post #24 of 25
3/28/11 at 2:18pm

Yes, it is "very nice", really.  I have concerns about the tech support...  You sound like you are more knowledgeable than they.  The HD 990 comes with a new and improved DA converter; when I installed it I merely plugged in the optical digital link, I just got it as a replacement for another HK unit.  Reading the material, it seemed to suggest the new converter was better than the one in my old AVR 65 (which still works great, by the way).  So, I gave tech support a call.  There is something to be said for NOT outsourcing... when I tell the individual my situation he says, yes the OD cable is best.  So I asked if that doesn't just bypass the $600 I spent on the new technology...  so the tune changed.  I will answer your question, I like the machine a great deal.  Now, what is your take on my situation??

 

Thanks, The "New Old Man"

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post #25 of 25
3/29/11 at 7:22am

Hey Now,

 

I just bought the HD990. It replaced a Maverick D1 amp/DAC I was using. It is more resolving than the D1. The ability to input a coax and optical is very handy. I have it set up like this >>

 

3 input sources

iMac > Ethernet > Airport Express > toslink > HD990

Satellite Receiver > digital coax > HD990

CD > HD990

 

2 outputs

Balanced XLR > Einar VC-01i > Grado SR325, Sennheiser HD650, Fostex T40v1 (all balanced)

RCA out > Hafler DH101 Pre-amp > Hafler DH220 Amp > KEF Reference 103.2 (my vintage 2-channel system)

 

I noticed right away that the DAC sounded clearer and with a wider soundstage than the D1. It did not sound as congested. The KEFs have not sounded this good since I bought them in 1983! I am happy for what I paid for this CD/DAC player ( I got a very generous discount through our company purchase plan direct from HK). I just wanted a new CD player but saw this deal and said what the heck. There are not a lot of CDPs with additional inputs and being balanced in this price range, even at retail prices. I like the way mine sounds and am happy with it.

 

--

Finest kind,

Chris

 

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