909
Organizer for Can Jam '09
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2004
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The XRCD mastering transport (feels like a textured metal--a bit sandpaperish) This is the same JVC transport mechanism of the XRCD mastering process which, is only available in the Reimyo player. It also uses the XRCD2 K2 extended processor (again only available in the 777).
And the RCA/XLR outputs
Yesterday afternoon I did some very brief and initial A/B with the Saturn. I've kept everything the same--so I swap the power cord and interconnects each time. A bit of a pain. The CDP-777 is on my TT wall mount and the Saturn on my entertainment stand.
I think my ears got over worked yesterday and today--listening too much. At first, I thought they sound a bit alike--well, they are playing the same disc--everything is the same except the source and there different locations. I also had this experience with the Hyper DAC yesterday. So I go back and forth a few times. I think the output volume on the CDP-777 is louder, but need to double check--a bit later on that front.
It seems the CDP-777 offers more weight, texture, and a better sense of dimensionality--larger sound stage too. Even though, my immediate impression was that the Saturn extracted more of the extreme minor details from the disc like the extremely buried ticking clock or John counting in "A Day in the Life" deep-deep in the background. Yet I don't think that's true, what I think is those minor things might be slightly easier to hear on the Saturn like the difference between say 1-2% easier. Either because I am use to hearing it the Saturn way (like my brain hasn't adjusted to this new source sound presentation) or the Saturn dedicates less bandwidth overal to the main instruments and/or vocals. And not that the Saturn is thin or lacks mass or dynamics, which it truly doesn't, but when I turn the volume down to the lowest point where I can still hear the CDP-777 it still presents drums with a much bigger bandwidth (they still sound like drums), but the Saturn sounds like someone tap, tapping on a empty water bottle and in complicated passages it's ever so slightly muddled whereas the CDP-777 never loses focus and each strike of the pigskin is distinct.
It's pretty clear that the macro details are superior on the CDP-777--like for example the echoing effect on Paul's voice on "When I am 64" it's like you're in the room with him and there's no question about the echo. With the Saturn it's there but you're listening for it and it doesn't provide that intense sense or feeling like your there. Another thing with the CDP-777, I feel closer to the music--with the Saturn I am a few minor steps back. I also think the Saturn has a slight dark and warm presentation.
I am quite impressed that I can't detect anything about the CDP-777's sound signature--I just don't think it has one. It doesn't color the music, doesn't offer it's own tempo, it just the most natural and neutral sounding source I've heard. When it needs to be loud and agressive it does it then on a dime it's soft and genteel--It replicates whatevers on the disc whether warm, dark, cold, or whatever without putting it's own spin on it, which is really refreshing and awesome.
Well, I've still got until late Saturday evening to make up my mind on this awesome source. Let's see how crazy I am--either way I am nuts for keeping it or giving it back.
Here's a really nice pic Craig took yesterday--I went to his casa after I picked it up to get his impressions (another trustworthy pair of ears never hurts) that's the HD-2 (AKA the ODIN)--what an awesome combo these 3 make and such sweet music!
Some shots from the first night home
