Laserdisc player as a source? Anyone?

[MikeJ138]

Just curious if anyone here has experience using a laserdisc player to play CDs as a source for their audiophile headphone rig? Has anyone tried this?

Since laserdisc is an obsolete medium, you can get players on eBay or other places for very cheap. I thought I'd do a little experimenting with some of these old players once I pick one up. I would be using it to play CDs of course.

 

[Tridacnid]

Are those the ones that use 12" discs?

 

[MikeJ138]

Yes. That is correct. They are similar in size to a vinyl LP but they are actually a disc (similar to a CD).

 

[onyu]

I use a Pioneer CLD-950 as cd-player with my Stax.

I think it sounds great. And some other people to

Quote:

Stax SRM-T1S & Stax Lambda Nova Signature = wow! Best set-up I have heard in a while.

So if we follow the logic crap in = crap out I guess my laserdisc is pretty good...

 

[soundboy]

Look for the Pioneer DVL-909....

 

[Tridacnid]

Do these usually have digital coax outputs?

 

[sedan delivery]

my old pioneer does have a digital "out",,, I wonder how it might sound with a good dac,,, improvement?

 

[Tridacnid]

Seems like it would need a better laser to read a larger disc, as it could wobble more. I have not idea, though.

 

[MikeJ138]

soundboy-


do you have that player? What do you like about it?

 

[spookygonk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedan delivery /img/forum/go_quote.gif my old pioneer does have a digital "out",,, I wonder how it might sound with a good dac,,, improvement?

I have a Pioneer CLD-2950* that I could dig out (had heard these were also good CD players / transport). Currently using a Pioneer DV-656A through an Alchemist TS D1 to a DV332 and it sounds good (though nothing really to compare it to). Could use the optical out of the LD to the DAC and the coax from the DVD player to the DAC compare the two players (assuming I have two copies of the same CD). Only thing I remember when using the LD player is the noise when it starts spinning discs.

Have to rummage in my loft/attic over the weekend.



*bought especially for the Star Wars Trilogy Definitive box set

 

[Happy Camper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedan delivery /img/forum/go_quote.gif my old pioneer does have a digital "out",,, I wonder how it might sound with a good dac,,, improvement?

I ran a Panasonic LDP through a CAL dac via optical. Made a better analog sound with stats. Those old units had a pretty rugged motor for the bigger discs. I still have mine in the HT rack but only use it to play "The Beatles Anthology" or "The History of Rock and Roll" on new year's day.

 

[MikeJ138]

hey spooky -


i would really love to hear some impressions once you get around to checking out that LD you have as a source. please post back!

thanks!

 

[MikeJ138]

i also read but have never witnessed myself that the motors in the laserdisc players make so much noice because it just took that much more muscle to move those big heavy discs. just one of the list of drawbacks of laserdisc as a medium.

 

[spookygonk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeJ138 /img/forum/go_quote.gif hey spooky - I would really love to hear some impressions once you get around to checking out that LD you have as a source. please post back! thanks!

I'm not going to have a chance this side of the festive holidays / Christmas / Xmas due to work and life, house decorating & stuff. Hasn't helped I've got a stinky head cold which means my hearing has gone to pot (blocked up one side). I hate winter.

Have subscribed to this thread, so will return to it at some point with the info.

 

[Xena]

If you didn't use the digital out you'd be at the mercy of the players DACs. Compared to today's DACs, the sound would be pretty mediocre I'd bet.

Didn't laserdisc players use RF digital outs?