SQ of vintage PCDPs vs MP3 players?

[fewtch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duncan I could go one stage further, if you wanted to question my sanity, and say that since August 2005 I have listened to my Beyers for less than 5 minutes, and I have listened to my RS1s for no minutes at all lol... I only listen out on the road these days (well, on the train / bus / tube) - Which for me is not the time or places to use old school PCDPs...

Agreed. BTW, if the ANT Amber is really that great with DT880s and you ever feel like selling it, give me a yell OK?

 

[bangraman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filburt ? Well, a couple include limitations on how much the sound can be adjusted, such as limitations on number of EQ/other effect configurations, and limitations on adjustment to soundstage/imaging (if there is even any to be had). I already pretty much said this in previous posts, though, so I'm not sure why this comment came as a surprise to you.

All right Filbert, obviously both of us are convinced one way or another. I feel that given a fairly adjustable EQ, it is possible to out-do the 'flavour changes' on the more highly regarded 'vintages' and that the change in flavour is all that the vintages have going for them, as modern players can be more homogenous in their default tonality. Technically, I'm aware that the 'vintages' are in most cases inferior and like anything, if you have the basics right the window dressing is variable.


I'll look to running some listening tests among a group in the future with the DAPs adjusted to 'out-flavour' the vintages. We'll see how that turns out

 

[bangraman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fewtch I picked up my D-33 for $21 + shipping... please do tell me where I can get a full sized CDP (that isn't a complete piece of junk) for about the same, if not less cash. Add to that a footprint under 20x20 cm please, as the nightstand by my bedside has to hold a lamp and two alarm clocks in addition to the player.

So you've compromised on sound quality for what you can afford and what'll fit. It's no different in concept from even a mediocre DAP owner... actually in many ways, even more compromised.

 

[Filburt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangraman All right Filbert, obviously both of us are convinced one way or another. I feel that given a fairly adjustable EQ, it is possible to out-do the 'flavour changes' on the more highly regarded 'vintages' and that the change in flavour is all that the vintages have going for them, as modern players can be more homogenous in their default tonality. Technically, I'm aware that the 'vintages' are in most cases inferior and like anything, if you have the basics right the window dressing is variable. I'll look to running some listening tests among a group in the future with the DAPs adjusted to 'out-flavour' the vintages. We'll see how that turns out

Well, if you find a way to match them, let me know. I haven't been able to even after several hours of trying to do so. I couldn't even manage to get it where it was close enough that the difference in tonality wasn't immediately obvious.

I'm not dead-set in my opinion on this, but I haven't even encountered one case so far where the sound was even close. So, I think understandably, I'm not apt to agree with your statement as a generalisable claim.

 

[flibottf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirosia I was never really a big fan of the iriver 120's lineout, hell I found it overly forward with a compressed 2d sounstage. (not a problem if you're a grado fan ) Don't know if the 320 is the same though.

I feel the same about my H120... I can't stand it's line-out, heck even my old sony minidisc player (N707) had a better line-out (which was also a fake one if you used the firmware modification hack).

I never listened to iPods line-outs. I had a very bad experience with the 1st gen iPods headphone out SQ....

 

[bangraman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filburt Well, if you find a way to match them, let me know. I haven't been able to even after several hours of trying to do so. I couldn't even manage to get it where it was close enough that the difference in tonality wasn't immediately obvious.

Took me all of 5 minutes even with the iPod vs DCP-150. The NW-A3000 took about a minute.


Will of course keep you updated should I get around to organising such a test.

 

[Seijang]

I guess my post seemed somewhat like flamebait? I was just confused about the relative quality of older PCDPs versus the new mp3 players of today.


I've read Duncan's review on his PCDPs, but they tell me absolutely NOTHING about how good/decent the DAPs are in relation to his PCDPs, that is why I am asking, and wondering. I would like to eventually get a nicer source than my iRiver H320, and with the small hype around vintage PCDPs, I thought perhaps I could not spend 200+ dollars and get a source that would make me rock back and forth in happiness.

That's all I was really looking for. I have no grounds for comparison here, so I thought I'd ask you guys.

 

[Filburt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangraman Took me all of 5 minutes even with the iPod vs DCP-150. The NW-A3000 took about a minute. Will of course keep you updated should I get around to organising such a test.

I see. Like I said, I haven't heard the DCP-150 vs. DAPs enough to tell. People typically comment that the DCP-150 has good soundstage, though, so I find your claim a bit surprising since I wasn't particularly impressed with iPod + Line-out + ALAC in that respect, nor the A3000 (sans ALAC). It's doubtful I'll ever get a DCP-150 unless I find one for maybe $40 or so as its sound isn't really to my liking.

 

[Oddball]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seijang I would like to eventually get a nicer source than my iRiver H320, and with the small hype around vintage PCDPs, I thought perhaps I could not spend 200+ dollars and get a source that would make me rock back and forth in happiness.

I adore vintage PCDPs, especially my DCP-150. I haven't gotten my hands on a DAP yet that can match it as a "home" source (factors I've considered are a mix of features like a digital out and its SQ). I like it for my own idiosyncratic reasons.

However, if you have a $200 budget, skip the PCDP hype. Go for a fullsize CDP. Seriously. The vintage PCDP hype is good for those with small budgets, little space, or an affinity for collecting. I like my DCP-150, but I got it for $60. For $200, fullsize decks would offer you more. Of course, that's just imo.

And re: DCP-150 eq comments, I'm curious whether the comments were about one of the headphone out boost settings or the line-out.

 

[bangraman]

Do you know something, I've finally just realised I'm being taken for a ride. Since I've said pretty much everything I can type without getting bored, I leave this thread to the rest of you guys.


PS. Oddball is right on the money regarding fullsize. As for the EQ thing, I was referring to EQ'ing a DAP to simulate the slightly treble-tipped default response of the DCP-150 on 'NORM'.

 

[Filburt]

What? I'm not taking you for a ride. Relative to my experience with PCDPs and DAPs, your claims appeared inaccurate. Disagreeing with you on that matter is not tantamount to 'taking you for a ride'.