How hard can it be?

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Latteman
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How hard can it be?

Unread post by Latteman »

How hard can it be to build a CD transport
I have a dac
I’m cdp less at the moment- using a ps3 optical out or a Sony Blu-ray coaxial
The sound is ok
I read an article where a guy pulled apart a Tibo cdp claiming it was a cheap dvd mech and output was driven off the hdmi - crudely -and added their own psu.
Would it be possible to attempt making a transport only- what would I need- a donor ?
How easy are they to disassemble and pick out the digital out signal
Cheers
Analogue Source -
Denon DP47f- Ortofon mc20 supreme
Ifi Zen Phono
Doug Self balanced Pre amp
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valvesRus
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Re: How hard can it be?

Unread post by valvesRus »

Many years ago I did what you are suggesting.

I used a computer CD rom (could use a DVD version) in a small form factor PC case (with a power supply) and a chinese controller kit off Ebay, similar to this --------------

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIY-CD-ROM-D ... Swihtds~0X

Took the SPDIF output to a DAC.

At the time my DAC was (by modern standards) not that good, so as a project it worked and made a reasonable noise.

Whether it was any better than using the digital output of a reasonable CD/DVD player is open to debate.

I've still got it somewhere, but only keep it for sentimental reasons ('cos I made it).

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Latteman
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Re: How hard can it be?

Unread post by Latteman »

Hmmm- cheers 🍻
Analogue Source -
Denon DP47f- Ortofon mc20 supreme
Ifi Zen Phono
Doug Self balanced Pre amp
Akai 4000DS mk2 R2R
Digital Sources- IfI stream, Ifi Neo idsd Dac; Tidal / Radio Paradise
Amplification Nva 30vdc mono blocks
Speakers Lii Audio F-15 in Open Baffle; Ls6
Weiduka AC8.8- for digital sources
Mini BMU for analog sources

valvesRus
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Re: How hard can it be?

Unread post by valvesRus »

Thinking about it, there was a time when an NEC Multispin CD ROM reader, model CDR-602, was touted as being a very good CD transport.

It's a self contained unit and has L & R audio output and SPDIF output, via RCA phono sockets.

They use a caddy to hold the CD.

I know where there is one if you are interested.

Image
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slinger (Sun Oct 11, 2020 4:12 pm)

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Latteman
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Re: How hard can it be?

Unread post by Latteman »

Thanks- I’m a man with a mission now- u have changed my world.
I’m out atm but do know I also have a few drives in my loft- may or may not be suitable otherwise I’ll let you know
Cheers
Analogue Source -
Denon DP47f- Ortofon mc20 supreme
Ifi Zen Phono
Doug Self balanced Pre amp
Akai 4000DS mk2 R2R
Digital Sources- IfI stream, Ifi Neo idsd Dac; Tidal / Radio Paradise
Amplification Nva 30vdc mono blocks
Speakers Lii Audio F-15 in Open Baffle; Ls6
Weiduka AC8.8- for digital sources
Mini BMU for analog sources

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Latteman
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Re: How hard can it be?

Unread post by Latteman »

Controller kit ordered 😂
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slinger (Sun Oct 11, 2020 7:15 pm)
Analogue Source -
Denon DP47f- Ortofon mc20 supreme
Ifi Zen Phono
Doug Self balanced Pre amp
Akai 4000DS mk2 R2R
Digital Sources- IfI stream, Ifi Neo idsd Dac; Tidal / Radio Paradise
Amplification Nva 30vdc mono blocks
Speakers Lii Audio F-15 in Open Baffle; Ls6
Weiduka AC8.8- for digital sources
Mini BMU for analog sources

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Latteman
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Re: How hard can it be?

Unread post by Latteman »

Lots of YouTube watching has provided motivation and I’ve started a prototype chassis & hardware build as I await the controller from China

Also in the meantime I’ve picked up a used Linn Mimik cdp as it’s a compact size and has bnc digital out-
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karatestu (Sat Oct 17, 2020 6:49 pm)
Analogue Source -
Denon DP47f- Ortofon mc20 supreme
Ifi Zen Phono
Doug Self balanced Pre amp
Akai 4000DS mk2 R2R
Digital Sources- IfI stream, Ifi Neo idsd Dac; Tidal / Radio Paradise
Amplification Nva 30vdc mono blocks
Speakers Lii Audio F-15 in Open Baffle; Ls6
Weiduka AC8.8- for digital sources
Mini BMU for analog sources

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Latteman
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Re: How hard can it be?

Unread post by Latteman »

Finally got round to setting up a test rig.
I ran it through my DAC via coaxial cable and ran a blind back to back listening session that included one other person- both preferred the cd/dvd Rom as the transport- such is the positive difference I'm keeping it in my system
Planning a chassis build soon
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karatestu (Sat Dec 12, 2020 9:17 am)
Analogue Source -
Denon DP47f- Ortofon mc20 supreme
Ifi Zen Phono
Doug Self balanced Pre amp
Akai 4000DS mk2 R2R
Digital Sources- IfI stream, Ifi Neo idsd Dac; Tidal / Radio Paradise
Amplification Nva 30vdc mono blocks
Speakers Lii Audio F-15 in Open Baffle; Ls6
Weiduka AC8.8- for digital sources
Mini BMU for analog sources

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Latteman
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Re: How hard can it be?

Unread post by Latteman »

Update
Really enjoyed the build and now the listening
Image
These users thanked the author Latteman for the post (total 4):
slinger (Wed May 12, 2021 8:58 pm) • antonio66 (Thu May 13, 2021 1:04 am) • CycleCoach (Thu May 13, 2021 11:33 am) • Wonfor14 (Wed Jun 30, 2021 9:43 pm)
Analogue Source -
Denon DP47f- Ortofon mc20 supreme
Ifi Zen Phono
Doug Self balanced Pre amp
Akai 4000DS mk2 R2R
Digital Sources- IfI stream, Ifi Neo idsd Dac; Tidal / Radio Paradise
Amplification Nva 30vdc mono blocks
Speakers Lii Audio F-15 in Open Baffle; Ls6
Weiduka AC8.8- for digital sources
Mini BMU for analog sources

antonio66
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Re: How hard can it be?

Unread post by antonio66 »

Bloody well done, it looks great, go celebrate with an Irish coffee :guiness;
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Latteman (Thu May 13, 2021 7:35 am)

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