[hollow_man]

Anyone know what this is: Magnavox/VanAlstine CD Player

A transport and a VA DAC or something different?

[crooner]

Looks like one of the various Magnavox mods of the 1980s. This particular one being quite elaborate using a separate chassis for what appears to be a tube buffer output stage with matching power supply. Van Alstine was one of the well known modders along with Steve McCormack (then running The Mod Squad).

[hollow_man]

Had a late-1980s model Magnavox that AVA modded late 1992. It may have been a CD-465, but I'm not sure. Also not sure whether that model had a digital out. IAC, several mid-to-late 1980s Philips units are worth hanging on to if you've got 'em. Solid, stand-alone and easy-to-work-on CD players/transports, coupled with modern DACs and master clock-injection techniques achieve, as many of us DIYers have come to know, some really high sonic standards.

[rlee8394]

This was the original Fet-Valve CD player, circa 1988. I first saw it in New Jersey at Audiofest 88. Or as Frank referred to it as Audiosnack 88. It was basically the forerunner to the Fet-Valve DAC. I believe Frank updated the digital circuits in the CD player chassis, and built a separate chassis for the audio circuits. This would make a great second system addition. Don't know if it can be updated at all though.

[crooner]

Yeah, I think Frank was definitely ahead of his time. The unit on the auction looks very impressive. Top quality construction.