[viggen]

I've been tinkering with two NEC multispin cdroms for awhile using them as transports paring it with the Nixon Dackit as DAC.

I just uninstalled the Nixon from the stereo just to hear how the Multispin would sound using it''s analog output into the gaincard.  

The vocals sound farther away, but the sound is very smooth very a slightly more realistic decay.  The background seems a bit thinner but still retains the blackness that the Nixon excells at.  I notice slightly better channel separation as the stereo left right is more distinct than before as well.  

My system is limited in extreme highs and lows to begin with.  Using the multispin, the extremes has even less presence than before.  Basically, it's more lowfi than the Nixon but not less pleasing to listen to.

The Nixon already has a low 1.7v output.  Still, I had to turn the volume on the gaincard up two notches to match the volume when using the Multispin as source in place of the Nixon.

This is just an initial 10 minute impression on a rather good CD.  And, I am using OTA wire with Furutech ends as powercord feeding the Multispin as I do on all my components.

BTW, I was usnig a Parasound CDP2000 Ultra as transport.  The internal dac was definitely inferior to the dackit.  The NEC is superior to the Parasound as a transport in my experience.  I can deduce that the NEC's internal dac is probably better than the UltraAnalog 20bit processor in the Parasound.  

I have a CEC fully modded TL2 coming in a week.  Will do more comparisons then.

[sharper]

I look forward to your post on the CEC TL-2. I had a Parasound too - the belt-drive transport (CB/D2000) and it wasn't that great. I was hoping it would be similar to the higher end CEC's...but it was not even close.

[viggen]

Unfortunately I didn't want to follow through on the deal to get the TL2 transport.

The Parasound actually sounds pretty good compared to all the other transports I've used granted all the other ones weren't that great either including CAL Delta, Merdian 500, and Technics A10.  

Quite happy with my $20 NEC as the moment.

[Tonto Yoder]

Are you using an NEC model that requires use of a caddy???  Some have guessed that the caddy limits laser scatter and improves the sound.

[viggen]

Hey Tonto,

I think the caddie does contribute to its performance but is only part of the reason.

I have the 602 which uses the caddie and the 502 which is the top loader.  The 602 is slightly better than the 502.  But, they are both better than the Parasound.  

I am assuming these archaic devices has less regards towards FCC emmission regulations.

[viggen]

After a day and a half, the output gain on the NEC has improved.  I am back on the same volume setting on the Gaincard with the NEC as I was with the Nixon.  

But, most of all, the sound is even more transparent.  Maybe I am just getting used to the NEC's sound as I haven't A/Bed the Nixon back into the system.  I just have no urge to put it back in.  Less clutter is good too.

This is pretty good.  Now I can devote all my funds towards an analogue setup.  I am still curious about a Flatfish and Progression though.  Does anyone know if the output of the Progression is inverted phase like the Dackit?

[Dmason]

Hey Viggen,   I had an NEC Multi for about a year, same $20. thing was built to take it. I cleaned out all the ancillary wiring, there was a choke in there I replaced, and gave it a nice SPDIF input jack. Also, a better Atari PSU.

I thought I got the idea from you, but now remember I originally got the idea from some article, I believe in Positive Feedback. My results were similar to those of the article: it was fantastic. It was even better than the Sony 7700 to me. One day it just stopped, after a million CD's. I never went back to find another one. I think I will. Maybe build a nice "analogue looking" wooden box for it, I kept the darn thing too, I can use the black faschia again. I installed the Nixon in a very nice tooled wood stash box, sandwiched between two layers of isolation foam. -A good home for it, with Isis' eye staring out, in brass.

Have a look inside it, you will see the opp. to redo some minor wiring. It made a huge difference in the overall transparancy and coherency, especially in the mids, as I recall. Keep us updated.-..

[viggen]

Hi Dan,

I did open the NEC up when I first got it.  Well, I opened up the 502, but I am using the 602 now.  At the time, I didn't think to use it as a cd player, so i only looked at what I can do to improve the digital output section.  The 502 is very compact inside, so I didn't think my not so techworthy skills could have done any improvements.

I might open up the 602 one of these days and see.

What are you using for transport now that your NEC died?