More Panasonic XR45 questions.

ROB968323 · « **on:** 22 Dec 2004, 02:43 pm »

I’m kind of confused. I’m not sure if I’m using my XR45 to its fullest potential. I’m running a Panasonic RP91 DVD player feeding the XR45 using the standard RCA digital connection. This sounds pretty good to me. I’m just confused as to what the DVD player sends. What sort of bits/Khz are sent for DVDs and standard CDs. What does the XR45 do with this?

I guess my question is…can I use some sort of upsampling device between my DVD player and the XR45. Also would something like the Monarchy Audio DIP be of benefit? This is confusing to me…Thanks for the help.

Rob

Red Dragon Audio · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 Dec 2004, 04:55 pm »

Here is a very good thread about the real potential of the digital amps we're using. It get's a bit technical but is very understandable what he is doing.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22741&highlight=

Wayne1 · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 Dec 2004, 05:20 pm »

Standard CD is 44.1 kHz. DVD is 48 kHz.

Upsampling and oversampling is open to debate if it improves sonics.

Everyone has their own thoughts on what sounds best.

Some folks like the DIP, others hate it.

The stock SA-XR45 does sound very good. I feel it can sound quite a bit better when used with a Bybee Purifier in the digital cable.

If you are happy with your cable you can use this:

from here

If you would like to replace your cable, this is my choice to use

You can find digital cables with Bybees inside here

Bybees also tend to help the sound when used on the output of the amp or inputs to the speakers. Information about these products are here

Finally about the best thing you can do to your SA-XR45 is to have it modded

You can have the Bybees installed inside and have most of the internal components upgraded. More information here

CornellAlum · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 Dec 2004, 05:24 pm »

Wayne, if youever want to try insurance, give me a call

ROB968323 · « **Reply #4 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 04:15 pm »

Wayne,

Thanks for the info. I'd love to have my amp modded. I just don't want to be without it for a period of time. I'm pretty happy with my digital cable and power cable.

I'm thinking about trying the Bybee connector on the digital cable. I have one that you made me for my Sat. Box. It did seem to improve things slightly. My question is, how important is using a second Bybee on the digital cable compared to using only one?

Oh...one more thing. Would using something like Audiopoints under the amp improve the sound as well?

Thanks,

Rob

Wayne1 · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Jan 2005, 10:16 pm »

Rob,

To my ears, one Bybee in the digital line is a VERY large improvement. Two Bybees improve even more, but not as big a difference as going form none to one.

I have never tried Audiopoints, so I cannot comment. The JJAZ FOD do make a noticeable improvement in my system.

ROB968323 · « **Reply #6 on:** 4 Jan 2005, 12:41 am »

Wayne,

Thanks for the quick ship.

Rob

ROB968323 · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Jan 2005, 02:37 am »

Wayne,

Thanks for the Bybee. So far so good. Does it take some time to fully settle in?

I've got one more stupid question...Could the Panny XR45 be fed directly from a transport? If I'm looking at this correctly when my DVD player sends the signal to the amp it's a digital signal with no processing done to it. Am I correct in that assumption?

I figure I may pick up a good transport just for audio and use my DVD player for movies. Any transport suggestions for less than a grand? Come to think of it...what I should do is send you the DVD player and let you mod the heck out of it.

Thanks,

Rob

GefellTaper · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Jan 2005, 05:04 am »

Get a Toshiba 4960 and mod it yourself, I am very impressed with mine...or I am sure Wayne could do wonders with what you have!

Wayne1 · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Jan 2005, 05:19 pm »

A DVD player can be modded for just transport only duties. This usually involves extensive changes to the power supply and digital ouput circuit. The chassis and transport would both be damped.

The Toshiba has gotten some good words, but the transport is rather inexpensive and I do not think it would hold up too well over time.

There are very few pure transports being made today. One that looks interesting is the CDPRO-2M being sold as a kit by DIYzone. There are a couple of threads here and here

I would be pleased to assemble the kit for anyone. I would use my wire and upgrade some parts.

Please get in touch with me if you might be interested.

tianguis · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Jan 2005, 07:47 pm »

Wayne:
I heard the CDPro-2M at the NY Audio Rave just before New Year's. It's quite stunning, built like a tank, a very polished "kit". Steve Sun (who built that one) and I took it apart for a look-see. The build quality is great, although there's lots of room for improvement, IMO. The case has lots of room to install virtually any tweaks. That particular one has already received some tweaks and the reports are encouraging.
Interestingly, it was auditioned right after my modded Tosh 3960, both set-ups using my modded Panny XR50 and Chris VH cryoed Pulsar digital IC into Aurum Cantus speaks. The difference was very noticeable! The on-board DAC left quite a bit to be desired, though.

Regards,
Larry Welsh