CEC players?

WEEZ · « **on:** 25 Feb 2005, 10:33 pm »

CEC has limited advertising and distribution. Seems that their entry level player- the CD-3300 has been improved and there's a couple of reviews out there, but not by serious 'high-end' mags.

My question: has anybody had experience with CEC players? The belt drive transports are held in high regard- so I'm curious about the one-box players.

Comments?

WEEZ

JLM · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 Feb 2005, 12:40 pm »

I'd like to learn more about them too.

Several manufacturers of DACs, like Ack, recommend them.

I've got a couple of distant friends with them and love'm.

Parasound used to sell rebadged CEC belt drives.

Understand that previous/cheaper non belt drive CEC had quality issues.

They've just released a new belt drive transport the TL-51 for $1200. But $1200 is a bit hard to part with for something I haven't heard (and I have a little used stock Sony S7700 that could be modded).

The guy who's been hawking them on A-gon is reportedly a good guy to deal with.

WEEZ · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 Feb 2005, 01:54 pm »

I understand that the CD-3300 did indeed have quality issues. Supposedly- these are now resolved.

One of the reviews indicated that it had a very smooth and neutral presentation, and is revealing of bad recordings. Hmm.. that sounds interesting to me. My crummy old Toshiba is revealing of bad recordings too. Trouble is, good recordings sound bad also

.

How's that Ack 2.0 sounding?

WEEZ

Gordy · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Feb 2005, 02:06 pm »

Quote from: WEEZ

How's that Ack 2.0 sounding?

WEEZ

Inquiring minds need to know!

... Thanks JLM!

albee · « **Reply #4 on:** 26 Feb 2005, 04:51 pm »

Here's one of the latest tests for the 3300. They also have a brand new review of the Flying Mole's.

http://202.186.86.35/audio/story.asp?file=/2004/3/25/audiofile/25cec

JLM · « **Reply #5 on:** 26 Feb 2005, 08:22 pm »

Regarding break in of the dAck! v.2:

With approximately 50 hours on it bass and treble frequencies continue to open up and become better defined. All recordings good and bad sound better (that's huge in my book).

I'm in the midst of system/room re-build and with a head cold (left ear plugged for days now) I'm working from a disadvantage.

Notes:

dAck! v.2 came with high output and high resolution options

My system includes stock Sony S7700, Bob Brines FTA-2000 floorstanding mass loaded transmission line speakers using full range Fostex F200A drivers (89 dB/w/m, 30 - 20,000 Hz, 8 ohms), and a Rotel RX-975 100 wpc stereo A/V receiver.

WEEZ · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Feb 2005, 08:29 pm »

albee,

yup, that's one of the two reviews I could find. I guess the North American distributor is Mutine- who also handle Audiomat amps-which are super, I understand.

JLM,

thanks for the update. Write us a review when you've got it settled-in. There are others besides me who would love to hear your further comments.

best,

WEEZ

WEEZ · « **Reply #7 on:** 23 Apr 2005, 08:51 pm »

..a brief update for anyone interested:

Due to the limited dealer network- I contacted Mutine (the North American distributor) to locate my closest dealer. Turns out- it's Sound Mind Audio in Austin, TX. And I'm in TN.

So I called and had a nice conversation with Brian Kurtz. (Mutine had advised Brian of my inquery). Brian assured me that the CD-3300 at $590 is competetive with players at over twice the price and indeed has a very neutral sound. It has balanced analog outs as well as RCA; and digital outs as well. Unusual at this price level.

So, you Austin guys can check it out. I might just buy one myself. Still deciding.

I'll post more here if I take the plunge.

WEEZ

JLM · « **Reply #8 on:** 26 Apr 2005, 04:29 pm »

Ack dAck! v.2 update:

(See system/options above.)

First, the sound is very forward. So IMO it's not a good match for horns, speakers that have a treble tilt, or nearfield listening. However this is the perfect match for my speakers that use the mighty Fostex F200A 8 inch diameter driver (no whizzer, but on-axis is rated out to 20,000 Hz) that provides lots of deep/musical bass.

Detail is superb. And notes aren't just a single sound, but are made up of a beginning, middle, and end. This added detail improves tonality greatly. Mid/treble is a thrill to listen to and bass has soul.

I can now separate good from great recordings without ruining ordinary recordings. This is vital to me as much of the music I enjoy is not well recorded. Some recordings that I thought of as quite average before are now wonderfully detailed with solidified imaging with improved size and mass.

BTW the Clari-T complements most of what I just said about the DAC.

WEEZ · « **Reply #9 on:** 27 Apr 2005, 01:36 am »

Hey JLM,

Glad to hear the 2.0 is working out to your satisfaction. Read some reports on another forum re: the 'Fest' in Mich. Others reported on the synergy of your system.

That's what it's all about.

WEEZ