CD-1//Bolder Smartdio

Sotantar · « **on:** 10 Apr 2003, 03:26 pm »

Someone wants to trade me a cheap dvd player with dig. out, and the whole smartdio with powersupply and Bolder digital cable for my Norh CD-1. Does anyone think this would be a good deal? Thanks.

Ravi · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Apr 2003, 05:34 pm »

One sounds very smooth, the other is ultra-transparent with a huge well defined soundstage. I say go with the SmartDio!

Tyson · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Apr 2003, 05:38 pm »

Since you've already got tubes in the system (courtesy of the ASL), then the smArt is a good choice. I've A-B'd the smArt and my CD-1 a few times, and haven't listened to the CD-1 since (it was roundly beaten). JMHO.

The Mensa Dio is even better, so there is an upgrade path available if you want to get even better sound from the DIO.

Marbles · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Apr 2003, 06:00 pm »

If you do that deal, just keep in mind that the Transport will make a big difference in the sound of your system.

Unless the DVD player is a Sony DVD-7700 I would plan on getting a better one like a Cal Delta. That will cost you around $300.

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Apr 2003, 02:41 am »

Isn't Cal out of business? I thought they were. Even if they are I suppose there's still product out there, but warrenty could be an issue.

Marbles · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Apr 2003, 02:51 am »

Quote from: Rob Babcock

Isn't Cal out of business? I thought they were. Even if they are I suppose there's still product out there, but warrenty could be an issue.

Cal is out of business and warrenty is a problem for the Delta's, but they were pretty robust.
For the $$$ they are a very good transport and put out a solid "pilot" signal that the DIO needs to stay synched.

The modded DVD players lose synch when the player is opened.

This only applies when using the clock of the DIO, not for upsampling.

The CD-1 is a very good transport, but with the DIO drove me nuts as it could and often did lose synch when you fast forwarded it, skipped back, changed CD's etc..

Sotantar · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 Apr 2003, 04:39 am »

Thank you for your input. I guess the question I had was whether I would be better off for now with just the CD-1 and later get a good processer, (has anyone heard the Channel Islands stuff?), or dump the CD-1 and have the DVD transport now with the great processor. Thanks all again. Great place to be.

Rocket · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Apr 2003, 11:21 am »

hello,

i would think it better to go with the new processor. can you have a listen to it before you do this.

regards

rod