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From: greg@olivee.UUCP (Greg Paley)
Newsgroups: net.audio
Subject: Magnavox 3040 vs. Philips CD-304
Message-ID: <321@olivee.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 12-Apr-85 12:21:19 EST
Article-I.D.: olivee.321
Posted: Fri Apr 12 12:21:19 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 18-Apr-85 02:26:47 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: Olivetti ATC; Cupertino, Ca
Lines: 43

For the record, the Magnavox 3040 is NOT identical to the
Philips 304.  Having purchased the Magnavox, there were 
several clear cosmetic and functional differences.  The
Philips has an "output level" knob on the front panel (as
opposed to the screw-type adjustments on the Magnavox's
rear panel) which controls the headphone output level as
well as the main line outputs.

Another difference (for which I am glad) is that the
Philips model comes with "hard wired" output cable, with
RCA jacks on the end.  This makes it impossible for those
who are into expensive cabling to change it or to allow
the user to choose the length of cable.  The Magnavox
does not do this, but does supply cabling that can be
used.

Since I don't have the Philips model on hand,
I can't say if there are any sonic differences.  The
instruction book, which is generally scanty on technical
information, indicates that the D/A conversion is 
"16-bit" with no mention of whether or not oversampling
is used.  As this would be a radical departure for 
Philips/Magnavox, I'm inclined to believe that the
documentation is wrong and that their 14-bit with 4x
oversampling technique is still being used.

As Sam mentioned before, this player comes marked
"made in Japan" whereas the Philips 304 was labelled
"manufactured in Belgium".  I understand that the
"original" Philips 304 is available in this country
under the Sylvania, rather than Magnavox, brand name.

For $368 from Stereo Discounters (mine took two weeks)
with superb sound, programmability of up to 24 tracks,
random track selection, index selection, and remote
control it's a great buy.

This player, incidentally, had no problem whatsoever
with an EMI CD of Debussy orchestral music (Previn/LSO)
that produced audible glitches and inability to locate 
the beginning of the first track on an NEC player.

	- Greg Paley