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From: dgt@myrias.UUCP (David Tang)
Newsgroups: net.audio
Subject: Choosing a CD player
Message-ID: <207@myrias.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 7-Jan-86 12:15:17 EST
Article-I.D.: myrias.207
Posted: Tue Jan  7 12:15:17 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 8-Jan-86 03:12:34 EST
Distribution: na
Organization: Myrias Research, Edmonton
Lines: 64

Ken Pohlmann in his ProAudio column (Digital Audio, Dec. 1985, pg. 96)
outlines an interesting method of CD player evaluation.  The technique,
although not foolproof, should serve to separate those players worthy of
furthur consideration and careful listening.

The technique simply assigns an arbitrary point value to the basic
specifications, design criteria, and features inherent in a player.  The
total of these points when weighed against the price of the player should
highlight the "good deal".  The rating is acheived as follows:

Specifications
- Frequency response: one point for every 0.1 dB less than 2 dB deviation
     from 0 dB
- S/N ratio: one point for every dB above 85 dB
- Channel separation (@ 1 kHz): one point for every dB above 80 dB

Design
- Output filter: no points for analog; ten points for oversampling
- # of DACs: ten points for dual DACs
- Weight: one point per pound for stationary units; one point for every
     pound less than 20 pounds for portables

Features
Programmability: ten points; one additional point for every program
     location above 10
Audible fast search: five points
Indexing: five points
Remote control: twenty points
Headphone jack: ten points, five extra points for variable level control
Portability: ten points


Using this system Ken rated 67 players.  The Sony D5 at $300 list was
the lowest with 44 pts.  At the top was the $1300 Sony CDP 650ESD with
143 pts.  A list of the top ten players (plus others of interest)
follows:

67. Sony CDP 650ESD: $1300, 143 pts.
66. Denon DCD-1500: $580, 136 pts.
65. Mcintosh MCD 7000: $1400, 135 pts.
64. Nakamichi OMS-7: $1300, 135 pts.
63. Kyocera DA-910: $1600, 135 pts.
62. Sony CDP 620ES: $950, 133 pts.
61. ADS CD3: $900, 131 pts.
60. Sylvania FDD 304SL: $600, 127 pts.
59. Bang & Olufson CDX: $700, 127 pts.
58: Sony CDP 520ES: $600, 124 pts.

54. Revox B225: $1150, 115 pts.
53. Technics SL-P3: $600, 113 pts.
46. Harmon Kardon HD500: $600, 106 pts.
43. Yamaha CD3: $500, 105 pts.
23. Mission DAD-7000: $650, 82 pts.
15. Meridian MCD: $700, 73 pts.
7.  Carver DTL-100: $650, 67 pts.

I assume Ken did not rate any Magnavox players since none were present on
the list.  Applyin this system to the Pioneer PD-9010 ($540) I came up
with a rating of 144 pts.  I think this one is worth further investigation.

In closing I'd like to say that this rating system will have some flaws,
but for those like me who are looking for performance and features vs.
price, then this technique has some merit.  Thank you for your patience
and have a good time shopping.