Questions about MOONDROP DISCDREAM 2 CD Player, anyone tried it?

[Bacchusoo7]

Hi,

Has anyone had any experience with the Moondrop Discdream 2 (Disc Dream 2) CD player? I found it on Amazon and can’t tell what the quality might be. I think it can act as a DAC but I’m not particularly interested in that.

There are no reviews but it’s sold by Shenzhen audio which also sells some other good products, topping, but some clunkers too, I think.

Amazon.com

 

[MXraincloud]

Hi,

I got one from Amazon. Below you have my personal impressions.

I use it with:

Ananda headphones, as a portable CD player:

and

as a CD transport:
With a Hifiman EF500 DAC via the optical out on the back of the DiscDream2,
or with Cambridge Audio's DACMagic 200M via the optical out on the back of the DiscDream2.

The DAC in the DiscDream2 is miles way better than the one in my old AIWA XP-SP90 portable CD player and my old Sony Discman DNE509 --which I used for years prior to getting the DiscDream.

I bought it because I wanted the experience of playing physical media to have better sound quality in a portable setting --while still listening to Tidal streams on my phone/computer/tablet to my DACs.

The sound of the DiscDream when using its headphone output is very enjoyable. I can listen to it for hours. While it can't beat the DACMagic 200M nor the Hifiman EF500 sound it does provide a satisfying sound while I am at the office or resting on my bed.
The DiscDream2 is also good as a CD transport. Due to its size and mobility, it is better for me to use it as a CD transport instead of using my Sony UBP-X800. It's just more convenient. I do not notice any sound difference using the DM13 as a transport compared to the UBP-X800.

The operations is easy. The big buttons are tactile. It's really a no trouble CD player, just like the old discman and similar players.
However, the DiscDream2 does not have an ESP button, so I am not sure how well it will respond if used while walking. I do not plan to use it that way anyway.

The build quality is good, but does not feel like the aluminum body of the FiiO DM13 does. It has a whimsical look, which I like. I love its transparent lid, which makes the art of the discs pop.

Funny thing: my DiscDream2 arrived the same day as my FiiO DM13. I have had fun playing around with both.
In a nutshell: I love the DiscDream2. I am glad I purchased it.

 

[0rangutan]

Got mine recently too, using its optical output direct into a Lyngdorf amp, so sounds great, but can't comment on the local DAC.
It is nicely designed, great colours and buttons, but doesn't feel as premium as it looks in real world use.
It weighs very little which makes it feel a bit insubstantial and vulnerable, eg. the tray flexes a lot when you press a CD down onto the spindle feeling like it might break. I'd rather it was heavier and more robust - perhaps the Ultra version is, but I can't find any data on its weight.
The power switch on the back is fine for portable use, but fiddly if left on a shelf or rack.
The clear lid displays the CD very nicely, particularly when spinning.
The segment display is a bit basic, but I can see that an OLED or similar would have added extra cost.

 

[MXraincloud]

Got mine recently too, using its optical output direct into a Lyngdorf amp, so sounds great, but can't comment on the local DAC.
It is nicely designed, great colours and buttons, but doesn't feel as premium as it looks in real world use.
It weighs very little which makes it feel a bit insubstantial and vulnerable, eg. the tray flexes a lot when you press a CD down onto the spindle feeling like it might break. I'd rather it was heavier and more robust - perhaps the Ultra version is, but I can't find any data on its weight.
The power switch on the back is fine for portable use, but fiddly if left on a shelf or rack.
The clear lid displays the CD very nicely, particularly when spinning.
The segment display is a bit basic, but I can see that an OLED or similar would have added extra cost.

For me the Ultra version would be overkill: its benefits/features would be offset by one of my possible current setups, which is using the DiscDream2 as a transport and sending the signal to the DACMagic 200M (unbalanced headphone out) or to the Hifiman EF500 (balanced headphone out, or room speakers). No to mention the Ultra's price. Of course the DiscDream2 can't beat those DACs either, but seems to me the main benefit/selling point of the Ultra is the better DAC plus the balanced out, which I already have by using the hardware combination I mentioned above.
The DiscDream2 satisfies the purpose I purchased it for: better sound than my vintage portable CD players, mobility, and able to use it with my DACS.

 

[Bacchusoo7]

@MXraincloud and @0rangutan, thanks for the information. I've been debating getting one to use with an old Tivoli radio (not exactly hi-fi/"audiophile" stuff, I know) that I use while in the kitchen. Alternatively, I want to get my young daughter into physical media and am debating one for her.

Thanks for all the real world feedback.

 

[reverbr8ing]

 

[reverbr8ing]

Got the Discdream 2 a couple of days back and enjoying mostly with my BW P7s.

First of all it looks awesome and is quite light, however quite bulky so can't fit in any form of a pocket (the Fiio DM13 might just but I couldn't get past the generic design).

It sounds really well balanced, the bass is a bit subdued, but the vocals and treble shine. So far plays all my discs and doesnt skip when lugged around in a backpack. Simple clear buttons and battery life is fine.

Connected via Aux to my BW Zeplin Mini, it could use a bit more volume so have to crank the levels to the 60s/70s which is fine. Could use an amp in the mix in that scenario. For my type of easy of drive headphones/IEMs (tested the Dunu Alpha 3 as well), it's perfectly adequate.

I tested the USB DAC function and also works well, even with my android it was plug and play and could use with UAPP. Volume needs to be cranked higher in this scenario, and sound isn't as crisp as the CD mode. But a nice bonus if you are sitting in the office and want to use it as an all in one system throughout the day.

If this lasts a while as it hopefully should, it's a nice to have retro nod to the easy days! Had a lot of remarks from my younger colleagues at work who thought it looked very cool

Btw, I checked the specs compared to the Ultra, and it's the same CS43131 DAC and possibly same amp. Only difference is that the Ultra has two of them as it supports Balanced as well. The power supply circuit seems slightly better specs on the Ultra (7 vs 6 linearities) and that's it. What you gain with the DD2 is the lighter weight, funkier colours and the price. It's more my jam as I use it as a discman. For stationary CD playing, I have a TEAC transport hooked up to my soundbar via optical.