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What CD Player would you like to see tested?

Testing the Sony UBP-X700U would be great, thanks!
I agree. Like the Sony BDP-S1700/K that has been tested by NTTY, I expect it would be digitally perfect as a CD transport, though I admit that it might have limited appeal for many buyers because it lacks a display. Even when the Sony UBP-X700U is connected by HDMI to a computer monitor or TV, it will display only the most basic CD information showing track number and elapsed time. But this Sony 4K Blu-ray player may be one of the least expensive models currently available that can play SACDs, so it could be of interest to those who have SACDs in their collection. For example, the next lowest price SACD player selling on Crutchfield costs $1,699.00. And I just came across an intriguing new portable SACD player that is also $1,699.00, the YBA Design One Transportable SACD Player. I'd be especially interested to see the test results on that player...!
 
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Sorry, I did not order the Sony yet. I have couple of items to talk about before, including the new SMSL H200 preamplifier that I’m impatient to play with.

In the meantime, I released a review of the SMSL SU-2 as I believe it deserved a better treatment than being called a dumb wasted DAC opportunity. This especially because I like the easy concept of SPDIF inputs only (including AES balanced) and XLR out. The real no brainer thing to plug and play to boost the performances of a CD player. And saying that made me realize I did not test it with CD as source, shame on me!
 
Sorry, I did not order the Sony yet. I have couple of items to talk about before, including the new SMSL H200 preamplifier that I’m impatient to play with.
I hadn't even noticed the H200 yet.
I'm curious to see the review and its performance—both as a headphone amplifier and as a preamplifier.
The comparison with the Topping L70 will be particularly interesting, given that the latter is both cheaper and more powerful.
 
I suppose I will have issues testing full power because I don’t have a proper load (well, I do, but it’s too cumbersome to use). I’m particularly interested by preamp’s perfs. That said, the challenge might be to find a good enough source to act as the generator…
 
It would be interesting to test one of the top Technics CD players with their MASH DAC. For example, the SL-PS900 or 840 with 8DAC MN6476 or 4DAC MN6474, for example the SL-PS700.
Also the Philips CD753 with its TDA1549T could be interesting.


 
It would be interesting to test one of the top Technics CD players with their MASH DAC. For example, the SL-PS900 or 840 with 8DAC MN6476 or 4DAC MN6474, for example the SL-PS700.

Actively working on acquiring one.
 
I just came across a new CD player launched by FIIO - the DP 11. Sounds interesting and is priced at around 180 USD.

More details. Supposedly very quiet mechanically

According to a post @ instagram it does come with a remote. Strange to omit such details for a product launch
 
Quite a surprise, but Fiio contacted me to kindly request testing a new firmware (V17) that they sent me about the Fiio DM13.
It is funny because at the time (Feb 2025) I requested them to fix the digital distortion I could measure, stating it would make this little CD Player one of the best. They did it, and indeed it goes straight to top!
 
More details. Supposedly very quiet mechanically

According to a post @ instagram it does come with a remote. Strange to omit such details for a product launch
Very keen to see this one tested here @NTTY
 
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FiiO DP11
FiiO-DP11-Desktop-CD-Transport.jpg

I just came across a new CD player launched by FIIO - the DP 11.
Very keen to see this one tested here
I'm already impressed by the handsome design of the DP11, and I'd love to see the complete test results from NTTY to find out if its performance is as nice as its appearance. Here is a link to another site with product information on the DP11. The price they're quoting is $169.99. If the DP11 aces all the tests as a transport I'll want to buy one for my desktop as soon as this new model becomes available in the U.S.
 
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Quite a surprise, but Fiio contacted me to kindly request testing a new firmware (V17) that they sent me about the Fiio DM13.
A number of you have asked and so I contacted Fiio to request reviewing one. [FiiO DP11]. Crossing fingers ;)
I think FiiO has shown that they appreciate your tests of their components and are interested in your perspective, so I believe there is a good chance they will respond favorably to your request. Thanks! We value your reviews and hold them in high esteem...
 
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I think FiiO has shown that they appreciate your tests of their components and are interested in your perspective, so I believe there is a good chance they will respond favorably to your request. Thanks! We value your reviews and hold them in high esteem...
Thank you ;) And indeed Fiio responded positively. They’ll send me one when it is available, which means couple of weeks to wait.
 
Fiio responded positively. They’ll send me one [DP11] when it is available, which means couple of weeks to wait.
That's brilliant! It speaks highly of FiiO that they respect your thorough review process and they have enough confidence in their new CD player that they're glad to provide you with a sample to evaluate. FiiO also seems committed to fixing problems that your tests have revealed. Since I own thousands of CDs I appreciate this resurgence of interest in the medium that has spurred the introduction of these new, high-quality, affordably priced CD players and transports, and I'm especially grateful for your science-based investigation into how well these models perform. ☑
 
By the way, I tortured the Sony UBP-X700 over the weekend. I should find time to publish the review at the end of the week. I did not know it was reading SACD too!
I thought to ask about the Sony 4K Blu-Ray/CD/SACD player you ordered and, whether you'd had a chance to test it. Sounds like you've "run it through the gauntlet" and the results of your scrutiny are forthcoming. That's excellent news. I'm hoping that the UBP-X700 has performed well, like previous Sony players you have reviewed. Since the UBP-X700 is designed primarily as a Blu-ray player it lacks some of the features found in dedicated CD players (only the most basic display capabilities and no USB or digital optical output, though it does include COAX in addition to HDMI). I realize that many CD collectors may be less interested in this model. But if it proves to be bit-perfect as a transport it may be the least expensive component you can buy that will play 4K, SACDs, Blu-ray Audio discs, and properly apply de-emphasis to vintage CDs as well. Since I am a frugal audio enthusiast I am an advocate for good bang-for-the-buck equipment that can accomplish a lot without costing a lot (while I admit that the UBP-X700 is kind of an ugly duckling when compared to other players...)
I'll enjoy reading your review... ☑
 
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