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dCS Puccini CD transport noise

Hello,

I recently bought a new Puccini CD/SACD player. Sound quality is outstanding, and, compared to my previous player (Mark Levinson 390S), a vast improvement.
However, I have one issue. The CD mechanism, when playing discs (or with the pause function activated) is quite noisy. It is a combination of a whirring sound (the spinning disc) and a more constant rustling sound. It is clearly audible from my listening position (3.5-4 meters from the player), e.g. when playing piano and choral music (not to speak of late evening listening). I find this rather annoying, especially as the noise comes from a position squarely in the stereo picture (player on a rack between speakers)

What are the experiences of other Puccini owners in this regard?
richterian

Showing 1 response by richterian

richterian OP
1 posts
 
Thanks for your valuable feedback. I got a replacement. While less noisy than the first item, there is still very significant whirring for my taste, especially with SACDs. I checked a few other Puccinis at dealers - some were quieter still, but none so that I would be able to listen to Debussy, Ravel, Ives, art songs etc without noticing. For me it's hugely distracting. The importer told me that it is basically inherent to the open design of the transport mechanism in which the spinning disk drags the air with it, producing the buzz.
As a solution I thought initially of upgrading to the Scarlatti, but I was informed that due to its heavier build, the transport is certainly not quieter than that of the Puccini. Can Audiogon members confirm that?

I am now thinking of building a plexiglas cover to put over the player, or of changing altogether to another brand, painfully as that may be both financially and soundwise, as I find the Puccini bewitchingly good. Could you recommend CD-players with SACD capability and high quality digital volume control that could match the Puccini? I am thinking of the Accuphase DC800/DC801 combo, or DP-700 player, or the Wadia 781i. Any comments on these vis-à-vis the Puccini? I would plug the player directly into a Krell FPB 400cx (speakers: SF Amati Anniversario). I especially value low-level resolution, tonal accuracy and imaging.
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