2. digital
  3. 173264-168368

Modding/tweaking my system

Hi all

I thought I would start this thread almost like a diary.

After living with my system for 12 years, purchased 2nd hand, i find myself wanting to see if i can improve on the sound.

I tried modding a Marantz cd67 player years ago with some success then went too far and wrecked it.

The system is 

Rotel RCD02 cd

Cambridge Audio Dacmagic

RC03pre amp

2 RB03 power amps running as mono blocks

PBC FB1

The first thing I wanted to do was tame the overly bright high end by modding the PMCs to + after years of searching I finally found the crossover layout bought the parts and set about the mods.

1st impressions are the highs are tamed however I have 1 speaker that "sounds" louder than the other, more on that later.

I bought the Dacmagic el-cheapo without the box or instructions. I recently downloaded the instructions and realised the Spdif requires the use of a 75ohm digital cable, I've been using a standard RCA all these years.

The room, HiFi and speaker placement are far from optimal but it is was it is and cannot be changed.

I noted I can feel the CD chassis vibrating with music at reasonable levels so that needs a change.

The overall voicing of the system I would describe as slightly forward with a muddy mid range.

It's the highs and mids I'm looking to resolve.

 

notdeadyet
notdeadyet OP
23 posts
 

So moving on.

Today a digital cable has arrived along with some Dynamt extreme.

The system has been played?powered up all day I'm about to play a reference track which I love and is what has caused me to start this journey 

Pink Floyd Comfortably Numb

One thing in very sharp focus is the idea the better the system the more it exposes poor recordings.

I've noticed some tracks on The Wall sound amazing, others incl. Comfortably Numb less so

I will move the rack to have access to the cabling play the track, replace the cable and go again. I'm hoping the new cable will resolve the midrange better and an added bonus would be better soundstage but as already mentioned the placement causes pretty big issues on that front.

The chosen cable is  QED performance 

Other cables in the system are QED XT350 and Monitor Audio 3

notdeadyet OP
23 posts
 

Ok so the previous RCA has been yanked after a reference listen the new "digital" cable plugged in and played again.

Whilst the change is not Night and Day its a genuine step forward.

The "out of balance" highs seem to be resolved? I didn't expect that!

I fact I had to re position to hit the sweet spot. I would also say the new cable seems overall slightly quieter?

With plenty of power on tap thats no issue whatsoever

The mids have opened up a little the overall soundstage aligned and sibilance reduced.

Lesson learned here? Use the right cable for the job.

Still we have work to do to unleash what I feel can be achieved by this mid range set up

notdeadyet OP
23 posts
 

Okay

So opened up the hood and knock, knock 

Plenty of resonant surface to pay with.

Installed approx 2/3 of the cover with dynamat extreme

Next up a couple of pieces on the crystal itself, cleaned the lens and back together.

Listening test

I didn't expect much change here after all its just damping.

I'm shocked actually.

Whilst the sound is cleaner more mid focussed its lost a lot of bass! I know right how is that possible?

Bass extension is still there just lacks weight and overall sounds bright, slightly thin and "cold" but  the level of detail is amazing

I even tried a goto bass work out, Goldfrapp Supernature yup its gone!

Pop goes the hood again targeting the crystal as I suspect that can be the only suspect. I admit the detail currently displayed may go but thats a trade off I'll have to live with.

Life is about compromise 

 

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