rsg@cbscc.UUCP (Bob Garmise) (09/30/83)
My neighborhood audio dealer claims that there is a significant difference between various CD players. They claim that the NEC is the best they've heard, and that Sony and Kycera (sp?) can't hold a candle to the NEC unit. True? You tell me. ...bob garmise...bell labs, columbus...
9212osd@houxa.UUCP (Orlando Sotomayor-Diaz) (09/30/83)
I have looked at the results of the tests done
in several audio magazines, especially the July?
Stereo Review issue. No significant differences
could be found that would give you **audible**
effects. Frequency response was practically flat,
wow and flutter undetectable, etc.,etc. Of course,
some people in this group hear visions, but that
is not related to the equipment.
The only thing I would use to discriminate among
CDs **at this stage** is the error correction software,
for which there is no standard, and the programming
or convenience features. These features are expensive,
though I think artificially. For example, the difference
between the first generation Sony and the second generation
Sony is in convenience and programming, for which they
list $600.00 apart (2nd gen. is $1500.00!).
There might be real losers in the CD player area in terms of
audible performance, but I'm not aware of any yet. Where
many people claim there are real losers is in the compact disc
recordings area. It'll take a while for recording engineers
to get used to the new technology, as it took them a while
to figure out stereo back in the 60's. Also, some recording
companies should clean up their act and stop claiming that
a recording is digitally mastered, when it is not. At
least they should explain **precisely** what they mean by it.
Never, I say never, trust an audio dealer. They can be worse
than used car dealers. And if you can hear visions, take a vacation.
--
Orlando Sotomayor-Diaz /AT&T Bell Laboratories, Crawfords Corner Road
Room HO-3M-325 201-949-1532 Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733
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