Proton 550

[m. zillch]

Here's why I referred to the $410, 1987, Magnavox 650 as "superb". From one of the very few magazines that spoke the truth:

"If CD players can be said to be equal in most respects, it is nonetheless true that some are “more equal than others.” In our judgment, the Magnavox CDB-650 is possibly the “most equal” of them all. We have tested some forty-seven CD players over the past several years. Although a couple of others have matched or even slightly surpassed the Magnavox CDB-650 in a few of their measured characteristics, none has come even close to equaling its overall performance.

It is unlikely that any practical or audible benefit results from a noise level of — 125 dB rather than one of — 95 dB, or a 20,000-Hz phase shift of zero degrees instead of 90 degrees, or a channel separation greater than 100 dB at 20,000 Hz instead of only 85 dB, and so on. Nevertheless, these and all the other outstanding measurable properties of this machine convey a clear impression of excellence that cannot be disregarded."

Magnavox CDB-650 CD-player Review price specs - Hi-Fi Classic

www.hifi-classic.net

Stereo Review c.1987

 

[m. zillch]

The early 80s was the most exciting time in audio history. For some of us working in the industry one of the first indicators something was afoot was a curious new input name on some of the gear (including Denon and Yamaha, both of which I carried), apparently named after one of our parents, "DAD":

. . . "Huh? what the heck is that?!"

An examination of the owners' manuals had the answer: Digital Audio Disc. [They hadn't settled on the exact name yet.]

Shortly after this the trade rags had some mentions of it. The claims from the promoters (Sony and Phillips) were very hard for us to initially believe:
- dead flat frequency response superior to pretty much anything else
- nearly perfect channel separation
- nearly perfect absence of wow
- nearly perfect absence of flutter
- nearly perfect speed accuracy
- nearly perfect absence of audible distortion
- nearly perfect absence of hiss (other than the noise in the recording itself, still usually made from an analog tape machine)
- nearly perfect absence of rumble
- nearly perfect absence of hum
- nearly perfect absence of pops and tick if stored properly and returned to the supplied protective "jewel box"

. . . and then we read the first independent test reports from technical reviewers using state of the art analyzers. . . Holy shi t: they really did it!

 

[lovinthehd]

I'd not heard of Proton before, thought it might be something new. It's from 1998 according to hifiengine and of similar spec as your Yamaha. A receiver is still an integrated amp, and unless you're getting some bleed from the tuner section, why move sideways?

Perhaps something like the Wiim Amp Ultra if you want a box with the dac in it and some other nice features....

 

[Squishman]

I'd not heard of Proton before, thought it might be something new. It's from 1998 according to hifiengine and of similar spec as your Yamaha. A receiver is still an integrated amp, and unless you're getting some bleed from the tuner section, why move sideways?

Perhaps something like the Wiim Amp Ultra if you want a box with the dac in it and some other nice features....

Scroll down to the modern Yamaha I am thinking about now Lovin.

 

[lovinthehd]

Scroll down to the modern Yamaha I am thinking about now Lovin.

I had seen that already, where I got the comment about a dac in the box.....I'd still go for the Wiim over that Yamaha.

 

[Squishman]

I had seen that already, where I got the comment about a dac in the box.....I'd still go for the Wiim over that Yamaha.

I'll look into that when I get home. Thanks.

 

[lovinthehd]

I'll look into that when I get home. Thanks.

Some info here https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/wiim-amp-ultra-streaming-amplifier-review.68501/

 

[m. zillch]

That fully variable loudness knob on the Yamaha integrateds is hard to beat. People mistakenly think "Oh that's nothing. Lots of units have some variety of 'loudness compensation' too.'" but they haven't been taught how to use it optimally, in fact I'm not even sure Yamaha manuals describe it correctly.

 

[Eppie]

That fully variable loudness knob on the Yamaha integrateds is hard to beat. People mistakenly think "Oh that's nothing. Lots of units have some variety of 'loudness compensation' too.'" but they haven't been taught how to use it optimally, in fact I'm not even sure Yamaha manuals describe it correctly.

I still have a Yamaha AX-400U in storage waiting to be repurposed. I always liked the variable loudness on the Yamahas and didn't understand why everyone did not implement loudness that way. Maybe they have a patent on that?

Well, at least the A-S301 still has the variable loudness. The upgrade makes sense if you want to integrate the sub differently but just for digital inputs I think the WiiM is a good option. Depends on whether you want to add more options for streaming sources. If it's just to replace the DAC in the Teac, I would not bother.

 

[lovinthehd]

Volume dependent loudness contours can be indeed nice. Think my Carver pre-amp has that. My old Marantz 2270 had a loudness button that I think was more a fixed thing, but still useful.

 

[Squishman]

The Wiim might be nice Lovin, but it's not for me. I want a phono input because I wouldn't mind adding a turntable to that room someday. No plans to but I want the option. One set of RCA's is also too limiting.
I need to understand that loudness knob more than I do now. Glad you pointed that out Zillch. I've always taken that for granted over the years. Now I will certainly pay more attention and see what that really does. It is also on my RX-396.

 

[lovinthehd]

The Wiim might be nice Lovin, but it's not for me. I want a phono input because I wouldn't mind adding a turntable to that room someday. No plans to but I want the option. One set of RCA's is also too limiting.
I need to understand that loudness knob more than I do now. Glad you pointed that out Zillch. I've always taken that for granted over the years. Now I will certainly pay more attention and see what that really does. It is also on my RX-396.

LOL then goes hand in hand with your query about an external phono stage? Yeah with older analog stuff one set of inputs could be too limiting...

 

[Squishman]

LOL then goes hand in hand with your query about an external phono stage? Yeah with older analog stuff one set of inputs could be too limiting...

You seem to think I was asking about an external phono preamp because I was considering it. I was not.

 

[TLS Guy]

It's a Teac CD-P650. I am looking for something beyond "adequate". The price of the Yamaha is very much up my alley at $430. Back-ordered at Crutchfield.

I have been able to see the Yamaha A-301, on a number of occasions. It is a well made and well thought out unit.

The biggest problems you have with that room, are its dimensions and the fact the speakers are too high. So you are listening well below the acoustic axis. I think that if you are going to substantially improve the sound in that room, then some substantial rearrangement would have to be attempted. If the speakers can not be lowered, then a custom design would have to be considered, with a substantial downward tilt of the acoustic axis, and less baffle step compensation, or even none. Speakers you buy off the shelf are not really intended for a location that you have in that room.

 

[Squishman]

I have been able to see the Yamaha A-301, on a number of occasions. It is a well made and well thought out unit.

The biggest problems you have with that room, are its dimensions and the fact the speakers are too high. So you are listening well below the acoustic axis. I think that if you are going to substantially improve the sound in that room, then some substantial rearrangement would have to be attempted. If the speakers can not be lowered, then a custom design would have to be considered, with a substantial downward tilt of the acoustic axis, and less baffle step compensation, or even none. Speakers you buy off the shelf are not really intended for a location that you have in that room.

It sounds killer in there Mark. Stunning actually. I don't think that equipment is anything to write home to Mom about. Speakers are extremely good but I know I could do better if I wanted to but I don't because they sound so freaking amazing. And they sound that way where they are placed. The CD player is probably run-of-the-mill but very decent. The amp is old. Certainly not on the agenda to change anything in that room except the amp.

 

[Squishman]

@TLS Guy , I am never sitting in that room. Standing, organizing paperwork, books, etc. I have a LaMond Rev Master exercise bike that sits up pretty high in that room. So up high suits me just fine and dandy.

 

[TLS Guy]

It sounds killer in there Mark. Stunning actually. I don't think that equipment is anything to write home to Mom about. Speakers are extremely good but I know I could do better if I wanted to but I don't because they sound so freaking amazing. And they sound that way where they are placed. The CD player is probably run-of-the-mill but very decent. The amp is old. Certainly not on the agenda to change anything in that room except the amp.

I think getting hold of a Yamaha A-301 does make sense, from what you say. Your current Yamaha is getting a "bit old in the tooth". Although estimating how long a piece of gear will last, is next to impossible unless it has a long rap sheet for trouble. So getting an A-301 is a definite hedge against trouble. But as you know speakers and room really tend to dominate the sound.

Hi-Fi Heaven have them for sale.

 

[Squishman]

I think getting hold of a Yamaha A-301 does make sense, from what you say. Your current Yamaha is getting a "bit old in the tooth". Although estimating how long a piece of gear will last, is next to impossible unless it has a long rap sheet for trouble. So getting an A-301 is a definite hedge against trouble. But as you know speakers and room really tend to dominate the sound.

I placed the order this morning with Crutchfield. Back ordered till sometime late next month they say.

 

[Squishman]

I will try turning the speakers upside down and see how I like that.

 

[Squishman]

The title of this thread is just so not right anymore.