RCD-02 harshness

[calman48]

My RCD-02 plays to loud and it gets fatiguing with some cds (highs ). I have it hooked to a Nakamichi CA-7A preamp and I'm using 6dB inline attenuators which helps some and gives me more volume cotrol(can't turn it pass 1/4 without them). The 02 played loud connected to my Rotel RC-1070 also. The Nak preamp has a good MM/MC phono stage with adjustable gain and the price was right these were 2K when new.I was thinking about using a CI audio VDA-1 D/A converter which has Burr Brown 's DIR1701 low jitter input, and DIR1716 D/A converter is this better then the Burr Brown PCM 1732 D/A thats in the RCD-02? Another option I been looking at is Musical Fidelity's X-10 V3 I'm kind of leaning this way because the 02 does sound great and HDCD's WOW but the sounds is a little to harsh/bright. I have the RB-1080/ RLC-900 (no fuse problems) for power a Aphex 204 ( I took this out of the signal path with no change) to bi -wired Cambridge Sound Works Tower II speakers. . I must have analog hearing I play a lot vinyl and tapes(R2R and cassettes) and I can listen to them for hours. Any suggestions?

[drob]

I too have the RCD 02 and find it a little on the Bright side. I had it paired with the RA 01 and in the end I had to get rid of the Amp because it made my ears bleed. I'm now looking at upgrading the Op Amp on the RCD 02 instead of changing players or adding a new DAC. I sent Rotel a question about the Op Amp and they said it has 2604AP which isn't that great. I hope this helps. Keep us posted on your successful changes.

[calman48]

Rcd-02

Do you think the Harshness is from the Op amp ? I saw your post couldn't offer any adivice. Does your 02 play as loud as mine? just above 1/4 vol .(with 6dB inline attenuators ) is has far as I can go. I'm going to check out the X-10 V3 some more.

[drob]

About 9 was it with RA 02, but I haven't hooked up another player so I don't know. I've been looking into a new player for awhile, but an upgrade would cost me to much $$$. I figured a new Op Amp for $50.00 is worth the effort. Can't be any worse, and from what I've read, it can make a big difference. The player isn't at all bad, I just think it needs to be a little smoother.

[drob]

calman check out http://store.yahoo.com/yhst-9053161298275/opamps.html for more info.

[chrispy35]

...or you could go to the TI website and try to get free samples of the OPA627 in a DIP-8 package instead of paying $74 (!!!) for an SOIC mounted on a DIP-8 adapter.

[calman48]

Would I lose the HDCD if I change the OP Amp? I don't have much background in electronics mostly self taught.

[miket]

You won't lose HDCD. If you improve (replace with faster, lower offset etc) the OpAmp you'll get a better analog sound but the functionality of your player stays the same.

[calman48]

Thanks miket, I decided to add a Musical Fidelity X-10-V3 output tube buffer between the player and preamp.I had to put inline attenuators on the player it was just to loud which helped some with the harshness. The play sounds great its just on the highs. I haven't recieved the X 10 V3 yet I'll you all know it sounds.