Dual-Differential DACs

[cZwUV620]

Hi all,

I currently own the RCD-1072 player, and have had it for a few years now. Over the last couple years or so, I've noticed more and more manufacturers in the CD player market (and even some external DAC makers) are incorporating dual-differential design in their players. Basically, the unit uses two DACs -- one for each channel for "excellent stereo separation and resolution."

Being that I've never owned a player with this kind of design, is it really a marked improvement over single design players? I'm pretty certain that the new RCD-1520 uses just a single Wolfson for both channels. Do you think future Rotel players will use a dual-differential design, or is this all hype?

[theblue]

good question

[PewterTA]

It's not hype, the RCD-1072 was compareable to the Cambridge Audio Azur 640c V2. I went from V1 to V2 to the 840c and it's a HUGE difference. It actually has some unbelievable bass and the sound stage is nothing short of amazing with it.

Now as to whether Rotel will do the dual-differential, who knows, I don't work in the R&D department. One can only hope, but if you are looking for "one of your last CDPs ever" the CA Azur 840c is the place to stop in my opinion.

[TommyV]

I heard the new Rotel CD player and it had amazing sound but it was also hooked into one hell of a setup. I do not mean like no expense spared but SUPER nice all Rotel/B&W CM setup. My Pioneer BD51FD uses 4 wolfson 8740s and I have always thought the analog is up there with some of my fav.

So I assume when a DAC is called dual differential, it means it can be used as a dedicated mono DAC for either L or R ?

[vifferboy]

I have a RCD1072 for CDs and recently purchased a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic to use with my HTPC. As well as a USB the DAC magic has a couple of extra inputs (coaxial and optical) so for fun I’ve plugged one into the output from RCD1072

According to the Stereophile magazine write up of the DAC Magic “The D/A chips are the same Wolfson WMB8740 24-bit DACs used in Cambridge Audio's Azur 740C and 840C CD players. Two per channel operate in dual-differential mode for maximum noise reduction”

From the little listening I’ve done (which is not much as we have a new baby girl now) I really can’t hear any difference between the 1072 player and 1072 (as transport) with the DAC magic …

Regards
Steve

[PewterTA]

Just to clarify, the CA Dac Magic is the same setup as the 740c. The 840c uses Analog Devices AD1955 DACs in a dual differential design. Which (from me having never heard them) was a little bit leery at first...that is, until I hear the 840c. Wow.