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069 CD PLAYER

The Classic Line CD player 061 is designed as a top loader and uses the CD 2 Pro drive unit in a direct drive.

052 CD PLAYER

DRIVE II REFERENCE SERIES

World premiere! After 10 years of experience in R&D and production of CD transports and CD players our brand-new reference CD transport DRIVE II celebrated its incredible premiere and was received enthusiastically by countless visitors during the show days at the “High-End 2008” in Munich / Germany. The DRIVE II is the next high end unit in the ACCUSTIC ARTS® “REFERENCE SERIES”.

Perfect CD transport

The DRIVE II is a CD transport of the absolute reference class and works according to the top-loader principle. The unit is designed exclusively to play CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs in uncompromising quality. The core of the DRIVE II is the internationally renowned high-end CD module CD-Pro2LF. Contrary to most other conventional designs, this module is equipped with a very solid diecast chassis in metal and not – as is otherwise the case – with a simpler chassis made from sheet metal and plastic. The diecast chassis has excellent damping characteristics and simultaneously offers high stability and rigidity.  The CD module with its 3-beam laser is fitted in the DRIVE II using an elaborate construction with mechanical decoupling (subchassis design principle) and is integrated in its own solid aluminium housing.

Perfect power supply

In general, the building of a high-end CD drive requires a good power supply. Therefore, in the DRIVE II, 2 separate generously dimensioned and magnetically shielded transformers of the highest quality serve to provide a perfect voltage feed. These transformers are produced especially for the DRIVE II and are "Made in Germany" – just as all ACCUSTIC ARTS® transformers. In addition, the DRIVE II has a mains filter located on the power unit board designed especially for the unit. This mains filter removes interfering signals from the power supply and therefore ensures  consistent sound characteristics. It is possible, however, to also switch off the mains filter, which might be desirable if the DRIVE II is already connected to a filtered power supply, etc. In order to further improve the power supply of the unit is necessary to correctly pole the mains plug. To ensure this, on the rear of the DRIVE II there is a polarity indicator for the incoming voltage. If the signal lamp lights up, the switch located next to the lamp is simply pressed and the device is then connected to the power supply with the correct polarity. Attention was also given to providing the individual drive components requiring power such as the motor control, laser control, digital signal processing, display control and display heating with their own, generously dimensioned high performance power supply units. This prevents, for example,  the power signal for the laser control having a negative influence on the power signal for the digital signal processing. To ensure the correct function of the individual power units, a high reservoir capacity
(in total approx.61,000 µF) was selected.

The perfect components

In order to attain absolute perfection, DRIVE II exclusively uses selected components with narrow tolerances and the highest possible quality classification. A number of the individual components are also manually measured and matched together. There are also no compromises with the housing: solid, carefully crafted aluminium plates combined with chrome-plated turned parts in brass serve to provide a fantastic touch quality and extreme stability. Stability is important to make sure that the CD being scanned can be read by the laser without any interference. Interfering pressure waves are prevented from reaching the CD through an ultra-stable slide cover (own weight: 1.6 kg / 3.5 lbs) which is also acoustically damped. The laser beam is protected from negative influences by the solid drive cover produced in aluminium in the inside of the CD bay with a special, light-absorbing paint (Nextel®). This allows 100% absorption of any diffused light present. The exact positioning of the CD is made with a magnetic puck. Attention was paid even to the smallest of details during the development phase. For example, a very special and elaborate digital cable in pure silver is used. This cable connects the CD module to the board for the digital signal processing and although it is approx. 30 cm long, it has a remarkable influence on the sound. Numerous tests carried out with innumerable types of cable have clearly shown this cable in pure silver offers the best solution.

Perfect operation

As with all ACCUSTIC ARTS® devices the DRIVE II impresses through its easy operation. In modern times, where most electronic devices are overloaded with unnecessary functions, this is surely a welcome change for many music lovers. The DRIVE II can be operated with most of the basic functions even without using a remote control through two chrome-plated rotary and button controls. Both switch types are built to last an eternity. The switches are incredibly solid and the rotary switches produced in metal (“Made in Germany”) are equipped with gold-plated silver contacts which are absolutely corrosion-free and also allow thousands of switching cycles. The user who requires further functions can use the enclosed remote control which is also easy to use. The remote control also has a brushed and anodised aluminium housing which optically matches the housing of the DRIVE II.

The perfect sound experience

The result of the best individual components, thorough development, careful production, elaborate testing and innumerable listening sessions is the ultimate sound experience.In connection with our ACCUSTIC ARTS® D/A converters experience music with

perfect acoustics “Handmade in Germany”.

DRIVE I MK2
 

CD drive in top-loader design
CD positioning in drive using exceptionally precise clamper, whereby the integrated magnet inside the clamper guarantees ideal pressing and smooth running CDM Pro 2 LF – drive module with cast metal frame and involved mechanical decoupling Generously dimensioned magnetically shielded toroidal core transformer (75 VA) Optimum smoothing thanks to 45,000 µF power supply capacity  4 separate, generously dimensioned power supply units for laser control, digital signal processing, display control and display heating, Extremely fine digital output stage with the following-features:

- extra large power supply unit with voltage stabilisation
- jitter minimising output stage
- professionally designed balanced output (XLR) with HF-transformer
- professionally designed unbalanced output (RCA) with HF-transformer
- professionally designed unbalanced output (BNC) with HF-transformer

Premium quality relays („Made in Germany“) and gold plated relays Resonance minimising aluminium housing Shielded separate compartment in housing interior for drive mechanism, mains power components, digital signal processing and display control Drawer with indirect blue lighting for logo (lighting can be switched off) Standby function

ACCUSTIC ARTS® aluminium remote control
ACCUSTIC ARTS® DRIVE I-MK2 is „Handmade in Germany“

CD PLAYER I MK3

24 Bit / 192 kHz Upsampling CD-Player in top-loader design CD positioning in drive using exceptionally precise puck, whereby the integrated  magnet inside the puck guarantees perfect pressing and smooth running CDM Pro 2 LF drive module with cast metal frame and involved mechanical decoupling ,Generously dimensioned magnetically shielded toroidal core  100 VA transformer 5 separate generously dimensioned power supply units for laser control,  digital signal processing, display control, display heating and D/A converter section;  very high capacity (50,000 μF); Panasonic capacitor of high quality; ultra-fast diodes Integrated, extremely fine D/A converter section with following features:

- 24 bit / 192 kHz multi-bit D/A converter
- extremely fine analog output stage with solely usage of 12 dB Butterworth-Filter
- generously dimensioned buffer section
- selected filter capacitors and metal film resistors
- digital filter of very high quality
Extremely fine digital output stage with extra large power supply unit
and voltage stabilisation; jitter minimising digital output stage
Balanced and unbalanced analog output
Digital outputs with HF-transformers
Resonance minimising aluminium housing
Shielded separate compartment in housing inside area for drive
mechanism, mains power components, digital signal processing,
display control and D/A converter section
Drawer with indirect blue lighting for logo (switchable)
Standby function

ACCUSTIC ARTS® remote control with aluminium housing
ACCUSTIC ARTS® CD-PLAYER I-MK3 is „Handmade in Germany“

PS AUDIO
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PERFECT WAVE TRANSPORT


















MSRP $2,999.99
free shipping



CREEK
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DESTINY
MSRP $2,494.99
free shipping




The Destiny CD player from Creek Audio is the first indication of Creek’s intention to launch a series of higher quality products dedicated to the serious hi-fi consumer.Following in the footsteps of the popular CD50 mk2, the new Destiny player offers superior sound quality with the same playability and durability as the CD50 mk2, but with many additional features.The CD50mk2 has, up until now, been the best sounding CD player Creek has produced. It out-performed all of the company’s previous players in the area of playability, due to the use of customised firmware that allowed all known copy protected discs as well as interactive media to be played without hiccups. Sound quality was as good as Creek could make within its budget constraints. The Destiny is not a replacement for the CD50 mk2 but an additional model with a real ‘step-up’ in performance.Performance has been enhanced by careful attention to design detail, specifically in the area of PCB layout. The Destiny CD player uses an improved low phase noise (5pS), temperature controlled, master clock oscillator. It uses separate, instrument grade, OPA134 op-amps in the audio output to buffer each channel and the filtering of unwanted digital artefacts is improved. The op-amps in the output are also powered separately from their own low noise regulators.In total there are now 16 regulated low noise power supplies in the Destiny player. All rectifiers in the power supply are Shottky Barrier types for low noise, which do not require decoupling capacitors. All other power supply decoupling capacitors are audio grade low impedance 105 degree C types. Audio signal path passive components are selected for sonic purity, such as high-stability MELF type resistors and film and polypropylene type capacitors. Audio output RCA sockets are now solid metal, gold plated types with screw fixing, if required.To maintain the isolation between digital and analogue supplies, Creek has designed a truly stunning mains power supply for the Destiny, with all components mounted on a thick double sided plated-through-hole PCB. Three separate fully encapsulated PCB mounted toroidal mains transformers are used to completely separate digital and analogue supplies. A fully shielded, multi-element, mains filter is used to prevent interference to or from the Destiny. The mains IEC plug with built-in fuse holder is mounted on the power supply PCB together with the mains switch. A voltage selector switch is accessible from inside the case for multiple country operation. All the supplies are separately connected to the mother and display boards for improved serviceability.Creek has introduced additional re-clocking circuitry to eliminate jitter, or timing errors, from corrupting the performance of the Destiny player. It has also incorporated a Creek BUS system to carry signals to and from the player and a link to other Creek linked products. In the future the Creek bus will be able to join certain Creek linked products to proprietary multi-room controllers.Casework for the Destiny has been increased in size over earlier Creek products, it is more substantial and will reduce vibrations that can cause harmful sonic effects to be heard. The front panel is fitted with solid metal buttons to improve the feel and feedback from the controls. Machined out of 10mm thick solid aluminum, the front panel exudes a much higher impression of quality and reliability than previous Creek CD Players.The Destiny CD player has been designed ideally to be partnered with Creek’s newest integrated amplifier, scheduled for release at the same time – the Destiny Integrated Amplifier.

Specifications:

Power requirements: Supplied 220/240-50 Hz or 100/120-60Hz
Power consumption: 20W max 6W standby
Frequency response: 1 Hz - 20 kHz ± 0.25 dB
Output level: 2.0 V RMS at 1kHz, 0 dB
Output impedance: 50 Ohm, min load 1 Ohm, D to A type 24bit- 192Khz (Greater Than 120db) Crystal CS4396
Clock type: Temperature compensated ultra low jitter and phase noise module with re-clocking
Laser type: Semiconductor ALGaAs
Light output: ( cw ) 0.18 mW typical
Wavelength: 790 nm ± 25 nm, THD + Noise > -97dB
Dynamic range: Greater Than 117dB
Number of channels: 2
Total harmonic distortion: Less Than 0. 0008 % at 1 kHz, 0 dB
Software: Custom Creek software, running loader, display, remote control and DAC., Mains filtering Multi-pole bi-directional
Power supply: 3 fully encapsulated PCB toroidal transformers for transport, logic and analogue circuitry
Weight: 5Kgs (11 pounds)
Size: 43 x 6 x 25cm

Product Reviews:


"We were particularly impressed with the Destiny amplifier. It has an effortless and seamless coverage of the audio band and seemingly  well beyond, with bass of considerable heft that also manages the trick of sounding tuneful on potentially troublesome sounds like plucked double bass and timpani... We loved its [Creek Destiny CD Player] bass and midrange... overall, the player is both informative and comfortable for long-term listening." - Hi-Fi Choice Magazine Click here to read entire review!

"The performance of the Creeks is so exemplary that they merit comparisons with good analog front ends and tube separates rather than other units in their class." - The Absolute Sound (TAS) March 2007 Click here to read entire review!

ESOTERIC
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SA-50 SACD & CD PLAYER

MSRP $5,000.00
free shipping

VOSP Mechanism
VOSP (Vertically-aligned Optical Stability Platform), features a specially designed shaft-mounted laser pickup assembly. This pickup system evolved from ESOTERIC's P-01 and P-03 transports. This pickup design ensures that the laser optical axis is always at the center of the data track for optimal reading capability. With VOSP implementation, no off axis error correction is needed because no off axis data tracking is allowed. The VOSP mechanism is rigidly clamped by a steel plate and a large diameter stabilizer made of 8mm-thick steel for superior anti-resonance and anti-vibration properties.

Full 32-Bit Processing DAC
The SA-50 features the latest 32 bit processing "AK4392" advanced multi-bit DAC device produced by Asahi Kasei EMD. The AK4392 has a highly precise D/A conversion capability with extended 32 bit processing throughout all output stages. The 32 bit processor also has enough room for 24-bit or lower data flow, and greatly contributes to a "three-dimensional" soundstage. The SA-50 uses 1 chip per channel, in a dual mono configuration gaining maximum performance out of the 32-bit AK4392. With this implementation, high purity digital signals are converted to well defined, high-density analog signals.

Highly Advanced Digital Conversion Capability
The SA-50 has a highly advanced pre-D/A stage digital to digital signal conversion capability fully utilizing the 32 bit digital processor on board. PCM up-convert function is available for PCM signals read from Redbook CDs, and PCM up-conversion capability is allowed from other external digital devices. Oversampling frequency is selectable from original Fs, ×2 (64 / 88.2 / 96 kHz) or Fs, ×4 (128 / 176.4 / 192 kHz). The SA-50 can also convert PCM signal to DSD signal. As for Super Audio CD, not only processing native DSD signals directly into analog signals, the SA-50 can also convert the DSD signal into a PCM signal, with oversampling frequency selectable from ×2 (88.2 kHz) or ×4 (176.4 kHz). These functions provide a wide range of options to match to your hi-fi system, or your general listening preferences based on your choice of software.

USB and Coaxial/Optical Digital Inputs
The SA-50 is a CD/SACD player and is also highly capable as a standalone 32 bit D/A converter providing 3 digital inputs. (COAX, OPTICAL, USB). PC connectivity via the USB interface will provide audiophile playback quality to your hard drive based streaming audio media.

Dual PLL Circuits Reduce Jitter When Connected to External Digital Source Devices
The SA-50 shares dual stage PLL jitter reduction with the ESOTERIC D-05 D/A converter, and is highly capable as a standalone D/A converter / re-clocking system, when connected with CD transports, media servers, or other external digital devices. The second stage PLL circuit has its own voltage controlled crystal clock, and re-clocks the signal produced by the first stage PLL circuit. Dual PLL circuits, with two different characteristic responses in jitter reduction effectively purify the input digital signal.

32-bit Digital Volume Attenuator
The SA-50 features a 32-bit digital volume attenuator. Wide 32-bit headroom ensures highly precise volume attenuation for disc or digitally input data playback without degrading the signal. As a result, the SA-50 can be used as a digital preamplifier, connecting directly to a power amplifier.

High Quality 2-Channel Dedicated Analog Audio Output
Precise Imaging and Deeper Sound Stage
The analog audio output circuits are in a dual mono configuration producing excellent channel separation. 2 channel dedicated circuit design further enhances precise imaging, transparency, separation and depth of soundstage. RCA (single-ended), output or XLR (fully-balanced), output is selectable. The analog signal path that is not used can be completely de-activated. XLR terminal pin assignment is user selectable between 2 pin hot or 3 pin hot*.
*The hot pin is fixed to 2 pin hot for dual (RCA + XLR), output mode.

High Speed Power Supply Capability
The large custom designed toroidal transformer, has a very highly efficient power supply capability. This provides electrical power to the drive mechanism and audio circuits very quickly, without adding noise or distortion to the signal path.

Word Synchronization
The SA-50 features a WORD SYNC input terminal to accept an incoming external WORD clock signal* from an optional external master clock. The incoming ultra-stable clock signal produced by an external master clock sync generator (ESOTERIC G-03X or G-0Rb), effectively upgrade the unit; delivering higher performance with better acoustic transparency, greater separation and a wider sound stage.
*The SA-50 will not accept an external clock input signal when used only in its DAC operating mode.

Highly Rigid Chassis Construction for Optimal Resonance Control Capability
The extra thick aluminum front panel and aluminum top and side panels help the unit to control unwanted vibrations and resonance. The bottom chassis features a heavy duty 5mm thick steel plate combined with three pinpoint isolation feet made of quenched steel. This base design helps to provide a level platform that is vibration free. Highest order resonance-control functionality is accomplished through this engineering in a contemporary audiophile design.

Specifications:
Disc Compatibility:
SACD/CD/CD-R/CD-RW
Output terminals:
    XLR Jacks (2 channel) x1
    RCA Jacks (2 channel) x1
Analog Output (Audio)
    Maximum output level 2.2 V rms (1 kHz Full scaled)
    Frequency response 5 to 40 kHz (+0.5dB, -3dB)
    Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) 130 dB
    Total harmonic distortion 0.001% (CD) / 0.003 % (SA-CD)
Digital Output (Audio)
    Optical Digital Jack x1
    Coaxial Digital Jack x1 (RCA)
Digital Input (Audio)
    Optical Digital Jack x1 (Up to 24 bit / 192 kHz)
    Coaxial Digital Jack x1 (RCA) (Up to 24 bit / 192 kHz)
    USB Type B Connector (up to 16bit/48kHz)
Word synchronization input:
    Input terminal: BNC jack x1
    Input frequency: 44.1, 88.2, 176.4, 100kHz (rectangular wave)
    Input level TTL level / 75 ohms
Power supply: 120VAC @ 60Hz
External dimensions: 17-3/8" x 6" x 13-7/8" (WHD)
Weight: 38Lbs

MUSIC HALL
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CD 25.2 24/192 UPSAMPLING CD PLAYER

MSRP $698.99
free shipping



Music hall proudly announces the release of the A25.2 Integrated Amp. This component was specifically designed for the music lover. Music Hall set out to prove that with attention to detail, good design, and dedication, fine audio equipment can be made at a reasonable price. To this end, they chose a select group of technologically advanced and synergistically matched parts to make the A25.2.

The A25.2 Integrated Amp makes a perfect companion to the Music Hall CD25.2 Player! The A25.2 is the perfect complement for a combination that will provide years of musical enjoyment!

A25.2 Features:

Digitally-controlled analogue audio volume control IC by Texas Instruments, PGA 2311
50 watt/channel amplifier
High quality toroidal transformer
Specially designed low-noise pre-amp section
Pre-amp out/Subwoofer connection
4 analog inputs, 1 tape loop, 1 headphone input
Heavy rigid chassis
Thick brushed aluminum fascia
Gorgeous slim-line system remote control
Easily readable and dimmable florescent display
Detachable power cord
Switchable from 120volt 60Hz to 220volt 50Hz

Dimensions:

W17 x D14.5 x H3.5 in.
Weight: 24 lbs. pkg.

Includes: 2 year manufacturer warranty.