Modifying cd players

[pro_crip]

Has anyone out there modded their cd players? Either of these 2 specifically: http://www.lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/Lampizator.html or http://www.enjoythemusic.com/diy/0310/marantz_cd_mod.htm. In for a penny in for a pound and all that, might as well diy the whole system. The only problem is finding any of the CDP's that are rec'd. Thanks

Rich

[Mikey]

Hi Rich,

I've installed the DIY HiFi Universal Tube Output Stage in a Denon DVD-2900,
with great results!  You can read about my modification at this thread:

http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/DIYHiFi/messages/9071.html

The mod sounds great, and Brian was very helpful!

Mike

[VoltSecond]

I went into my CD player and replaced all the diodes in the power supply with either ultrafast diodes or schottky diodes.   I used ultra fast diodes on the 20V supply that fed the 15V linear regulators. I used a 40V schottky on the 9V that fed the 5V linear regulator. 

I put 1uF "filament" snubbers across the transformer windings to ground on every lead that fed the diodes. This change rewarded me with a lower noise floor.

I replaced the diodes on the top side of the card by taking a picture of the board for backup checking and then cutting the lead off the diode's body right where it entered the diode. I attached the new diode to the old diodes's leads. For the schottky diodes, I soldered them across the existing 1N4002 diodes that were in the circuit card. The schottky diodes turn on before old diodes so we don't need to mess with cutting the leads off. I made sure I could slip a piece of heavy paper between the new solder joints on the parts where the solder joints got close to any metal.

I then put a 1mA current source on the output of every op-amp to the -15V supply in the analog section. This improved the focus of the sound stage and removed some high frequency grain.  I built the CCS on a perf board and lap soldered the circuit to the leads of the op-amp.  The circuit was similar to this one.  You can just use this 2.2 mA one if you want.

[Caucasian Blackplate]

Build your own....

[pro_crip]

WOW!!!! Are there plans to be googled?

Rich

[Caucasian Blackplate]

I wish!  Essentially, it is one of the many available CD-Rom controller boards that makes the whole thing work nicely.  I produced a giant PC board that makes +5, +6.3, +12, +125V all regulated to run the CD drive, its controller board, the DAC, and the tube buffer.  Total parts cost for this guy was around $1500. 

When Doc is done with his DAC project, I may revisit this piece and consider a revamp.  For now, it uses a DAC from Scott Nixon.

[pro_crip]

That's beyond my current skill set. I'm keeping my eye on a Cambridge Azur 640c that I might give the lampizator treatment to. The Cambridge stuff looks nice

Rich

[Frank Mena]

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-source/120229-finally-affordable-cd-transport-shigaclone-story.html

It's a long thread to read and  I think you would have to add a Dac afterwards. I'm sure it would be a neat project.

I would be inclined to think about a computer based digital system instead, but everything I've read about setting up a PC or Mac system gives me a headache.

Cheers
FM