CD Players - Synthesis
CD players are still available for hi-fi seperates systems - our range includes both fantastic value and high end purist models, as well as models also capable of playing SACDs. Despite the popularity of streaming and the resurgence of vinyl, CD still reigns king as a music source for many, thanks to CD's durability, sound quality, size and many who have existing large collections. CD players have evolved and many now feature streaming capabilities, pre amplifiers and/or DACs that can accept connections from other digital sources, although we also sell more purist CD players that are designed simply to get the best possible sound from your CDs and nothing more. We also sell blu ray and universal disc players
A CD player consists of two key components – a CD transport and a DAC. The CD transport is the mechanism which reads the disc via a laser and provides raw digital data in which the music is contained. This is where the DAC comes in. DAC stands for Digital to Analogue Converter, and does just that; takes pure digital audio and converts it into an analogue signal, which is what is required for playback and to actually play music out loud. Both CD transports and DACs vary in quality, and so can be purchased separately. CD players feature both a transport and a DAC in a single unit, adding convenience and eliminating the need to pair and match two components sonically.
Synthesis have over 30 years experience making valve audio equipment. The current range includes a selection of integrated valve amplifiers, valve pre/power amplifiers and other models. Whatever your needs they have a model that will take your system to the next level, combining warm sound with modern Italian design.
The synthesis ethos is no compromise sound, as well as built quality. For example they make their own output transformers using only the best possible materials. The iron core is high grade as is the copper wire. Nowadays copper wire is produced that has a much higher purity and lower resistance than in the past. As a result modern transformers outperform those that were once prevalent. Moreover, other components are much better performing. Metal film resistors are more accurate in value and lower in noise. Additionally, polypropylene capacitors will not short or go leaky.
Hi gain circuits need careful design as does the power supply. Synthesis use oversized transformers that are mounted well away from the signal circuits. They are also very well regulated. For example the heaters are fed from a DC supply to prevent any hum or noise being injected into the valves. The signal paths on the PCB’s are also kept as short as possible. Some of the amplifiers also have balanced inputs and outputs to further reduce noise pickup. Finally, usability is good with some units having a remote control. Take you audio to another level with Synthesis.
Some Synthesis amps are pure analogue devices while other have built in DACs. There are also amplifiers with built in phono preamps for vinyl lovers. A step us is a preamp / mono block amplifier combination and synthesis have this option available. Power outputs range from 25W to 80W. There are also stand alone phono preamps as well as DAC’s and CD players with valve output stages.
Most CD players feature digital outputs, typically optical and coaxial, enabling you to use your unit as a transport and take the digital output and feed it directly into an external DAC. This enables you to upgrade your CD player in the future, and improve the overall sound experienced from it. As with amplification and many aspects of hi-fi, the use of separate boxes and units can have a profound effect on the overall sound quality. Separating noisy power supplies from delicate circuitry can result in greater overall fidelity and sound quality, which is why separate CD transports and DACs are regarded as the pinnacle of hi-fi, just as a separate power and pre amplifier are the pinnacle of amplification. All in one units often represent excellent value, and are not necessarily worse than separate transport and DAC solutions. In fact, at entry level and mid level price points, an all in one CD player typically outperform a similarly priced separate solution.
The quality of the CD transport mechanism, whether that is a standalone unit or the transport in a one-box CD player, can have a massive effect on the overall sound from your Compact Discs. Some high end models use a manual drawer rather than a slot-loading or mechanised disc tray, which eliminates the need for additional motors, circuitry and potential noise interfering with the sound quality achieved. Internal resonance control and prevention of laser refraction ensures that a precise read can be achieved, which ultimately results in the best sound quality.
One box CD players feature analogue RCA outputs for connecting to a pre amplifier or integrated amplifier. As mentioned, some models also feature digital outputs, enabling you to connect a DAC which in turn is connected to an amplifier via RCA cable. A good quality cable can also offer an improvement to the sound you achieve, and can also help to alter or adjust the tonal characteristics of your system – for example adding a more well-rounded sound to an overly bright system.
CD Players - Synthesis
All Products
- Brand
- Colour
