Hi, just to let you know how things are going with the new Audio Analogue Crescendo CDP.
It arrived a few days ago - it is a really nice object - heavy and well made, the exception being the power button which makes a 'clang' when you press it.
As a bonus, the CDP operates off Arcam system remotes - I thought I better check it all works before delivering to my father.
Now my Naim CD5SI/Arcam A28 combo is currently boxed away since my 2 year old daughter was caught several times opening the disc tray/trying to turn it on, so I first set it up with a 'spare' Arcam A18 which I thought I might give to my dad with it. The result, lovely and clear/refined but lacking bass wallop. TBF this is why I replaced the A18 with the A28 anyway - the A18 works well with small speakers but really lacks bass presence/welly with floorstanders.
So I swapped the A18 with the Alpha 7r (which is the also the type of amp my dad will be using) from the office. The result, much more presence throughout the frequency range but especially the bass. The downside was a slight loss in clarity/refinement. So I then fitted some -10db in-line attenuators to the amp end of the CDP-amp RCAs. The result, all the warmth and presence but depth and refinement returned and a much happier combo than the A18 with the same CDP! As a bonus the attenuators also allow much greater use of the volume control. If you know anything about line level output and pre-amp sensitivity you will aware that on older amps in particular the input stage can be overdriven, causing a loss in clarity/depth/refinement - attenuators make a real difference here and are worth trying before replacing equipment if your system sounds a bit harsh.
Overall I think with this CDP and the Alpha series amps there is a musical synergy that works really well and am sure my dad will be very pleased - he now has a CD front end that matches his Rega record deck. I just need to sort out setting it up with him now - not easy at the moment.
I have pondered getting him the matching Crescendo amp but not sure it is necessary.
As a side note, the A18 seems to gel better with my Alpha 5 CDP/Mission 731i combo in the office so win win!
The photo shows it in my rack with the 7r.