CD Player/Transport Reviews

Manufacturer's Comment

We would like to thank Jim Austin and John Atkinson for conducting such an in-depth and exhaustive review of our D1.5 CD/SACD player/transport.

John Atkinson's measurements are completely correct in identifying the early rolloff on CD replay, and Jim is also correct in suggesting that this might well be atypical. The measured results suggest that the machine is using a minimum-phase apodizing filter rather than the proprietary PEtER spline filter that should be engaged.

It seems that the software in the (preproduction) D1.5 supplied for review has selected one of the minimum-phase filters from our library of available algorithms.

Production machines use software that selects the correct spline filter algorithm. The good news is that the correct software for the review unit is only a download away and can be loaded into the D1.5 using the USB stick provided. Jim should experience a nice upgrade in musical performance as a result!

When it comes to selecting disc layers on hybrid discs, this function can be managed using the CH Control App—by pressing down on the disc icon—but this is hardly an intuitive option or Jim would have found it! "Could do better" comments on the report card should definitely be heeded, and we'll be making this option rather more obvious in future.—Florian Cossy, CEO CH Precision

I will install the updated software and report on the difference it makes to the sound and measured performance in an upcoming issue.—Jim Austin