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I examined the Bryston BCD-1's measured behavior mainly using Audio Precision's top-model SYS2722 system (see www.ap.com and "As We See It" in the January 2008 issue), as well as, for some tests, our Audio Precision System One and the Miller Audio Research Jitter Analyzer. As always, I experimented with the grounding between the player being tested and the test set to give the lowest level of measured hum.

The BCD-1's error correction was excellent; the player suffered no dropouts until the gaps in the data spiral on the Pierre Verany Test CD reached 1.5mm…

Meanwhile, at least for the time being, major labels—even Sony—have gotten back into vinyl in a big way; between them and the independent and reissue labels, there are now…

Against the Cary 306
After I'd been happily listening for a few months to the SA-11S2's warm, detailed, emotionally involving sound, John Atkinson sent along Cary Audio Design's CD 306 Professional Version SACD player ($8000) that he had reviewed in November 2008 (Vol.31 No.11). He suggested I use it as a…

Description: Single-box, fixed-output, two-channel SACD player with remote control, switchable DC filter and Noise Shaper, and three playback Filter settings. Formats played: SACD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW. Analog outputs: 1 pair unbalanced (RCA), 1 pair balanced (XLR). Digital outputs: coaxial S/PDIF, TosLink S/PDIF. Clock input: BNC. Frequency range: 2Hz–50kHz (SACD, Filter 3), 2Hz–20kHz (CD, Filter 1). Dynamic range: 114dB (SACD, Filter 3), 100dB (CD, Filter 1). THD: 0.0009% (SACD, Filter 3), 0.002% (CD, Filter 1). Power consumption: 26W.
Dimensions: 17.3" (444mm…

Analog Sources: Continuum Audio Labs Caliburn, Cobra, & Castellon turntable, tonearm & stand; Graham Phantom tonearm; Lyra Titan i, Koetsu Coralstone Platinum mono cartridges.
Digital Sources: Musical Fidelity kW DM25 CD transport & DAC, Cary Audio Design 306 Professional Version SACD player, BPT-modified Alesis Masterlink hard-disk recorder.
Preamplification: Manley Steelhead, Einstein Turntable's Choice phono preamplifiers; darTZeel NHB-18NS preamplifier.
Power Amplifiers: Musical Fidelity kW monoblocks.
Loudspeakers: Wilson MAXX…

The Marantz SA-11S2 Reference was assessed using Audio Precision's SYS2722 system (see www.ap.com and "As We See It" in the January 2008 issue), as well as, for some tests, our Audio Precision System One and Miller Audio Research Jitter Analyzer.

The Marantz's maximum output level at 1kHz varied according to whether CD or SACD was playing and which of the three filters had been selected. The level from the balanced XLR jacks was 4.4V with SACD and Filter 1 and 2, increasing to 5.23V with Filter 3. With CD, the maximum balanced level was 4.8V with Filter 1…

The Premier allows a choice between sinewave and MultiWave. However, it's…

Description: AC regenerator. Nominal input voltage: 105–135VA US, 215–245VAC Europe/Asia. Maximum continuous load: 1200VA US, 1500VA Europe/Asia. Dynamic power delivery: 0.5s, >3600VA US, 5000VA Europe/Asia. Voltage regulation: ±0.5V US, 1VAC Europe/Asia. Output distortion, input 220–240VAC: 1200VA resistive load <0.9%. Output distortion, 230V: 240VAC, 1200VA reactive load <0.9%. Output distortion, input 110–130VAC: 1200VA resistive load, <0.5%. Output distortion, input 110–130VAC: 1200VA reactive load, <0.5%. Output impedance: <0.015 ohm.…

Digital Source: Ayre CX-7e CD player.
Analog Source: Linn LP12 turntable with Lingo power supply, Ittok tonearm, AudioQuest AQ7000nsx cartridge.
Preamplifier: Convergent Audio Technology SL-1 Ultimate.
Power Amplifier: Audiopax Model 88 Mk.II monoblocks.
Integrated Amplifier: PS Audio GCC-100.
Loudspeakers: Avantgarde Uno Nano.
Cables: Interconnect: Nordost Quattro Fils (single-ended, balanced). Speaker: Nordost Valhalla. AC: PS Audio xStream Power, TARA Labs Decade.
Accessories: Arcici Suspense Rack, PolyCrystal amplifier stands,…