What
modifications we haven’t done to the CD63 over the last 10+ years have not been
worth doing, ranging from costing £300 to £3000. Considering all of the upgrades
we have installed nothing has impressed us more than the transformer coupled
output stage (CD-OPT’s). No matter what other elaborate upgrades you throw at
the CD63; such as multiple regulated supplies, multiple clock systems, the
CD-OPTS’s attain a sonic performance that cannot be equalled. How does this
work? The transformers eliminate the analogue output stage, HDAM’s, and all
analogue power supplies. The transformers are coupled to the post DAC filter
directly to a pair of WBT NextGen RCA phono sockets. The Audio Consulting
coupling transformers deliver all the stunning vitality,
clarity, natural warmth, of tubed output CD players, with the superb dynamic
contrasts and drive of solid state.
Our new line-up of upgrades for the CD63, CD67 &
CD6000 start with the coupling transformers and add additional upgrades to
various performance levels and price points. The Reference 1
installs a pair of Audio Consulting Copper signal coupling transformers,
replaces the OEM clock with our ultra-low phase noise clock ‘Superclock 4-S’,
improves digital & analogue power supplies, installs a specially selected
low noise regulator for the main 5V supply, “Super-regulators” for analogue
supply, upgrades regulation bypassing for digital & analogue power
supplies, upgrades the post DAC filter op-amps to LME49720, adds a pair of WBT
NextGen cu RCA phono sockets. The finished upgrade delivers a performance on
par with modern players costing £3K upwards.
The Reference 1 upgrade is designed with future
upgrades in mind, and can be upgraded to Reference 1.5, Reference 2
&Reference 3 models at any future point. It also provides for
emerging new technologies, up-to-date performance and preservation of investment.
Top Features:-
■ Audio Consulting 99.99% OFC Signal
Coupling Transformers – High-end transformers made in Switzerland, these
are the best transformers we have auditioned, costly, but worth their premium
over other types.
■ Superclock 4-S Ultra-low Phase Noise Clock – The finest aftermarket clock
in its class! Discrete, pure sine-wave analogue oscillator, multiple
regulated power supplies with MAX6126 voltage reference for lowest noise at the
critical 0.1 – 10 Hz, dual screened RF stage to eliminate RFI/EMI noise.
■ Super-regulators for +/- analogue stage (op-amps)
– This version 3 op-amp is the quietest regulator available in a 3-pin package
and packs 23 discrete components on to a 4-layer Gold plated PCB.
■ Audio-GD SUN V2 Discrete Op-Amps –The Audio-GD discrete op-amp uses accurate matching of components
and audiophile grade resistors, combined with dedicated audio design circuitry.
We found the SUN V2 version to be the best choice for the SM5872 DAC filter,
with notable gains in dynamics, openness, naturalness compared to the best IC
op-amp we have tested, the LME49720.
■ Schurter IEC Inlet – The 2-core captive power
cable is removed and a high quality IEC inlet fitted enabling a choice of audio
grade power cables to be used.
■ WBT NextGen cu RCA Phono Plugs – These RCA’s
give deliver the best sound we have heard from any RCA connector and provide a
vast improvement on the cheap plastic OEM phono’s.
