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<\/p>\nThe D1 CD\/SACD player\/transport was CH Precision\u2019s first-ever product, a discrete multi-channel capable machine that established the Company\u2019s now familiar, user-configurable, upgradable, card-cage construction. For over a decade, along with the C1 DAC, it has set the standard for high-resolution disc replay, even though, these days the focus for many listeners has switched to high-res streaming.<\/p>\n
Yet, with the constant development of new production techniques, materials and even formats, optical disc has never sounded so good. The emergence of Glass CD, SHM discs, UHQCD, and new formats such as MQA-CD, has improved performance, giving disc replay a renewed relevance \u2013 while millions of existing discs still offer superb performance(s). But at the same time, the quality of replay hardware has diminished significantly, undermining those advances and masking their real value.<\/p>\n
Time to revisit disc replay \u2013 Swiss style.<\/p>\n
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To match the improving digital standards we have developed our own, mechanically damped, high-mass MORSe transport mechanism. We have revised the optional on-board upsampling, updating it with our proprietary PEtER spline filter algorithm. We have added MQA replay capability, while also allowing users the choice of optimized MQA digital output when connected to an external, MQA capable DAC, avoiding on-the-fly sample-rate switching.<\/p>\n
Meet the D1.5: same face; same precision engineering and flawless finish; same versatile, configurable, upgradable character; still the foundation stone of the CH digital eco-system \u2013 but now delivering a whole new level of performance! Owners could start with a single-box D1.5 player and grow it by stages and without cost penalty, all the way up to a nine-chassis, state-of-the-art digital front-end! Of course, they can also stop at two-boxes, three-boxes, or any number of boxes up to nine \u2013 the ultimate example of upgradability.<\/p>\n
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With an almost identical form-factor and operational interface (as its predecessor), the D1.5 continues the established CH aesthetic, fitting in perfectly with existing and future systems. However, internally it is a completely different machine, based around our own, all-new, proprietary transport mechanism.<\/p>\n
That means that existing D1s cannot be physically upgraded to D1.5 status \u2013 but in keeping with CH Precision\u2019s upgradable\/future-proof ethos, a factory trade-in scheme and compatibility with all existing CH digital products ensures existing owners a cost-effective path to the substantially improved performance offered by the D1.5.<\/p>\n
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There have been online suggestions that the D1.5 uses a Marantz\/Denon transport mechanism. Having contacted CH Precision I understand that, although some Marantz\/Denon parts are used, the overall mechanism is very much a proprietary construction. Here is their response in full:<\/p>\n
While the MORSe mechanism does use some Denon\/Marantz parts, to suggest that it is based on a Denon\/Marantz unit is definitely an overstatement. A Denon\/Marantz mechanism is used as a donor unit, from which CH removes the Motor and Optical Pickup. All other mechanical parts of the reader mechanism are discarded. The motor and optical elements are then precisely installed into a precision machined brass mount, weighing almost 1kg. This mounting is then isolated on an alpha gel suspension. The high-mass results in lower fundamental resonance for the mechanism, as well as resisting the torque of the (variable speed) motor. The suspension also prevents vibration from the rotating parts reaching sensitive electronic circuitry. <\/em><\/p>\n The tray surface that carries the disc is the original part, but the guides (which control its motion) have been completely replaced. Its operation is far smoother and once the drawer closes it is now locked securely in place, with an additional damping element to prevent it from vibrating or being excited by the motor.<\/em><\/p>\n The motor control board has been completely replaced and the operation of the motor itself (especially in the loading phase) is now quite different from the original version.<\/em><\/p>\n A heavy machined bridge on top clamps the disc using a proprietary puck, entirely replacing the thin plastic parts of the original.<\/em><\/p>\n The transport mount and its suspension are in turn supported by a massive, milled aluminum\u00a0frame (weighing a further 2kg) that is directly coupled to the D1.5 base-plate and its\u00a0dedicated mechanical grounding system. This grounding arrangement uses the latest,\u00a0composite, hardened aluminum\/polymer spiked posts to provide superior energy\u00a0transmission and the facility to precisely level the unit.<\/em><\/p>\n It is of course interesting to note that Denon knows a thing or two about producing direct-drive\u00a0motors, having manufactured some particularly good direct-drive turntables in the\u00a0past. Like those turntables, the secret of achieving optimum performance lies in the\u00a0mounting arrangements used. The high mass of the laser mount\/motor block demands\u00a0increased mass and rigidity from the rest of the structure, to create a mechanical cascade to\u00a0evacuate unwanted vibrational energy. CH Precision believes that it is only with this kind of\u00a0clean-sheet approach to engineering that it is possible to produce the finest available disc\u00a0transport – and the musical performance that goes with it.<\/em><\/p>\n EU prices:<\/p>\n D1.5 transport only \u20ac34.500,- US dollar prices:<\/p>\n – D1.5 SACD\/CD Transport $41,000 Special Trade-in deal for existing D1 owners. <\/p>\n All HFA CH Precision Reviews<\/a><\/p>\n CH Precision<\/a><\/p>\n Preliminary pricing<\/h3>\n
\nAnalog_Out_M option \u20ac4.700,-
\nSync_I\/O option \u20ac1.350,-<\/p>\n
\n– D1.5 SACD\/CD Player\/Transport (including Analog Out option) $46,000<\/p>\n
\nUpgrades from Transport to Player\/Transport for the difference in list price.<\/p>\nMore CH Precision<\/h3>\n
External Links<\/h3>\n
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