Specifications

©DAGOGO 2010 – special reprint by permission. Page 8
Regarding The Variable Output
The player now arrives with the level set to “Min”, or no output. Previously the CD-2 arrived
with it set to “Max”, which would present a slight problem should an unwitting owner breeze
through the manual (No self-respecting audiophile does that, right?), and ignore the caution on
level settings when hooking up power amp(s) directly. Now that the CD-5 arrives prevented
from harming speakers, being set at the “Min” setting, I’m sure Charlie Harrison at Ayon will get
several calls insisting, “My player doesn’t work!” It works; directions need to be read to make it
work to satisfaction!
I have an added advantage in using the Pathos Classic One MkIII integrateds, in that I can opt for
either the player’s level control or the integrateds. There is a slight nuance difference in terms of
dynamic impact, it being a bit better when the player is set to “Max” and level controlled by the
Classic One units. However, when using power amps directly the CD-5’s preamp function is
smooth and well calibrated to achieve fine enough gradations that one is not caught between
settings too soft or too loud. In addition, it’s handy to manage track selection and volume from
the player’s controller.
Operationally the CD-5 is quiet. Aside from a soft click at the end of play, functions including
initialization, are as silent as one could wish. The readout is a problem for those with poorer
eyesight at a distance, though it should be tolerable for those with good eyes. Aesthetically, the
graceful curvature of the aluminum chassis is business-like and self-confident, not drawing
undue attention. One can flip through the INPUTS either by remote or the top-of-player controls.
Inputs which are active appear solidly illuminated while inactive inputs flash.
Operating the CD-5 occasionally means having to flip a switch on its backside. Moving from
RCA to XLR outputs means tripping a toggle, as does a change to the GAIN setting.
Occasionally I will switch inputs on the integrated amps in order to hear a comparison between
interconnect cables, only to be reminded by the silence that the RCA/XLR switch had not been
touched. Most users will only have one set of speakers or interconnects so that once the settings
have been achieved they won’t need to be adjusted for quite some time. However, I do suggest
the option of two pairs of interconnects for variety or in handling difficult recordings.
Magical Melding Of Upsampling And Gain
In my initial comments I enthused about the GAIN feature of the CD-5, and indeed this sets the
player apart from virtually all other Redbook sources. An apodizing filter to control pre- and
post-ringing on the signal is a hot new technology employed in high-end players. However,
Gerhard will have nothing to do with it, “We do not use this and believe it can impair sound
quality.” Instead, he has focused on the player’s gain. A while back I reviewed the Eastern
Electric BBA Buffer Amp, which is a tube preamp with single RCA input and a variable Gain