atcgreg
New Member
Hi
For those that still have the CDP101 and love it.
I would like to share my experience with modifying my 1984 CDP101 CD player.
First of all I did not encounter any problems with the tray or servo mechanism of the player mainly because it was already with the "new" IC BX2101 that replaced the one that overheated at times and gave "the skipping" effect.
So I was lucky to get one already fixed but back to the subject.
The mods are rather simple and straight forward but improves the sound dramaticaly. I have removed the Opamp/buffer NE5532 jelly bean opamp,in 1984 considered as the top IC for DAC buffer's (IC 514 in the service manual) and replaced it with a specially designed opamp for HifI and Hi-end amplifications / buffer by National Semiconductor LME49720 if you can get the expensive one in a ceramic case (DIP8) around $150USD go for it that's the best. You can also get the cheaper version in a "plastic" case and it still does wonders. only one is needed. I bought mine on Ebay (USA) for $15 bucks for four it was a good bargain!! I have also used OPA2104 and OPA2134but the sound was dull without detail. With the LME49720 in place the sound is open, more air and much more detailed treble /mids. The bass is still smooth but controlled. Of course that is not only the item that was changed.
In the power supply change the diodes to Schottky type I used 1N5819. This cleans the background of the music and really makes it "black" . On top of that the 3300uf/25v caps in the supply to 10000uf/25v there is room to accommodate them. It is only hard to get the old ones out since they were glued to the board. Also change the +/- 12v /5v supplys to better regs like Low noise, fast response voltage regulators from AUDIOUPGRADES .co.uk. No need for any other mods since the schematics are very good in the analog output /buffer ( without caps).!!! Oh I almost forgot I replaced the power cable and fitted a furutech socket in the back. Needs some metal cutting but it is worth it. If you still want to keep the CD 100% vintage than just repalce the cable to a larger diameter with a shielding (ground).
I have the Sony hooked up with Van den Hul "The First" (also works good with KLOTZ "La Grange" interconnect) to my CAYIN A50T (EL34B) integrated tube amp with DIY speakers (clones of Proac). The sound is great and listening for hours does not give a headache or fatigue. I can supply for free the CDP101 service manual via email. Hearing is believing I can say after this mod the player can stand up to CD player's in the hi-end shelf. I did compared it with my friend's WADIA 301. He was impressed by the 25 year old CD . In my own subjective way I think that WADIA had a bit better focus on stereo image, as for music CDP101 was very close and it suits me. I got the whole mod for around 200euros. He got his WADIA for ten times more.
nuff said. here is the link to data on LME49720 http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LME49720.html check it out it is worth it.
all the best
Greg
For those that still have the CDP101 and love it.
I would like to share my experience with modifying my 1984 CDP101 CD player.
First of all I did not encounter any problems with the tray or servo mechanism of the player mainly because it was already with the "new" IC BX2101 that replaced the one that overheated at times and gave "the skipping" effect.
So I was lucky to get one already fixed but back to the subject.
The mods are rather simple and straight forward but improves the sound dramaticaly. I have removed the Opamp/buffer NE5532 jelly bean opamp,in 1984 considered as the top IC for DAC buffer's (IC 514 in the service manual) and replaced it with a specially designed opamp for HifI and Hi-end amplifications / buffer by National Semiconductor LME49720 if you can get the expensive one in a ceramic case (DIP8) around $150USD go for it that's the best. You can also get the cheaper version in a "plastic" case and it still does wonders. only one is needed. I bought mine on Ebay (USA) for $15 bucks for four it was a good bargain!! I have also used OPA2104 and OPA2134but the sound was dull without detail. With the LME49720 in place the sound is open, more air and much more detailed treble /mids. The bass is still smooth but controlled. Of course that is not only the item that was changed.
In the power supply change the diodes to Schottky type I used 1N5819. This cleans the background of the music and really makes it "black" . On top of that the 3300uf/25v caps in the supply to 10000uf/25v there is room to accommodate them. It is only hard to get the old ones out since they were glued to the board. Also change the +/- 12v /5v supplys to better regs like Low noise, fast response voltage regulators from AUDIOUPGRADES .co.uk. No need for any other mods since the schematics are very good in the analog output /buffer ( without caps).!!! Oh I almost forgot I replaced the power cable and fitted a furutech socket in the back. Needs some metal cutting but it is worth it. If you still want to keep the CD 100% vintage than just repalce the cable to a larger diameter with a shielding (ground).
I have the Sony hooked up with Van den Hul "The First" (also works good with KLOTZ "La Grange" interconnect) to my CAYIN A50T (EL34B) integrated tube amp with DIY speakers (clones of Proac). The sound is great and listening for hours does not give a headache or fatigue. I can supply for free the CDP101 service manual via email. Hearing is believing I can say after this mod the player can stand up to CD player's in the hi-end shelf. I did compared it with my friend's WADIA 301. He was impressed by the 25 year old CD . In my own subjective way I think that WADIA had a bit better focus on stereo image, as for music CDP101 was very close and it suits me. I got the whole mod for around 200euros. He got his WADIA for ten times more.
nuff said. here is the link to data on LME49720 http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LME49720.html check it out it is worth it.
all the best
Greg
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