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The Audio Note (UK) CD 2.1x/II Level Two Red Book CD Player is a component-upgraded version of the CD1.1x, designed specifically for sonic performance rather than technical specifications. It uses an in-house modified Philips L1210 dedicated Red Book CD mechanism and a simple yet revealing DAC based on the Philips 1543 16-bit multi-bit digital-to-analog converter chip. The analogue output stage features the exceptional 6111WA miniature triode and custom Audio Note (UK) copper foil capacitors. This player eschews oversampling and digital filtering, resulting in a highly effective sonic combination housed in a small, robust chassis. It fulfills Audio Note (UK) Level Two criteria and is praised for its open, detailed, and lively sound reproduction, making it a natural pairing with high-end integrated amplifiers. The player is designed to extract greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CDs, considered by Audio Note as the best currently available digital music format.
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The CD 3.1x/II's bit depth is 18-bit against the CD 2.1x/II Level Two Red Book's 16-bit and its weight 8 kg (18 lbs) against 5 kg (11 lbs). Both share output voltage (3.0V RMS) and output impedance (2000Ω).
The Reference CDS8's output voltage is 2.4V RMS against the CD 2.1x/II Level Two Red Book's 3.0V RMS, its weight 9.5 kg (21 lbs) against 5 kg (11 lbs), and its width 440 mm against 445 mm. Both share bit depth (16-bit).
The BCD-3's output voltage is 2.0V RMS against the CD 2.1x/II Level Two Red Book's 3.0V RMS, its weight 4 kg (9 lbs) against 5 kg (11 lbs), and its height 85 mm against 96 mm. Both share bit depth (16-bit).
The Viking's output voltage is 2.5V RMS against the CD 2.1x/II Level Two Red Book's 3.0V RMS, its weight 7.3 kg (16 lbs) against 5 kg (11 lbs), its height 99 mm against 96 mm, and its width 430 mm against 445 mm.
4.1x
Marantz CD7
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