On the recommendation of my tech, I picked up a Yamaha CDX-1100U. This is a 31 pound CDP with dual Burr Brown chips and the Olympus glass eye laser. There are separate transformers for the analog and digital sides. This a variable output CDP done correctly. The signal is varied at the main output rather than using the cheap headphone amp like some Sony's.

The TOTL Yamaha CDP's are reputed to be analog sounding. I've been playing jazz and vocals and I have to agree, the sound is smooth and laid back without the sizzle of my oversampling Aragon DAC which also has dual BB chips. A direct connection to my Marantz 1152DC's amp using the CDX's variable output control eliminates the preamp. The impression of having the cleanest possible signal is real, the 1152DC's preamp adds a slight veil that I can do without.

that's a hell of a unit, congrats!! here's a nice shot of a variant of this model that i had floating about in my archives, the CDX-1110:

Congrats, it's indeed a great "almost vintage" cdp.
Does it have digital-out? Does it play cd-r's?

Mac, the CDX-1100U and the CDX-1110 are near identical to the CX-2000, which has a platinum look with wood side panels. Good stuff for sure.

This CDP is definitely old school heavy!

Yes, it plays CD-R's.

Yes, it has a Digital out, coax but no optical.

That's beauty. Since we can't know everything about everything it follows along the first thing I heard regarding this hobby, "Heavy is good."

actually the cx-2000 is a pre-amp, I can say that with confidence, because I own one.

elroy

Woops, forgot the "D" as in CDX-2000!

I've been comparing the CDX-1100U against my current champion CDP set and my initial impression is still on the money. My main system is setup up for impact and club levels of sound (when I'm in the mood). The CDX is too smooth and laid back and tends to take the edge off my system.

I still think the CDX is a well done machine. The difference then is matching sound to my sound preference, which is definitely West Coast forward. I suppose the CDX would be ideal for East Coasters and in fact the CDX is an ideal match for my Marantz.

a couple JPN market variants i happened across;




CDX-2000








CDX-2200