This cd player has been in my possession for a while and maybe it can sound a bit better with some upgrades. Here the fun started!
Original VS Upgraded
CDP-2E in it’s standard form
in original condition the CD player sounds better than many other players equipped with a TDA-1541A DAC. It has a very good power distribution with separate lines for the analogue and digital part. The TK electrolytic capacitors found in this player are not that bad but can upgraded with some newer and more audiophile components. Around the voltage regulators the solder joints most of the time come lose, so replace the solder with new solder is needed on a few places of the board.
The decoupling caps around the TDA-1541A DAC are also not bad at all but can be upgraded with caps with a higher value which wil give the sound more brilliance/trebble in my opinion.
Upgraded CDP-2E
To compare the sound of some opamps now there are Dip sockets and also now is a socket below the DAC to compare a TDA-1541A with a TDA-1541A-S1.
The Result:
This is a real “audiophile” cd player, one of the best 16bit, analogue sounding. Sound stage is spatial, more defined and a lot of brilliance!
Replaced components
Next Post
I am very happy that I could buy the improved Nakamichi CDP -2E from Haarie. I know that this player in the Original condition sounds good but after Haarie’s upgrade (see post16 january 2019) it turned into an audiophile cd player. The soundstage is marvellous and I enjoy the natural, analoque characteristics. Transparency, dynamics and brilliance makes listening great. I love this musically special player.
Andries, thanks for the reply!
Now I just have to modify another ultimate CDP-2E but with some more tweaks 😉
Dear Haare, is it possible to get a fully modified nakamichi?
Thanks in advance
Christian
Hi Christian, that is possible, there are a few options available.
Hello Haarie,
My Nakamichi cdp 2e cd player transport tray is closing every time again when you touch it slightly.
Is there an easy solution to solve this problem?
Best Regards,
John van Beers
Hi, could you explain the value of deacoupling caps please? Thanks
Beste Harald,
Jouw post is al wat jaartjes oud maar ik hoop dat je dit nog leest. Ik heb een CDP 2E met een Trafo probleem. Er is mij verteld dat dit veroorzaakt wordt doordat ~220v tegenwoording niet hoog genoeg meer is met de spanningen op het net. De trafo zoemt, en je kunt m sterk ruiken. De speler werkt verder wel naar behoren. Heb jij wellicht tips hoe ik de trafo kan aanpassen/ vervangen/ opwaarderen om dit probleem te verhelpen?
Ik hoor het graag!
Groet,Koen
Koen, ik denk dat er eerder wat condensators aan vervanging toe zijn, als ze gaan lekken veranderd de capaciteit. Dit zorgt ervoor dat andere componenten er ook onder gaan lijden. Meestal is dit ook wat een onaangename geur veroorzaakt.