Rotel RCD855

In the search of a TDA1541A CD-player with some space, a SAA7220 filter and a good build quality I did found a Rotel RCD855:

The target of this cd-player is to have the audio straight of the TDA1541a dac amplified with a pair of tubes. Because the TDA1541a needs a I/V stage I used some 6n2p-ev tubes in a SRPP circuit, this acts as a class A amplifier and these tubes have a 100x amplifying factor.

To start with this project I changed some electrolytic capacitors and fitted a 24pin dip socket in place of the SAA7220p/c to mount a NOS reclock module.

To power the tubes a separate transformer was used with a high voltage and a low voltage output. My choice was the 1N1729 power transformer for tube amplifiers (22VA) and a very stable Tent Labs Heater Supply 2.5V untill 13V the high voltage AC to DC circuit was custom made by me.

Opamps, some resistors and capacitors are removed to get the cleanest signal. Wires are added to feed the tubes.

At this time I also tried some Mundorf Mcap Aluminium in oil capacitors in the output line.

Let the music play! Impressive how clean and spatial the sound is. The tube characteristics make this cd-player awesome! The sound is really different when I compare it to the Nakamichi CDP-2e listening is just a bit more easier and overwelming, maybe I have to fit some Burson V6 Classic opamps to the Nak…. compared with my Technics SL1200 turntable with Orthophone 2m blue hifi element it sounds like there is even more detail I just have to listen more.