Best 80's Nakamichi CD Player?

[niles300z]

Yes. Many advancements have gone into CD Players and DACs in the past 30 years. However, so have they made things with more plastic, smaller power supplies and less overall durability and qualty. The old saying they don't make things like they used to can be good and or bad. I like my audio heavy and love that much of that stuff made in the 60's into the 80's is still going strong 40+ years later. Good luck with that from today's products. With some exceptions.

 

[Dandy]

Particular technologies have high points, and then people move on to other stuff. I think the late 80s and early 90s was the high point for CD as a mainstream music carrier.

 

[Bill Magnan]

I have both the Nakamichi MB-2 and MB-2s. Both units had all the belts replaced - not an easy task but look to spend 2 or 3+ hours - lots of frustrations on the side belt - hook - drop - hook ..... But when done should be good for several years. With the MB-2 you need the remote which allows quite a few functions including random songs across all 7 disks!. The FAST transport makes the changes in only a few sec. Actually with new belts and some lubrication this is one of the key features - works great. No other changes, however some Cap replacements are on the ever expanding "to do" list.

As for the internal DAC, both units allow you to bypass them and the RCA output and provide a digital connection. My MB-2s is set to use the Coax to an external DAC (JDS El DAC), while my MB-2 makes use of the RCA outputs which can have the volume controlled via the remote. (running 2 separate systems).

As for the audio out of the MB-2 (rca out) running some Holly Cole disks (all her music has wide dynamic and acoustic range) great music to stress test a system or component! Sound is great and doing one to one against the same music (FLAC) through an external DAC (Topping D10) - no difference! The twin PCM1700P chips while some 30+ years old can keep up with current DAC chips. IMHO.

Plus Bottom Line - these CD players just look good next to my Nak Tape Decks - got to get points for proper Audio Component Accessorizing!

 

[onanysunday]

I just picked up a cheap, parts OMS-3A that I got working again and will compare it to my CDC-4A and report back. Sadly, I had to throw in the towel on an earlier OMS-7 project with a laser issue that I would've loved to get working again. I'd really like to find a CDP-2A and directly compare it to the 4A, as they both use the TDA1541A DAC.

The OMS-3A uses the PCM54HP-J which I find sounds more similar to the original TDA1540. I also just picked up a parts Proton AC-300 cdp with twin TDA1540P's that I hope to get going again. Once recapped, I want to compare it against my really old Belgium Magnavox FD1041 which also uses the twin TDA1540P's and sounds amazing after a recap and opamp upgrade to LM4562, which allows you to hear that beautifully warm/natural/lively chip, but with increased resolution and clarity- the best of both worlds.

 

[dsx123]

Wow this post got my dac-searching ocd going. XD
Really curious about the oms 5 / 7

Lots of great information here.

I wonder if collectively it would be possible to put together a list of which dac's sound best.
this site has a list of all the dacs.

CD-Player-DAC-Transport List

vasiltech.narod.ru

I have had a number of Nak units, and always been very happy with the sound. at least the earlier ones, the early 2000s ones not quite as much. Have had good luck with the mb-xx units, although they can be finicky.

Any thoughts on the oms series?
I havent been able to find a ton of info, thinking of picking up an OMS 1 or an OMS 5 or an OMS 7 (if i can find one not trashed, or with a ton of hours on it)

Also, I agree that capacitors have a lot to do with it also, so I also would be curious about these players in general.

I think is the rundown on the oms series:

oms 1
PCM56P – LC7860N
oms 5
2 x TDA1540D – SAA7030
oms 5ii
2 x PCM54HP – SM5804B
oms 7
2 x TDA1540D – SAA7030
oms 7ii
2 x PCM54HP-K – SM5804B

 

[dsx123]

Also, this may assist for getting sort of a master list together for the Nak cd players,
this is a list of all the dac's they used. Pulled from the site link above.
May be able to put together a list of which decks are best from it.


PCM1700P
AD1868R
LC78840
TDA1311A
AD1855

PCM56P
PCM54HP-J/K
TDA1540D
TDA1541A



( I feel like the majority of people wouldn't think of putting a list together like this for 35+ year old cd players in the age of internet music, but I somehow feel its important. XD )