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Review 1 of 2
Price Paid:
$2800.00
from CJ Audio, The Mall, Summary:
Opera Audio Consonance CD120 Linear. Paoi MYR 2,800 approx. USD 900
Looking around for a replacement for my old MLD Player, the Denon LA3500G, I chanced upon the CD120 Linear. While at CJ Audio, slow numbers were being played and I thought it sounded good, so I took one home.
After settling down, during casual listening, going through it's paces, I soon noticed that on playing Dire Straits, the presentation seem boring. What went wrong, I kept asking myself, let's start all over again.
Started with some sparse recordings, selected Selena Jones (vocals with limited instruments), boy, does Selena Jones sound great, that sultry voice. Next, went on to Mary Black, Babes in the wood. Uh oh, signs of a slight compression was detected. Space around instruments / vocals were now limited.
I began to suspect that this CD120 Linear won't rock, so with a heavy heart, I put on Stevie Ray Vaughn's Voodoo Child. Sure enough, PRAT went out the window. Looks like complex material left it gasping for breath. Lead guitar had no power, drums, like, shod with soggy skins. The presentation felt somewhat veiled. Moving on to Erich Kunzel on Telarc's recording, that's it! The entire ensemble was so tightly packed in, it sounded really congested. There was no more air left. The beautiful simmering highs heard on simple material, is now reduced to a choking flat "high". In this instance, the Denon LA3500G, though not outstanding, in fact gave a much livelier and more detailed performance.
It's really sad to note that the CD120 Linear is not an all rounder, the consolation is that, at least, it does come into it's own with regards to simple, sparse pieces, I quite like the presentation of Ricky Lee Jones though. She comes through pretty well here. Strengths:
On simple and sparse recordings, it is very musical. Depending on material, can be a very delightful performer. Needs a high resolution amp / speakers to bring out the best, if you want to enjoy " a little music". Shimmering highs with certain recordings. Weaknesses:
PRAT less and sounds congested with complex recordings.
Poor dynamics.
Not an all rounder.
Now if only Opera Audio had considered Rudolf Broertjes I/V gain stage...!
Similar Products Used:
Marantz CD63SE
Denon LA3500G
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