SACD Player w/Tube output & Bal out

Mike -

couple points:

1) Metal tube shields (Typical JAN style) as used by the Xindak are going to most likely *decrease* tube life, not extend it. Anyone buying this player should dump those asap. Many studies back up this info, and can be found on the web.

2) the XA777ES *does* use a dual-discrete laser pickup (dual lasers). So, if it uses the same one then it is dual-discrete. However if not, who knows.

http://www.oade.com/Home_theater/Sacd/scdxa777esinside.html

Just some FYI's for clarification ... hopefully I can hear one of these soon from Jay or Joe LaLiberte (Jay's tech guy).

-Ed

Ed,

Thanks for the info. I was just repeating what Jay (distributor) told me without thinking about it first.

I assume that the covers are to decrease RFI generation from the tubes and shielding from physical damage (being hit, knocked around, etc.)?

So, do the covers not sink ANY heat away from the tubes at all, instead keeping more heat close to the tubes, thereby decreasing operating life?

As far as the pickup/transport, again just repeating what Jay told me. I will have to give him a call again to clear this up.

Thanks and Regards...Mike - Father & Son Audio

Very interesting CDP...looking forward to Mike's update. Are there any reviews on this player?

No reviews I have seen yet. The Tech guy Jay uses is quite impressed with it and I trust his judgement and credentials. The price can't be beat, really. MIke: yes, the tube shields will trap heat, not sink it really. They are more like insulators/chimneys. The idea is sound to some degree (opinions vary), but the effective coolers are types like the finned ones, I think Bill Pearl makes them. There's some studies (done by military IIRC) out on the web that basically prove the problem with the metal shields, scientifically. Personally I dont' think RFI would be an issue in this player. (at least as far as tubes go). Physical damage would be a non issue as long as the tubes stay in the socket - they are surprisingly rugged. I've dropped 9-pin minis on a hard surface from over 3 feet before and they were fine (unintentionally!).

After CES/THE show I will try to make a point to audition one in-home sometime soon.

-Ed

hmmmm...really interested now. Once I get my preamp chosen and purchased, I'm going to spring for one these. (Current preamp is a digital processor)