This DIY version fills the gap between much cheaper multi format playback devices and highly priced CD players. This machine plays CD, CDr and CDrw discs, it does not handle higher resolution formats like SACD or DVD audio (but CD playback on this player sounds much better than SACD on currently popular multi format machines). It has both analog and digital outputs.
The player uses non-oversampling conversion, and has a tube based output stage. It has extensive power supplies and is housed in an elegant solid cabinet, made of metal, aluminium and wood. The dimensions are 473*370*95 (W*D*H), the weight is about 12 kg.

Manual
Download the V1.2 manual (pdf-file, 16,2 MB) here to get an idea on the building process

Technical description

Drive
The player uses the well appreciated Philips CDproM LF drive, ensuring secure playback of discs. It is clocked by a separate low jitter Tentlabs clock and puts out it's data using the I2S digital interface format, which intrinsically is independent to jitter.

DAC
The DAC takes in the I2S data, reclocks it and processes the 16 bits data to be accepted by the 20 bit DA converters. These run in non oversampling mode, main advantage is that less jitter enters the DAC's due to the absence of a digital filter and the DAC's run at a lower bitclock rate which makes their life much easier. Prior to entering the PCM1704 DAC's, all data is reclocked again. This takes place by the onboard Tentlabs master clock. This clock is powered by a fast, low noise shunt regulator, of which in total 6 are present. 4 others feed the analog supplies of the 1704's and the last one the reclocking circuits. Another 6 regulators take care of the supply of other, less critical, circuitry. The DAC runs at 48fs, hence does not support I2S output from other Philips drives that run at 64fs.

IV converter and output stage
The IV converter uses an E88CC valve as transimpedance amplifier. It fully operates in the current domain, and is a new and novel design. The advantage over existing tube based output stage is the low input impedance (typically well below 1 ohm) which reduces the distortion generated in the DAC chips compared to the situation when these are loaded with say 100 ohm, which seems common practice these days. After the E88CC stage, a passive filter follows. The actual IV conversion takes place using an Audio Note tantalum resistor, signal coupling is achieved using Audio Note copper foil paper-in-oil capacitors.
2 pairs of outputs are available, a straight output with a moderate 2.5 Kohm output impedance, and a buffered one with output impedance well below 200 ohms. The IV stage is fed by a custom made toroidal transformer, the well regarded 6X4 valve takes care of high voltage rectification.

Power supplies
The IV converter, DAC and drive all have their own toroidal power transformer. The drive is fed by 2 external Tentlabs power supplies, a third one supplies the Display. The power supplies incorporate Schottky Barier diodes, low ESR capacitors and a low drop discrete design regulator. The 9V regulator inhibits a fast switch-off option to ensure proper shutdown of the CDpro drive.
The player is available in 115V as well as 230V mains voltage version.

The Kit
The kit includes everything to build a complete player.
• Philips CDproM drive (Tentlabs modified to accept external clock)
• Tentlabs I2S DAC
• Tentlabs IV converter
• 3 Tentlabs power regulators
• 3 toroidal transformers
• Complete set of wiring & connectors
• Silver signal wiring.
• Remote handset
• Cabinet & all mechanical hardware needed
• Construction manual

Warrantee
The following applies
• CDpro2M LF Philips' warrantee is very limited, Tentlabs will not extend that, but has good experience on the performance of this drive
• Remote, Display 3 months
• Cabinet Warrantee on fit and finish. All parts are carefully inspected prior to packaging
• Wiring Warrantee on correct function
• Electronic modules Warrantee on DAC, IV-converter, power regulators: 5 years
• Power transformers


Acrylic
The acrylic as shown in the Dutch test initially was only meant as demonstrator as it clearly (!) shows what is in the package. Many people showed their interest, and there is no problem to make them available. There are 2 objections on the use:
• Electrical safety
• Dust in the optical system
There for the acrylic will not be supplied