SONY CDP-R1/DAS-R1 (1987) | Digital Reference System

This is the Sony CD player combination CDP-R1 and DAS-R1, a Digital Reference System from 1987. With its high-quality design, the Sony CD player combination CDP-R1 and DAS-R1 promises a completely new dimension in digital music playback. Superfluous controls have been simply eliminated from the front of the device. They are located entirely on the infrared remote control. The drive, linear motor, and pickup unit are protected from vibrations in the aluminum die-cast base unit developed by Sony. The particularly torsion-resistant frame beam chassis also ensures high stability and a firm fit for the various components. As an anti-resonance measure, it plays a significant role in the excellent reference sound of this high-end CD player system. But the exquisite technology also makes high-end gourmets' mouths water: The separation of drive and converter allows both units to pursue their precision work completely unaffected. And both cabinets still leave plenty of space for the electronic inner workings to unfold generously and undisturbed. The CDP-R1's Super Silent TS Servo System sets a new standard in servo perfection for high-end CD players. This Totally Silent technology reduces the amplifier's control characteristics to their lower limits. A special circuit that monitors the entire scanning process prevents possible overreactions with scratched or faulty CDs. Then there is Twin Optical Link. This technology transmits digital music data and the digital clock over two separate optical paths with absolutely no loss. On one path, digital music data is sent to the converter, while on the opposite track, the digital clock is sent to the drive. The advantage: the digital master clock is generated in the DAS-R1 in direct proximity to the D/A converters. This ensures jitter-free clock access at the point that most influences the sound. 

The D/A converter undoubtedly plays a major role in the sound of a CD player. By separating the digital signal processing from the servo circuits, the CDP-R1 and DAS-R1 prevent the occurrence of high-frequency interference, which can cause considerable noise in conventional designs. The result is naturally improved sound quality. A double quartz glass cable (Twin Optical Link) ensures that the CD drive and converter can communicate optimally with each other without clock deviations (jitter). This system, developed by Sony, creates an ideal basis for interference-free data transmission and processing. And thus for excellent sound quality. This is further enhanced by the 18-bit digital filter CXD-1144 with 8x oversampling. For improved system dynamics, reduced distortion, and maximum resolution. Added to this is the special noise shaping in the DAS-R1. It improves the signal-to-noise ratio and thus increases the signal and sound quality. Similar to the CDP-R1, a dual transformer system prevents mutual interference between digital and analog components. It seems the effort was worth it as the test by the trade magazine Audio from October 1988 concluded that the new CD player combination immediately made the leap into the absolute top class. Rating: Reference class

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