One of the eclipse dealers about an hour away from me got a good deal on some of last years Eclipse CD8445 ($349, a really good deal!). I had had my mind set on the Nak. CD400. I'm currently running an old Nak. CD40, which has treated me well. I'm pretty sure that mine only has a 1 bit DAC, so I was figureing that the CD400's 24 bit DAC would be a significant improvement. I would like to get some feedback before I make the drive to check them out.
I guess my question is two fold:
1. Will I notice a good difference between 1 bit to the 24 bit DAC? (I would think so?)
2. How does the SQ of the Ecplise CD8445 compare with the Nak. CD400?
P.S. I know that Eclipse has many more features (mp3, bling, Sirus, Time Align, Xover, etc.), but my concern here is SQ. Thanks.
A 1-bit DAC and a multi-bit DAC are two entirely different types of circuits. Some people like the sound of one better than the other, most people cannot detect a difference. The 1-bit DACs tend to be more accurate but operate with more noise. Multi-bit DACs are quieter but can become non-linear and change with temperature changes. It's apples and oranges, really; listen to them both and see if you like one over the other.
As far as comparing these two HUs, I have never listened to the 8445 so I cannot make an accurate comparison except to offer this: both Eclipse and Nakamichi are at the high end of SQ. The CD400 is Nak's bottom of the line but it is a current year's model; the CD8445 was I believe a top-end model from last year (?) For what it's worth.
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