Goodwin's High End

High End Digital Audio Components:

CD, SACD, DVD-A, DVD, Blu-ray Transports & Players, D-A converters, etc.

Audio Research Berkeley Audio Design Boulder Constellation
dCS Linn Nagra Naim
Oppo Quad Simaudio Moon Soulution
Spectral Audio Theta    

Digital is now the preferred medium in most residential music systems. We have a good variety of high performance disc players—however the specs will not tell you how good they sound. If you want to hear how good digital can sound you're invited to bring in a few of your favorite recordings and listen for yourself, as hearing is believing!

Music Servers for CD quality & compressed files

Kaleidescape ReQuest    

Music servers for the home have become very popular. Because many people have become accustomed to MP3 players and iPods, the idea of music files and playlists is now quite familiar. The way to reproduce significantly higher quality music than a portable player is to have one of these music servers installed in your home along with either uncompressed WAV files or lossless compressed files like FLAC, etc. (These music servers can also play lossy compressed MP3 files.) If you have a music collection on CD it can be dual-encoded which then provides for both a lossless version for your home music server and a lossy version for your portable player. Please call us for details.

Music Servers, D-A converters, & Digital Integrated Amps for High Resolution, CD-quality & compressed files

Berkeley Audio Design Boulder dCS Linn
MSB NAD Naim Custom Silent Music Server

High Resolution files are usually either WAV or FLAC files at sampling and bit rates of up to 192kHz / 24 bits. Not every music server or D-A converter can play High Resolution Files. So we have created a separate listing for those products that are High Resolution capable. Of course all of these can also do the standard CD sampling rate of 44.1/16, so if you transfer your CD's to your server they can play your whole CD collection plus your High Resolution files. For more information click here:

iPod and iPad adaptors

Arcam Naim    

 

● Audio Research

Audio Research DAC7 D-A converter

One of the oldest and most established high end audio component manufacturers, Audio Research also makes preamps and power amps.

 

 

 

 

Audio Research CD Players
 
Audio Research Digital-Analog Converter

 



● Berkeley Audio Design

Berkeley Audio Design - Alpha DAC

Berkeley Audio Design manufactures the acclaimed Alpha DAC Series 2 shown at the left. Many people feel that this is the best value in high end D-A converters available today. It can also drive a power amp directly as it features remote control volume.

Berkeley Audio Design Digital-Analog Converter
Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Series 2. $4,995 (silver or black).

This advanced Digital-to-Analog converter autosenses and plays all standard PCM formats (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz at 16, 20 and 24 bits). It also decodes HDCD. For more info click here.

[For more info on music servers that are completely silent so that you place one next to your Alpha DAC without being distracted by any fan or hard disk noise click—and also a list of links where you can obtain High Resolution files (like Reference Recordings HRx files, etc.) click here.]

Berkeley Audio Design USB to AES-EBU/SP-DIF Converter/ReClocker
Berkeley Audio Design Alpha USB. $1895 (black).

More info.

 

● Boulder

Boulder 2020 DAC

 

Boulder was founded in 1984 and has become recognized world-wide for its high quality products. They also make preamps as well as power and integrated amps. The Boulder 2020 Digital-to-analog converter is shown on the left.

 

 

 

Boulder CD Player (also plays high resolution DVD's)
Boulder 1021 CD Player. $Call.

NOTE:  This player will play discs with CD, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, and OGG formats. It will also play DVD recordable discs (DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW). So you can play full length high-resolution albums (such as the HRx discs from Reference Recordings) or hours of CD resolution music on any of the above DVD-R formats. However it will not the play  DVD-A format nor is it a video DVD player.]
Boulder Digital-Analog Converter
Boulder 2020 D-A Converter $Call.

NOTE: This DAC can be fed from a CD transport as well as from a music server and will support high resolution files. It will operate at sampling rates of 32k, 44.1k, 48k, 64k, 88.2k and 96k, each at any word length from 16-bits to 24-bits, all via a single AES/EBU cable.

[For more info on music servers that are completely silent so that you place one next to your Boulder DAC without being distracted by any fan or hard disk noise click here.]

 

● Linn

Linn makes three ranges of products: high performance audio/video products, including speakers, custom installation products which allow house-wide music, and one-box music or movie components.. Within these ranges, Linn makes phono components, digital components, preamplifiers, amplifiers, speakers, surround sound processors, cables, and tuners. The superb Sondek CD-12 is pictured at the left.

 


Linn Digital Stream Players
Linn Sneaky Music DS Player. $Call.
Linn Majik DS Player. $Call.
Linn Akurate DS Player. $Call.
Linn Klimax DS Player. $Call.
Linn Multi-Format Digital Players
Linn Classic Music - CD/FM & AM with RDS - "One Box Music Player" with preamp / power amp. Silver or Black. $Call.
Linn Classic Movie - CD/DVD-V/FM & AM with RDS - "One Box Movie Player" with surround sound processor / preamp / power amp. Silver or Black. $Call.
Linn Majik CD - CD/HDCD player. Silver or Black. $Call.
Linn Unidisk SC - CD/SACD/DVD-A/DVD-V/HDMI  - Audio/Video player with integrated surround sound processor /preamp.   Silver or black. $Call.

Note: for a list of SACD recordings click here
Linn Unidisk 1.1 - CD/SACD/DVD-A/DVD-V/DVI  - Audio/Video player. Silver or black. $Call.

Note: for a list of SACD recordings click here

 

● Nagra

Nagra makes digital components, pre-amplifiers, and amplifiers. The Nagra DAC is pictured at the left.

Local sales only


Nagra CD Transports & Players
Nagra CDT (CD Transport). $Call.
Nagra CDP (CD Player) fixed output. $Call.
Nagra CDC (Concept Player) variable output, headphone. $Call.
Nagra Digital - Analog Converters
Nagra DAC. $Call.

 

● Naim

Naim makes digital components, preamps, amps, speakers, and tuners. A full line Naim price list link is here.

The CD555 CD Player is pictured above.

Naim CD Players
Naim CD5i-2 CD Player $Call.
Naim CD5x CD player w/ HDCD. $Call.
Naim CDX2 CD player w/ HDCD. $Call.

     Option: Naim XPS2 (for CDS3 or CDX2), includes Burndy interconnect. $Call.
Naim CDS3 Top-loading CD player w/ HDCD. $Call.

     Option: Naim XPS2 (for CDS3 or CDX2), includes Burndy interconnect. $Call.
Naim CD555 Reference top-loading CD player with HDCD and Hi-Line interconnect. $Call.
Naim 555PS Reference CD player power supply, includes PowerLine. $Call.
NaimNet Music Servers
Naim NS01 - NaimNet-enabled single-zone six-stream network music server. $Call.  info

Coax S/PDIF 75 ohms 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz sample rates supported. All other formats converted to 44.1 kHz.
Naim NS02 - NaimNet-enabled four-zone six-stream network music server. $Call.  info

Coax S/PDIF 75 ohms 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz  sample rates supported. All other formats converted to 44.1 kHz.
Naim NS03 - NaimNet-enabled four-zone six-stream network music server - with touch panel. $Call.   info

Coax S/PDIF 75 ohms 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz  sample rates supported. All other formats converted to 44.1 kHz.
Naim Music Server
Naim HDX Music Server. $Call.

Playback of non-DRMed WAV, MP3, AAC, FLAC and WMA files is currently supported with bit-depth / sample rates up to 24-bit/192 kHz. More info.
Naim Digital-Analog Converter
Naim DAC, DSP-based digital-to-analogue converter with USB/iPod dock, remote control, discrete output stage. $Call.

 

● Oppo

Oppo makes universal disc players. Their BDP-105 is pictured above.

Oppo Universal Bluray/SACD/DVD-Audio/CD Players
Oppo BDP-103. $499 + shipping.  info
Oppo BDP-105. $1199 + shipping.  info

 

● Quad

Quad makes digital components, pre-amplifiers, amplifiers. speakers, and tuners,  The 99 CD-P is pictured on the left.

 

Quad CD Players
 

 

● Simaudio Moon

Simaudio makes the Moon line of electronics. The CD3.3 player is pictured at the left.

Simaudio also makes pre-amplifiers, amplifiers, surround processors, and power conditioners.

Simaudio Digital
 

 

● Soulution

Soulution 740 CD playerSoulution makes digital components, pre-amplifiers, amplifiers.

The Soulution 740 CD player is pictured at the left.

 

 

 

Soulution Digital
Soulution 740 CD player. $Call.
Soulution 745 SACD/CD player. $Call.

Note: for a list of SACD recordings click here

 

● Spectral Audio

Founded in 1977, Spectral is one of the most respected names in high end audio today. Spectral makes digital components, preamplifiers, and amplifiers.

The Spectral SDR-4000SL CD Player is pictured at the left. This is a true reference CD player. Plus it also decodes HDCD-encoded CDs.

 

 

 

Spectral Reference CD Player
Spectral SDR-4000SL Reference CD Player. $Call.

 

● Theta

Theta makes digital components and surround sound processors, and amplifiers. Theta products are available in silver and black. You will find owner's manuals in pdf format here.

 


Theta Digital Transports and Players
Theta Compli  CD/DVD-Video/DVD-Audio/SACD Player. $Call.
Plays almost any format disc. Includes analog 2-channel, analog 6-channel, and proprietary Theta digital outputs for all formats.
Theta Digital-to-Analog Converters
Theta DS Pro Gen VIII Series II D-A converter/preamp. $Call.
Includes variable analog output, performed in analog domain, optionally controlled by Theta surround sound processor.
Theta update from Gen VIII D-A Series I to II. $Call.
Includes variable analog output, performed in analog domain, optionally controlled by Theta surround sound processor.

 

Music Servers & outboard D-A converters for playing High Resolution Files

Berkeley Audio Design

Boulder

Linn

MSB

NAD

Naim

Custom Silent Music Server

 

High Resolution files are designed to be played on a computer-based music server. For best sonic results you would have the Music Server feed an outboard DAC. Ideally a Music Server should be able to do all of the following sampling rates (measured in kHz) at 16, 20, and 24 bits in both WAV or FLAC formats :

  • 192 kHz / 24 bit

  • 176.4 / 24

  • 96 / 24

  • 88.2 / 24

  • 48 / 24

  • 44.1 / 24

  • 44.1 / 16  (normal CD resolution)

This is a very exciting development because for the first time bit-for-bit copies of master recordings can now be played right in your home! For more information you are welcome to call us at 781-893-9000.

 

● Berkeley Audio Design

Berkeley Audio Design - Alpha DAC - front

   Berkeley Audio Design - Alpha DAC - rear

Berkeley Audio Design manufactures the acclaimed Alpha DAC Series 2 shown at the left. Many people feel that this is the best value in high end D-A converters available today. It can also drive a power amp directly as it features remote control volume.

Berkeley Audio Design was also one of the earliest manufacturers who supported high resolution files, so this was designed to handle all of the supported sampling rates seamlessly with autosensing. The Alpha DAC Series 2 front and rear views are shown above.

Berkeley Audio Design Digital-Analog Converter
Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Series 2. $4,995 (silver) or $5195 (black).

This advanced Digital-to-Analog converter autosenses and plays all standard PCM formats (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz at 16, 20 and 24 bits). It also decodes HDCD. For more info click here.

Owner's manual

[For more info on music servers that are completely silent so that you place one next to your Alpha DAC without being distracted by any fan or hard disk noise click here.]

Berkeley Audio Design USB to AES-EBU/SP-DIF Converter/ReClocker
Berkeley Audio Design Alpha USB. $1895 (black).

More info.

 

● Boulder

 

Boulder was founded in 1984 and has become recognized world-wide for its high quality products. Boulder make preamps as well as power and integrated amps.

The Boulder 2020 Digital-to-Analog converter is shown on the left.

 

 

 

CD Player (also plays high resolution DVD's)
Boulder 1021 CD Player. $Call.

NOTE:  This player will play discs with CD, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, and OGG formats. It will also play DVD recordable discs (DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW). So you can play full length high-resolution albums (such as the HRx discs from Reference Recordings) or hours of CD resolution music on any of the above DVD-R formats. However it will not the play  DVD-A format nor is it a video DVD player.]
Digital-Analog Converter
Boulder 2020 D-A Converter. $Call.

NOTE: This DAC can be fed from a CD transport as well as from a music server and will support high resolution files. It will operate at sampling rates of 32k, 44.1k, 48k, 64k, 88.2k and 96k, each at any word length from 16-bits to 24-bits, all via a single AES/EBU cable.

[For more info on music servers that are completely silent so that you place one next to your Boulder DAC without being distracted by any fan or hard disk noise click here.]

 

● dCS

dCS makes digital components

The dCS CD/SACD Player and Puccini U-Clock USB Converter/Clock are pictured above.

dCS Digital Components
link to all digital products

 

● Linn

Linn Kilmax DS Music Server - Satin Anodised Aluminium

Linn makes four different music servers as listed below. They are designed to access a remote NAS (Network Attached Storage) where all of the music is stored. That way the NAS which can make a bit of noise from spinning fans and hard drives can be out of the listening room. And that way all of the Linn DS models have no moving parts, so they are completely silent and therefore can sit on your equipment rack right next to your other components. They can all play FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF and MP3 audio formats up to 24-bit / 192 kHz native sample rate. Here is link for some more general information on the product line.

 

The Linn Klimax DS is pictured in a satin aluminum finish.

Linn Digital Stream Players
Linn Sneaky Music DS Player. $Call.
 
product info and owner's manual and installation manual
Linn Majik DS Player. $Call.
 
product info and owner's manual
Linn Akurate DS Player. $Call.
 
product info and owner's manual
Linn Klimax DS Player. $Call.
 
product info and owner's manual

 

● MSB Technology

MSB makes digital components and power amps

The MSB Data CD IV is pictured above.

MSB Digital Components
link to all digital products
Universal Media Transport

 

● NAD

 

NAD has just released the new M2 which will play all PCM sampling rates. Not only does it function as a D-A converter in that it takes in digital signals and outputs analog, but the M2 functions as a complete digital integrated amp and has an analog input as well. NAD makes analog preamps as well as analog power and integrated amps.

The NAD M2 is shown on the left.

 

 

Digital Integrated Amp
NAD M2. $Call.
 

    M2 Direct Digital Amplifier Features

  • Direct Digital Amplifier
  • 2 X 250W Continuous Power at 8 and 4 Ohms
  • Digital Soft Clipping (switchable)
  • 5 Position Digital Impedance Compensation Filter
     

    Analogue-to-Digital Conversion

  • A/D Conversion for Analogue Inputs
  • Multi-bit Delta/Sigma 24/216kHz
  • Sample rate 32kHz - 192kHz
  • 124dB S/N Ratio
  • High Resolution 120dB Digital Attenuator
     

    Ins and Outs

  • Inputs Digital SPDIF: AES/EBU, Coaxial X 2, Optical X 2
  • Inputs Analogue: Balanced, Single-ended
  • Processor Loop: SPDIF Optical (Mac PC compatible) out/in
  • 2 Sets of Speaker Binding Posts to facilitate Bi-wiring
  • Remote Control
     

    Control Options

  • RS-232 serial data port
  • IR Input
  • 12V Trigger Input and Output
  • <1W Standby Consumption
  • 90% Amplifier Efficiency
Full Specifications can be found in the M2 Manual

 

 

● Naim

 

 

Naim makes digital components, preamps, amps, speakers, and tuners. A full line Naim price list link is here. The Naim HDX Music Server is pictured.

 

 

Naim Music Server
Naim HDX Music Server. Features: Rips CDs to WAV only, 2 x 400GB hard disk drives internally, NAS external support for increased capacity and back-up. $Call. See review and more info.

     Option: external digital power supply - Naim 555PS $Call. or Naim XPS2 $Call.  Owner's Manual

     Option: UPS battery backup (server side)

     Option: outboard DAC - Naim DAC $Call.— or the Berkeley Alpha DAC Series 2 $Call.

The Naim HDX Music Server - Playback of non-DRMed WAV, MP3, AAC, FLAC and WMA files is currently supported with bit-depth / sample rates up to 24-bit/192 kHz [other file formats supported with subsequent software updates].

Compact Disc playback is also possible, by ripping the digital audio to hard disk in real time and streaming the PCM data to the audio outputs. Playback via this setting is seamless and includes the benefits of disc metadata and artwork (provided by AMG), which can be displayed on the various user interfaces (front-panel touchscreen, Web browser, or via the TV/VGA interface connection on the rear panel). An IR remote is also provided, making operation of the player as simple as loading a CD and pressing play!

Additional storage can be added via USB (ideal for flash memory-based thumbdrives or portable music players, including Apple’s iPod™), or, better still, network-attached storage [direct ripping to NAS storage pools supported with software update, Q4 2008]. In addition, the HDX can scan other network shares (including PC- and Mac-based personal computers utilizing Windows File Sharing or SMB/CIFS).

Internally, the HDX player contains separate power supplies (high-current switched-mode power supply for the server components, plus a high-quality linear power supply with toroidal transformer for the audio circuits). The performance of the audiophile-grade digital and analogue audio portions of the player can be upgraded with the addition of an XPS2 or 555PS external power supply, as with Naim’s Compact Disc player range, while one may simultaneously utilize a UPS battery backup for the server side, providing the utmost in both performance and reliability.

HDX Manuals:

Naim HDX hard disk player- Quick Start Guide

Naim HDX hard disk player - Owner's Manual

Naim HDX hard disk player Statutory and Generic Information

White Papers—for more info:

Naim CD Ripping Engine.pdf

Naim Server Sound Rip Technology.pdf 

Naim Extended Music Database.pdf

Naim Hard Disk Thermal Analysis.pdf

 
NaimNet Music Servers
Naim NS01 - NaimNet-enabled single-zone six-stream network music server. $Call.

Coax S/PDIF 75 ohms 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz  sample rates supported. All other formats converted to 44.1 kHz.
Naim NS02 - NaimNet-enabled four-zone six-stream network music server. $Call.

Coax S/PDIF 75 ohms 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz  sample rates supported. All other formats converted to 44.1 kHz.
Naim NS03 - NaimNet-enabled four-zone six-stream network music server - with touch panel. $Call.

Coax S/PDIF 75 ohms 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz  sample rates supported. All other formats converted to 44.1 kHz.
Naim Digital-Analog Converter
Naim DAC, DSP-based digital-to-analogue converter with USB/iPod dock, remote control, discrete output stage. $Call.

 
   
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