The Sony CDP-507ESD is a high-end, vintage compact disc player from Sony's esteemed ES (Elevated Standard) series, likely produced in the late 1980s or early 1990s. These players were renowned for their exceptional build quality, sophisticated digital and analog circuitry, and focus on delivering a superior audio experience. The "Digital" in your query likely refers to its advanced digital-to-analog conversion capabilities.
Key Features and Characteristics:
High-Quality Digital-to-Analog Conversion (DAC): The "D" in the model name (507ESD) signifies its digital capabilities, particularly its advanced DAC section. This player typically utilized dual Burr-Brown PCM56P-J DAC chips per channel. These were highly regarded 16-bit converters known for their smooth and musical sound reproduction. The dual-DAC configuration aimed to improve linearity and reduce noise.
Oversampling and Digital Filtering: To further enhance audio quality, the CDP-507ESD incorporated oversampling (likely 4x or 8x) and sophisticated digital filtering. This process moves unwanted digital artifacts to higher frequencies, where they can be more effectively filtered out by the analog output stage, resulting in a cleaner and more detailed sound.
Stable Disc Transport Mechanism: The ES series players were known for their robust and stable CD transport mechanisms. The CDP-507ESD likely featured a high-quality linear motor transport with a rigid chassis to minimize vibrations and ensure accurate disc reading. This contributes to reduced jitter and improved sonic accuracy.
Copper-Plated Chassis and Shielding: To minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), which can negatively impact audio quality, the CDP-507ESD often featured a copper-plated chassis and internal shielding. This meticulous attention to detail was a hallmark of the ES series.
Dual Power Transformers: Many high-end CD players of this era employed separate power transformers for the digital and analog sections. This helps to isolate these circuits and prevent noise from the digital processing from contaminating the delicate analog signals, leading to a cleaner sound.
Fixed and Variable Analog Outputs: The CDP-507ESD typically offered both fixed and variable analog outputs (RCA). The variable output allows for direct connection to a power amplifier, bypassing the need for a separate preamplifier in simpler systems. The output level could often be controlled via the remote.
Digital Outputs: The player usually featured both coaxial and optical digital outputs. This allowed for connection to external DACs or digital recording devices.
Comprehensive Front Panel Controls: The front panel would include standard playback controls (play, pause, stop, skip forward/backward), track programming functions, repeat modes, and often a display showing track number, time, and other relevant information.
High-Quality Analog Output Stage: The analog output stage, following the DAC, was carefully designed with high-quality components to ensure a clean and faithful reproduction of the converted audio signal.
Remote Control: A full-function remote control would have been included, offering convenient operation of all the player's features.
Headphone Output with Volume Control: A dedicated headphone output with its own volume control was often present for private listening.
Specifications (Based on available information):
Disc Format: CD
Digital Converter: Dual Burr-Brown PCM56P-J per channel, 16-bit
Oversampling: Likely 4x or 8x
Frequency Response: 2 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.05 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): Less than 0.0017% at 1 kHz
