SACDmods.com

Modifications for the Denon DVD-3930CI universal player.

The Denon DVD-3930CI is probably the best sounding digital player I've heard to date after completing modifications.  If there is one thing this player does well above all others, it is that it sounds unnervingly close to analog, vinyl in particular.  This particular player features a unique DAC setup using a pair of Texas Instruments/Burr Brown PCM1796 current output 2 channel DACs to drive the stereo outputs.  This means that you effectively have two DACs per channel.  Ideally this provides lower noise and reduces nonlinearities and other unwanted transients in the output signal.  The stock configuration uses eight opamps per channel, performing all current to voltage conversions individually, then summing a pair of voltage signals before filtering and buffering through the final opamp.  The opamp of choice for all the voltage operations is the NJM2068, a chip designed to emphasize even order harmonics and sound as "tube like" as possible.  [On a side note, this perception is from those who have never heard good quality modern tube equipment.]  The use of this chip results in the Denon "house sound" since the 2068 tends to roll over details, but sounds fairly rich and full. 

The SACDmods DVD-3930 modification builds upon all the good points of the player's design.  As one of Denon's high-end audio players, the 3930 uses a linear power supply with extremely oversized filtering capacitors from Elna.  The extent of power supply mods necessary with this player is to just change out the stock rectifier diodes with a quad of fast recovery epitaxial diodes, resulting in an even smoother sound.  The audio clock was swapped out for a D-Clock at 24.576 MHz, which is an audio specific frequency for 24 bit encoded music.  The Denon AL24 processing appears to be operating off of this clock.  As always, a clock mod results in smoother, less fatiguing sound by eliminating any remaining digital jitter.   Finally, the output stage was modified to take full advantage of the parallel DAC topology.  The current outputs of the DACs are connected into pairs at the PC board, then the current signals run to the ZapFilter output stage through a single twisted pair of Cardas silver wire in Teflon jacketing.  The ZapFilter outputs are connected to the Cardas GRFA RCAs and/or Neutrik XLRs by way of Mogami Neglex stranded oxygen free copper wire.  The ZapFilter power supply had to be mounted externally to take in account the high ambient temperatures already produced by the 3930's power supplies and video processor.  Connections to the external power supply enclosure are made by a 5 foot handmade umbilical cord that is designed to not be susceptible to noise.  This modification takes at least one full day to complete due to the external PSU, but the results are well worth the time and expense.

The modified DVD-3930CI is the most analog-like player I have ever heard.  The bass drive and dynamics are incredible.  All instruments have a distinct mass and body around them.  Other players have an airy quality about them, but in comparison it seems like the player just started to form the sound before moving on to the next note.  The DVD-3930 finishes every note it starts with a warm liquid quality to it.  By no means does this player sound slow, bass is tight, impulses form instantly, and every transient recorded in the media is present.  If you've heard and appreciate good vinyl, then this player is the closest thing in the digital domain that might come close to satisfying a vinyl addict.

You might wonder if I have a new reference player.  I bought one for myself within 2 weeks of returning the prototype.  Whether it is the AL24 processing or something else, there is just something about the Denon DVD-3930 that makes it the player to get.

Details:

• LC Audio ZapFilter Mk II--The ultimate output stage for a CD player completely removes the need for a op-amp current to voltage stage, a low-pass filtering op-amp, and the buffering op-amp.  Essentially, it replaces 4 operational amplifier stages with a simple and absolutely superior output stage made of discreet components.  In addition, the ZapFilter includes its own power supply featuring a large toroid transformer and a schottky rectifier stage.  The sound is noticeably crisper, cleaner, more detailed, and open.  Bypassing the op-amp based output stage with this board transforms the 3930 into a real reference player because a player is only as good as its analog electronics.  It provides more gain than the stock op-amps, too.  Also included are a pair of 1,000uF Black Gate capacitors added to the ZapFilter power supply board.

        There are no coupling caps in the ZapFilter board, but rather a superior DC servo circuit.  This removes all chances

        of a capacitor smearing the sound.

•  ZapFilter Power Supply External Enclosure

                            Due to the limited space and already high ambient temperature of the DVD-3930, the ZapFilter power supply needed to be        

                            mounted in an external enclosure.  The power supply is connected with a handmade umbilical cord (5 foot length) terminated with 

                            mil-spec DB-9 connectors from Amphenol.  The power supply is controlled by the 3930, so connect the power supply to the

                            player and everything else is automatic. 

                                  Power Supply Components:

• LC Audio ZapFilter power supply

• Amveco toroidal power transformer

• LMB Heeger perforated aluminum enclosure

• 3M Bump-On extra tall feet

• Amphenol Mil-spec gold plated DB-9 connectors

• Amphenol die cast DB-9 backshells

• ALPHA commercial grade hook-up wire, 20 AWG

• 3M VFP876 very flexible polyolefin heat shrink tubing

• Vishay-Dale Aluminum housed power supply resistors

• DEXA "NewClassD" D-Clock Precision Master Clock Generator--This is a new clock design by Lars Clausen, formerly of LC Audio.  Accuracy is rated at +/-1ppm of rated frequency and the new clock generates a true square wave output.  The D-Clock has a unique microtransformer coupled output that eliminates ground loops in the clock circuitry.  This clock measures and sounds superior to the LClock XO3.  Clock modifications make any CD player sound remarkably smoother and more detailed.  Most notably, you may find yourself able to sit and listen for hours at a time when you may have become tired of listening to more than a few albums previously.

                                         Specifications:
                                                      Accuracy: +/- 1ppm
                                                      Jitter: 1.5pS
                                                      Df(9-24V): Max 1Hz
                                                      Control Functions: Host Vcc
                                                      Power Supply Requirements: 9.00 - 24.00 Volts DC 20 mA

   

  

  For more information on the DEXA D-Clock click image!

   

   

• HEXFRED Diodes--Installed on the power supply to the analog stage and DACs, the soft recovery diodes provide clean power to enhance DAC performance. 

• Cardas GRFA Silver/Rhodium RCA jacks--Installed for on the stereo outputs, the heavily machined and heavily plated Cardas GRFA RCA females provide the perfect termination for your ultimate analog stage.  The Cardas provides for a better connection for your quality cables, and feature a Teflon™ dielectric.  Connected with Cardas silver wire on the DAC output and Neglex oxygen free stranded copper on the ZapFilter output, all in Teflon tubing.

• Balanced Outputs--A balanced output modification is available for the 3930.  The 3930 uses balanced current output DACs, and the ZapFilter is designed for fully balanced operation with no phase splitting.  The board will amplify the positive and negative phase from the DAC, so true balanced operation is available.  The SACDmods balanced option will feature Neutrik XLRs in addition to Cardas RCAs for the Stereo outputs.

  Standard Mod: All of the above. Stereo outputs are modified for full performance!  $1095.00

Balanced Outputs.  Available in addition to the standard modification.  $75.00 

All prices include about 1 day's worth of professional installation by an electrical engineer!

Warranty is 1 year on modifications.

Try the SAPC-1:  Super Audio Power Cord

The only power cord with integrated filtering.  Click here to go to the product page. $299.99

SPECIFIC PURCHASE AND SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS:

GENERAL PURCHASE INSTRUCTIONS:

Shipping Options

United States of America:   Return shipping and handling is $40.00 in the continental U.S.A.  The 3930 is generally shipped in two boxes. The shipping charge pays for shipping supplies, handling, extra packaging (if necessary), pickup, and the actual shipping costs themselves.  I will choose the carrier of my choice unless the customer specifies.  Typically, I will use DHL as their ground service is a day faster than UPS.  Customers in Alaska and Hawaii need to contact me for a shipping estimate. 

Next Day Air, Second Day Air, and Three Day are available at higher shipping rates.  If you want these services, then contact me for an estimate.  Please include your zip code, package dimensions, weight, and whether your address is residential or commercial.

Canada:  Please contact me for a shipping estimate.  Average shipping costs are $40.00 by UPS,  Canadian customers are responsible for all taxes.

International:  International orders are accepted, but a processing fee may apply.  Also, international orders are shipped by the carriers above only.  Be prepared to pay a lot of shipping if you are outside of North America.  Shipping typically by USPS.

Payment Options 

Google Checkout, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Personal Check, and Cash.   Make checks and money orders payable to "Matthew Anker" and enclose them with the unit.  Cashier's check, cash, or money order are preferred, personal checks may be held until cleared.  Please note that Google Checkout prices are 2% higher than cash prices; this covers a portion of the credit card processing fees. 

Contact me for more details. 

See the Announcements page for current turn-around time.