SACDmods.com
Modifications for the Onix XCD-99 CD Player
The Onix XCD-99, Onix CD-25, and Music Hall CD-25 are basically identical players produced by Shanling in China for the respective brands here in the United States (or U.K.). These players use a Burr Brown PCM1732U HDCD balanced voltage output DAC. The player has an opamp based output stage that is transistor buffered, and I would consider it somewhat of an overcomplicated mess. The player has a linear power supply, stable Philips transport, and is an excellent candidate for modifications. The XCD-99 shown below was a custom modification using MapleShade brass feet and SoundCoat damping material, which I would not include on a regular modification.
The mod significantly improves the sound, as usual, smoother, more refined, and with the tremendous dynamic power of the ZapFilter output stage.
Details:
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!
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 XCD-99 or CD-25 into the 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.
Fairchild HEXFRED Diodes--(8) Installed on the power supply to the analog stage and DACs, the soft recovery diodes provide clean power to enhance DAC performance.
Black Gate Capacitors--Installed on the DAC power supply: 1 x 100uF 50V Black Gate Standard, 4 x 10uF 16V Black Gate Standard, 2 x 3.3uF 50V Black Gate PK, 1 x 22uF 50V Black Gate PK. These capacitors decrease noise levels at the DAC.
Cardas GRFA Silver/Rhodium RCA jacks--(2) 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 XCD-99 or CD-25. The player 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 MCH front channel. The balanced output modification is available in addition to the standard modification package for $75 extra.
Modification Packages:
PLEASE READ ALL PURCHASE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW CAREFULLY!!!
Standard Mod: All of the above. Stereo outputs are modified for full performance! $730.00
Balanced Outputs. Available in addition to the standard modification. $75.00
All prices include several hours worth of professional installation.
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.
$299.95
SPECIFIC PURCHASE AND SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS:
GENERAL PURCHASE INSTRUCTIONS:
Shipping Options
United States of America: Return shipping and handling is $30.00 in the continental U.S.A. for cash/check orders, and PayPal shipping is calculated by percentage (5% of mod total). 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.
Modifications warranted from defects for 1 year from date of installation. This warranty includes parts and labor. Not responsible for damage due to electrical surges or lightning damage. Not responsible for customer negligence. Operation of this unit must be conducted in the same manner as described in the manufacturer's owner’s manual. Modifying this player does void your manufacturer warranty. This warranty does not cover failures or defects in the manufacturer's components unless I can confirm it was caused by the modifications. We service what we sell!
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