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REVIEW: Heart CD6000 CD Player/Recorder

Model:	CD6000
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$749.00
Description:	Marantz CD6000 player with tube output stage & tweaking by Heart
Manufacturer URL:	Heart
Model Picture:	View

Review by cpcat (A) on February 01, 2002 at 18:06:06 IP Address: 209.214.50.41

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I've had this player for 2 and 1/2 weeks now. First of all, my purchasing
experience with Frank Stuppel at fsaudioweb was first rate. The player was shipped the day after I ordered it and tracking information was immediately
emailed to me. Frank was extremely polite and cordial and was available either via email or phone. The value of personal service can't be understated. The player arrived in perfect condition, double-boxed, and I also received "Auric Illuminator", a CD treatment/tweak free of charge. Initial impressions were very favorable as regards to build quality, cosmetics, etc. It is somewhat more substantial appearing than the AH Tjoeb 4000 player which I had already. Its slightly heavier and has a thicker faceplate. The insides are very neatly laid-out in spite of the post production mods performed by Heart. Obvious are the added transformers (6 I think) two of which are output transformers for the tube
stage. The first thing that impressed me was how quiet they are. Even with my Power Plant set to multiwave there is no transformer noise to speak
of (can't hear anything at all unless you put your ear to the player). This seems to be a minor irritation with some units especially using the Power Plant (some minor noise with the AH player, esp. with SS1 but not as bad with SS5). Not so with the Heart. I could use any setting without having to worry about noise. Very nice.

Let's talk about break-in. I've heard others say this player requires 200
hrs or so. I'd say its more like 300. I don't really know why, maybe its the output transformers. The sound of this player changed more than maybe I've ever experienced before. Initially, I was treated to an extremely detailed sound with excellent dynamics, but with somewhat excessively crisp
leading edges especially with cymbals, snares, etc. It was also somewhat lean on the bottom end ititially. Sound familiar? It sounded very similar to stereotypical solid state CD playback, so I put the player on repeat and it ran continuously for about 10 days (I of course listened in when the opportunity arose). At about the 200 hour point, things started to improve
significantly. The "crispness" gradually lessened and the bass rejoined the music (thank goodness). The soundstage also grew wider and more three-
dimensional. It was at this time that I began evaluating various tubes
(see below). After I had settled on my tube preference, I continued to hear further improvement with break-in up to about 300 hrs or so. What I
have now is simply music. I find myself drawn into and moved by recordings
so much easier with this player. All the detail and dynamics are there, but there are no penalties for it. Everything is so relaxed and naturally
presented. I could go on and on but suffice it to say that IMO this player
is a steal for this price.

Now, let's talk tubes. First, the stock Sovteks. Not bad altogether and this player's merits still shine with its stock equipment. A little brighter than I prefer but very dynamic. What I missed with this tube was the midrange you get with some of the NOS tubes below. Next, the Philips
JAN 6922's were somewhat similar to the Sovteks. I actually preferred the Sovteks. The Philips seemed even brighter with a more metallic sound and
less bass. Next comes the Ediswan 2492. Now it's getting better. The midrange was back and back came the textured sound that I've learned to crave with tubes. I still could've used a little better bass, though. In
pops the Amperex 7308's. Now we're talking. It had excellent bass impact, midrange and overall was my 2nd favorite. The winner? If you had to guess, it was the Siemens 7308 gold-pin. To me it had all the advantages of the Amperex but seemed slightly more textured and real in the mids. There is also a Siemens 7308 steel pin which I've yet to audition that I'm
sure would also be a candidate for top 2 or 3 in this player.

Almost done. I'm sure some are wondering how I feel the Heart player compares with the AH Tjoeb 4000. I've been very happy with the AH player up to now. It provided an introduction to the world of tubes to me and certainly is a good value. However, the Heart IMO is in another league.
Everything is a step or two above: detail, dynamics, depth, width, dimensionality (?depth x width), and overall musicality. In addition, the reduction in noise floor with the Heart is easily audible from my listening
position about 16 feet away. Maybe it's the dual differential DAC's, maybe
the true tube output stage, but the Heart player belies its modest price.

If you're in the market for a CD player anywhere near this price range,and
assuming you're not into aggressive or "digital" sound, I'd wholeHeartedly recommend this player.

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Product Weakness:	long break-in, display a little "busy" and difficult to see from far away
Product Strengths:	see above

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Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Pass x150 (dual, biamped)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Aragon Soundstage
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	see above
Speakers:	PSB Stratus Gold I
Cables/Interconnects:	Alpha-Core, Monster, Wireworks
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, Jam Bands, some Jazz
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio Power Plant 300
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

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