Digital Drive: REVIEW: Grant Fidelity CD-327A CD Player/Recorder by jaghouse

Model:	CD-327A
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$600
Description:	Tube CD player
Manufacturer URL:	Grant Fidelity
Model Picture:	View

Review by jaghouse on February 26, 2012 at 10:52:54
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for the CD-327A

Having my CD player (nOrh CD1) bite the dust prompted an expeditious search for a replacement with an approximate price of $1k. First on the wish list was a Raysonic CD128 but was unable to find a used one so in my internet meanderings I came across the very affordable Grant Fidelity CD-327A. Both the CD128 and 327A have tube output stages and up-sampling options that can be defeated. The importance of the latter due to some negative reviews of up-samplers and the former because of the positive results I had with the tubed nOrh and the ability to tweak sound from tube rolling.
After receiving prompt replies from Rachel at Grant Fidelity concerning the shipping process the unit was quickly delivered to my address with adequate packaging. It did not take long for me to replace the stock Chinese tubes for NOS. This eliminated the slight hardness in the mid-range and added 100 US dollars to the final price tag. I opted to go the NOS route instead of choosing the factory upgrade option of Psvane tubes which were also 100 dollars and consequently I cannot comment on these tubes. Providing this player delivers reliable and satisfying sound, the $600 (+ $100 tube option) would truly constitute a high value.
Build quality is very solid. The unit has substantial weight, chassis mounted RCA jacks and an all aluminum remote. The only aspect that does not evoke confidence would be the CD drawer that is noticeably flimsy. Feet are plastic spikes at the four corners that I think can be unscrewed to provide equal contact but I have it propped up on Vibrapods and cones. As previously mentioned the 327A has the ability to play at user adjustable sample rates. After experimenting with the three rates it is obvious that in my system the 44.1khz rate is more detailed and has greater range with less grain than the other two higher frequency rates. Not surprising then is the fact that the defunct nOrh, with a 24bit/96kHz dac sounded similar in refinement (less refinement that is!) to the up-sampled rates of the 327A. Is up-sampling a myth? This has me wondering and no doubt the ability to defeat up-sampling is a requirement in my book.
Upon powering up via the front mounted switch there is a 20 second soft start wait until audio signals can be sent. Drawer speed and initial disc recognition are prompt not taking more than 3 seconds to perform these duties. Transport noise is unnoticeable and movement of the laser during specific track selection is very quick. My only complaint is that on occasion I have experienced some disc reading errors. A couple of times a disc would not be recognized at all and other times it seems the laser lost its track on the disc which induced substantial skipping. The problems were quickly remedied by either pressing stop then play, eject/close, or turning the unit off briefly. These occurrences are not chronic right now, having happened about 5 times in 2 months, so it is of minor concern for me but it does not inspire confidence as far as reliability goes. In contrast the nOrh never once over nearly 10 years had a disc reading error that was not caused by a deep scratch or pit. Now on to the sound...
The 327A with NOS tubes sounds simply incredible. Delineated, detailed, accurate, grain free and extended are how I would describe the sound. Instrument separation improves with the loss of grain and added detail and thus prevents smear in complex passages. Instruments in the background with lower dynamic representation are scoured from the disc and brought forth to the listener. Decay is fabulous following vocals, cymbals and acoustic instruments. Bite is also here in spades as leading edges of muted trumpets and certain synthesizers for example are introduced with nuance and grip. Frequency range is wide, representing both ends of the spectrum nicely without harshness or bloat. Speed and attack are not slowed by the tubes in any way. I have not had any extended experience with a vinyl front end but the tonal and timbral truth represented by the 327A has further distanced my thoughts of venturing into this format. It is hard to imagine this level of refinement can be had for a price significantly less than $1,000.
I am extremely satisfied with the 327A and would only like improvements made on the disc reading reliability and drawer construction. But at a $600 base price I really cannot complain very loudly considering the glorious sound this player is capable of. Hats off to Grant Fidelity for delivering on their promise of high end, not high priced.

Product Weakness:	Drawer, occasional reading errors.
Product Strengths:	Tonal accuracy, frequency range, grain free, instrument separation, price.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Cayin A-88T
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Grant Fidelity CD-327A
Speakers: Dynaudio Focus 220 II
Cables/Interconnects: Audioquest Type 4/JPS Labs Superconductor +
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock, Jazz, Electronic
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 months
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Cayin A-88T
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Grant Fidelity CD-327A
Speakers:	Dynaudio Focus 220 II
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest Type 4/JPS Labs Superconductor +
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, Jazz, Electronic
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 months
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner