Digital Drive: REVIEW: Muse Electronics Model 5 CD Player/Recorder by EdM

Model:	Model 5
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$2500
Description:	CD Transport with I2S Interface
Manufacturer URL:	Muse Electronics
Manufacturer URL:	Muse Electronics

Review by EdM on November 05, 2001 at 07:44:34
IP Address: 63.196.252.14

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for the Model 5

See my other review of the Muse Model 2 DAC. After being so impressed with the quality and improvement the Model 2 made on my system, I sought out Muse's CD transport. I was able to pick up one used and audition this past weekend.
I connected it to the Muse Model 2 dac via a Canare 75 ohm BNC cable since the older dac does not have a matching I2S interface.
The unit has a nice remote control but it was obviously designed for the whole product range so many controls do not function on the cd transport.
The other item of note is that Muse uses all very cool blue leds and displays.
Since it was used it did not require a breakin but I let it warm up for 48 hours (per Muse's instructions) before listening critically.
I had previously used a Pioneer PD-59 Stable Platter player as a dac, so I really didn't expect any overwhelming improvement but there definetly was a subtle one.
I try to use just 3 tracks on 3 cds to test new equipment:
Diana Krall-"The Look of Love"
Chis Isaak- "WIcked Games"
Loreena McKennit- "All Soul's Night"
The first noticeable difference is on piano: the notes are better defined and closer to the actual chords than with the Pioneer. Perhaps there is a very slight speed difference but the piano is one of my favorite instruments so I am very aware when a note is off. The Muse seems right on the money.
Playing through "The Look of Love", I noticed something different about Krall's voice. Whereas before it was somewhat edgy, with perhaps just a hint of graininess, she now sounded like honey. Each word, each utterence just rolling off, just letting go. She sounded so sweet- not in a syrupy way, no distraction, just no hint of edge or grain.
I listened to "Wicked Games" and the same effect was noticeable if you listened, his voice just flowed.
The Model 5 is a very, very nice unit indeed. Very heavy and solidly built, only the cd mechanism gives any evidence for possible concern: I wish they had built it around the Stable Platter, but then again-
It's how it sounds, that counts!

Product Weakness: Remote has no direct track access.
CD mechanism plastic
Product Strengths: Vocals, pianos

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Bryston 4B-ST
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Denon 5700
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Muse Model 5
Speakers:	Alon Capri
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest Diamondback
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	see review
Room Size (LxWxH):	12 x 12 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	DIY Accoustic panels
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 days
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Remote has no direct track access. CD mechanism plastic
Product Strengths:	Vocals, pianos