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Has anyone replaced the PC on their tosh 3990? It appears the same cord as the 3950....I understand the Oppo power cord replacement is worthwhile, what about the Tosh? Any info is helpful and appreciated...Also thanks again to all who replied to the 3990 thread below...lloyd
Follow Ups:
I purchased this unit yesterday at Best Buy for $33.99 just to see what the fuss was about! I can't believe how good it sounds. It is better than many $1000 players and is far better than the Rotel 1072 that I used to own. I use this with a high end set-up utilizing Apogee Scintillas which are highly revealing. Thanks again to those who posted about this amazing machine.
Bob, get a grip. This little player is very good for the money, but it is a far cry from being high fidelity. The highs are way too hot, causing sibilance. The mids are fairly clear, but colored. Instruments lack true timbre, and character. Bass is smeared, and soft. The squirrely playback could use some serious reclocking.It may be a winner for receiver and box speaker systems, but certainly not good company for the great Scintilla. I wish you were here so I could demonstrate what I am talking about.
This from a local audiophile who has a crack SET system with oodles of musicality and detail:
Vince,
I've been using a Toshiba 3960 for 2 years now in my second system rig. It's
the prior version of what you have (but I think I paid retail of $69)
which at the time was all the rage on the asylum. Stock it's just as you describe. And,
yes, I know what you mean, Vince! Darned good for the $, but no way
is it a contender compared to the big boys. Fun to compare and find
something so cheap that you can tweak and what are you out, $38?!
Vince,
I think that you are wrong in your thoughts about this unit. You think that I am wrong also. I have no problem in our both agreeing to disagree. I do that regularly with my spouse! As I posted at the Apogee forum, the variation in our results probably has more due to the differences in our ancillary equipment. A friend who has an incredible kilobuck system agrees wholeheartedly with my assessment and is currently using this player. My point is only that there is a variety of opinion on this player. Now your choice of speakers is something we can agree on! Bob
Bob,Fine then, but it is not an opinion. My "ancillary equipment" is first rate. The fact I can hear the true character of this cheap player, just as it has with every player through here, speaks very well for Henry's creations.
The H2O and Fire will ferret out every bitsy passed on by wires and front ends. The Audio Note fine tunes all nuances of the music. Orchestra pieces show it off. My friend's SET system is par excellence at detail and staging. His is the other opinion.
If you cannot hear the glaring deficiencies of the stock Toshiba, then it is your ancillary equipment that is masking it's faults. Vince
Vince,
As you know, I think the world of Henry Ho (H20) and wish him well on his new move to Texas. He really is a fine man and I feel blessed to know him. I can tell you that my ancillary equipment is first rate and as you know I have quite a bit of experience with the equipment that you use (less the front end). I love this hobby for all the surprises that one encounters and all the pleasure that it brings. Thanks Vince for taking the time and trouble to check out this machine. We all experience things differently and using different gear brings interactions between gear that is hard to predict. I am not at all surprised that some will not like the Toshiba according to their preferences and gear interactions. Your opinion on this topic is just as valid as mine. The good news is that anyone can try the machine and if they don't like it that can take it back for no loss. That doesn't happen in audio!On another note, I spoke to Teajay yesterday by phone who started the incredible Reference DAC thread on Audiogon. It is really one of the most informative threads that one could read. It turns out that he only lives 10 minutes from where I work! He has the amazing Accustic Arts Dac mk 4 and transport to the tune of approximately 14K and he uses the largest Magnepans MG20s. We plan on getting together very soon and I told him that I will bring the little Toshiba to his house for laughs. I will let everyone know the results when that happens. All the best. Bob
Quote:
" I spoke to Teajay yesterday by phone who started the incredible Reference DAC thread on Audiogon... He has the amazing Accustic Arts Dac mk 4 and transport to the tune of approximately 14K and he uses the largest Magnepans MG20s. We plan on getting together very soon and I told him that I will bring the little Toshiba to his house for laughs. I will let everyone know the results when that happens.
Bob,
I read throught the Reference DAC post you mentioned and agree with you describing it as incredible: Have you had a chance to bring the 3990 over to Teajay's for laughs, yet ?cheers,
PeAK
Thank you for your civility, Bob. I must admit I am being the more defensive. Did you try the Fire? This much I can tell you. it's something almost no owner of Henry's creations know. The H2O and the Fire are blank slates on which the user must write their own preferential sound. I know this for a fact, because I have had a lot of audio crazies through here, bringing along their favorite CDP, or DAC. Each and every front end exhibited their distinctive stamp on sound. There is a particularly marked difference between the non-oversamplers and the oversamplers.For example, the Toshiba is clearer sounding than the many fold more expensive Consonance I had here for a time. The Consonance, on the other hand, was far better at simple ensembles, PRAT, and bass. Neither hold a candle to my modified Lambda, and Audio Note. That's not just my opinion, it is ever listener's opinion as well.
I have to wonder how you can state you are getting more detail out of your system since you changed amps. This is something I cannot believe, since I already went through that route. It also flies in the face of other highly resolving systems I know of, like the SET system I have mentioned, and an all TacT system I am very familiar with. The Toshiba sucks on their systems too.
Like I said before, and this is not a bluff, you would be astonished at the difference between the two systems. The lame Toshiba, with it's hot HF might seem more detailed at first, then you start notice all the missing nuances that define instruments like the violin, let alone the Stradivarius. You will be amazed at the distinct players of the violin section on the AN, where the Toshiba lumps the same. It is all easily demonstrable, and it is no small preferential nudge.
The Toshiba's hot highs also made a mess of singers. Their exhaled breath was more evident than their voice. Solid state amps do not pass on this trait so much, as they supplant The Toshiba hiss with their own HF thickness.
I have the movie screen up now, and Serena is talking about her Aussie win. Even the cable box sound is superior to the Toshiba's.
It is clear I cannot convince you, since you believe you know what I am listening to. You just would have to be here. You would leave wondering why?
Vince
Vince,
I would love to come visit you but not to underscore our differences of opinion. I would visit to celebrate our common love of music. Are you coming to Chicago anytime soon to visit your daughter? Aren't you in Sacramento? Maybe a Yosemite to San francisco by way of Sacramento trip would be in order this summer! A tip of my hat to you as one of the passionate audiophiles that I know. I am quite sure that if we can arrange this meeting we would be both leave richer than before. OK, and if I could prove that you were wrong it would even be better! I'm not perfect!All the best. Bob
Bob, nothing would make me happier than to open my doors to your visit.Actually, both my Chicago daughter and I will be in Manhattan in late April to celebrate the marriage of her twin sister.
Yes, I am in Sacramento, a short trip away from Yosemite, and an hour away from beautiful San Francisco.
If you want to hear the truth about the little Toshiba, you will have to tote your DVD player with you. You needn't though, as I promise you would be treated to gorgeous Scintilla music anyway.
Here's to friendship in music.
You're not alone ...
PwAK, funny you should mention drums. With my equipment I hear the taut skin of every drum. With the Toshiba, just a note.
Muralman1, your post should have read:
Bob, get a grip. This little player is very good for the money, but it is a far cry from being high fidelity.
Quote from a local audiophile who has a crack SET system with oodles of musicality and detail:
"
The highs are way too hot, causing sibilance. The mids are fairly clear, but colored. Instruments lack true timbre, and character. Bass is smeared, and soft. The squirrely playback could use some serious reclocking. It may be a winner for receiver and box speaker systems, but certainly not good company for the great Scintilla. I wish you were here so I could demonstrate what I am talking about."
Just to be clear, the comments made above were not by Murlaman1 . There are probably aspects to the comments related to system synergy as I'm sure the SET based system was not driving Scintillas. Bob (Baranyi) has also tried burn-in (necessary) and different interconnects .
The chassis is very lightweigtht and resonant and needs to be damped...I know it is hard to take seriously and to "tweak it" but it is far ahead of your 3960 unit (even modded). The output stage is using a 60 cent dual op-amp which is probably one of the first upgrades to try.
I am muralman1. I own Scintillas. You copied my statement, not the quote. The quote I mentioned was of another testimony besides mine.I know upgrades can help. I have seen lots of low lying CDPs improved thusly. They never reach the levels set at great CDPs. I'm sure, for instance, I can throw on some MITs and cool the bright highs. Why should I?
Yes I misread your post. The 3990 comments at the top are yours while those at the bottom are from the SET user using the 3950.
Hi Baranyi...the RCD-855 was on my short list and the replacement RCD-1072 introduced in 2003 seems to have improved upon the formula based upon a review by Alan Taffel of TAS.In it he mentions the "air" seemingly lacking at low levels close to silence. He also mentions the bass as being a touch less "tight" than his other references. Similarly for the dynamic and scale on large symphonic works. Is the review a fair assessement of the 1072 and does it line up for you with the change to the Toshiba DVD player....is the Toshiba that much better compared to units in 2003? Progress on the CD front?
I think the review far overstated the virtues of this player. It was good but really only focused on the front of the soundstage. It was not 90% of players that were ten times more expensive. I can tell you that I bought a used Marantz SA-14 and it slaughtered the 1072. I think the Toshiba is far better than the Rotel. My Toshiba is excellent and low levels with much detail. The unit seems to fall apart somewhat at sonic peaks probably due to the small power supply( I am not technically inclined at all so that is just a guess). It has excellent transparency and the image while small is extremely layered and well positioned. For me it is the ultimately cheapy player. I may pick up the Oppo just to see what 7 times the cost of the Toshiba will buy! Bob
Thanks for your comments. I'll look forward to your comparative statements with the Oppo (971 or 970?). I'm familiear with the LM4558 op-amp (dual 741 class) in Toshiba and am surprised at the sound they got out of the output stage...but unlike you, my rolled-off hearing finds "peak" levels to be pretty acceptable. An op-amp upgrade is in the works (probably LT1361) and I expect that this will take it to the next level based upon using it in the Art DI/O from about 4 years ago.PeAK
The Tosh 3990 , would give you a short silence between tracks even when there was no silence . Did anyone figure out how to get around that ? It's kinda irratating if your listening to an opera or classical piece (etal) and there is silence inserted where there should be non .TIA
Try out the following link where you can post your question
time to call their on-line support @ 1-800-268-3404 and talk to a human voice.
Baranyi,
What amp are you using to drive the Scintillas? I've heard the Scintillas a few times in the shop and just about spring for a pair of used Calipers (4 ohm load) but it probably would have necessitated an upgrade of the my Art SLA-1 amp (which I just love). If you are ever in the market for a highly involving, coherent, and detailed second pair of speakers (non planar), give the Axiom M22ti a listen...I preferred them to a pair of Newform speakers using a ribbon tweeters in my NAD 3020 based system (at that time).P.S. I gather you seen my SD-3990 page ...I agree with your descriptor of astounding
I use a pair Conrad Johnson Evolution 2000 hybrid amps on the Scintilla. They are a hybrid from the early 90's with a Supratek Chenin preamp. Bob
I just tried an Audioprism Blacklight on the Toshiba and it is incredible. The Toshiba sounds even more alive! I have used it on my last two CD players Marantz SA-1 and TRL Modified Sony Dvp 900 and it really didn't do much. On the Rotel 1072 it did make a difference. On the player it really brings the music alive and much more liqui. Very highly recommended with this player! I am pulling out all my CD's again! Bob
Bob,
I look forward to your experiments and was googling the Audioprism when I came across Herbie's Grungebuster post. Most seem to like it better than the Audioprism...have you tried it?
I tried the Herbie Grungebuster mat on the 3990 and it is an audible improvement..smoother and more complete, easier presentation with the newforms.....well worth a try...IMO
Thanks...I can feel the 3990 love...though I've known about this device for a while. I found the a review for 2.2 Version and testimonial . Your comments are the first I've seen related to Toshiba DVD players and the first for the 3990.
I was wondering if Toshiba made a little more expensive player that might not have the 2 second gap in the music. If so, is it as good as the 3990?
The SD-4990 (or SD-K860) is the next model up that adds video upcoversion (potentially improved resolution for existing DVD), SACD and DVD-A to the mix. Not sure if the chipset is still by Zoran and/or the gapless playback. The magic is in the drive, chipset and output stage...so the 4990 is a datapoint that needs to be explored.
I have changed interconnects and the results were amazing. At first, I thought that this player was a bit thin. After changing interconnects, the music became very romantic sounding but a bit closed in. This player is every bit as good as you guys have said and probably even better. I have a friend who has a 50K digital system and he likes the Toshiba just as much. I was planning to buy a more expensive digital system but not anymore! I may get the Oppo universal player to play SACD's and DVD A. Has anyone tried this unit? Bob
Sometimes changing out an RCA cable will alter the nature of how vibration is coupled to the unit for stiff cables combining with the light chassis weight of the the 3990. Right now I'm using some loosely coiled silver cables ( Analog Connect from Ack! Industries)...As Chris puts it, "the detail of silver but without unbalancing the bass").
Right now, the 3990 is resting on an almost fricitionless horizontal plane formed by the use of rollerballs underneath. Give it a try.
Thanks for the info on ic's Bob. I agree this unit is the 3020 of dvd players.....it is pretty surprising...I've ordered the Cardas RCA caps as PeAK suggested. I bought mine from Parts Connection. I'll post what I hear....basically I bought the player for video with cd as backup only...but it is seriously good....a lot for the buck....cheers, lloyd
I guess going the "Cardas" route is one way but here are a couple of links regarding this termination for the DIY type:
Apogee Scintilla's and a $35 cd player! and the CDP sounds good?! that's impressive!
admin - audioreview.com
To me one of the beauties of this player is it's price. I understand the urge to tweak, but Im trying to resist it in this (one) case...with all the "purist" thoughts about audio floating around, I am thinking "purely cheap" is worth exploring if for nothing else than the hell of it. Good luck finding an cord upgrade!. Post here how it goes.. I may change my mind.....
Just pure Boredom at work IMO :_)
Howver there ARE mods to the Tosh that do work.. Swapping out a few strategic caps ..does.. make genuine improvements. Google for the Sweeny mods.. worth emulating, you will not be dissapointed.
Damping and caulking I find to only make a disgusting mess... avoid it like the Plague.
Got a specific link? Googling it got me no where in 3 pages. Searching here came up blank. Maybe I ( or my pc) am having a bad day. Thanks.
Try using Dave's (Pogue) experience with HD-14 .PeAK
Saw a post on "The Asylum Power Cord" by the late Bob Crump and gave it a try. Uses Belden 19364, Pass & Seymour AC Plugs and Schurter IECs. QUITE an improvement over the HD-14s and really inexpensive to boot. Make it up yourself or go to RAM Electronics for a 6' pair at $38. A friend has replaced really pricy PCs with this stuff and likes it better.
Even I know that power cords don't normally come as pairs. The price is for one.
The Toshiba 3950 I modded with an HD-14 PC is long gone; the above post obviously relates to PCs in general.
.
"Music is God's gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven."
-Walter Savage Landor
John Swenson mods
"Music is God's gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven."
-Walter Savage Landor
Thanks!
.
"Music is God's gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven."
-Walter Savage Landor
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