Compact disc player technology has evolved less dramatically than other areas of the home entertainment industry, which is perhaps something of a blessing. Certainly refinements to the Sony/Philips' universally accepted digital audio format have been more subtle and far more digestible - than the changes seen recently in the development of surround sound decoding.
Indeed compact disc players seem to age more gracefully, at least in terms of their technology and, despite upgrade options extending to external DACs and the like, current CD player models will remain in vogue for years to come. This is good news for buyers.
But current model compact disc players are not like early model machines in many important ways. A lot of work has been done by companies to ensure their machines perform in-line with current expectations. CD transports are now given plenty of attention, with companies searching for the best ways to hold a disc in place while spinning, including stable platters, vibration-free disc clamping and rigid disc holding systems, which all help the disc to travel smoothly.
Then there's the work to laser pickup, digital to analogue converters, control circuits, power supplies and output sockets that has been done during the past decade. CD players today stop, play, search, open and close in ways that are generations ahead of the first models. And they sure sound better too.
Technology is nothing, however, if it's not incorporated into the product properly. Laser pickups, transport mechanisms and power supplies are all bones that make up the complete sonic skeleton, but if one is out of sync, then the final structure is compromised. And if it's not well built then it won't last.
Redgum Audio is an interesting and innovative player on the local and export hi-fi scene. It is unusual in that its core products (unlike the majority of companies in the Australian manufacturing industry, with some notable exceptions) are not loudspeaker models but electronics, and in particular amplifiers. I am certainly pleased to see an Australian company break the mould and focus its energies on high quality, no compromise amplifier designs - and the success of its current range shows that the investment is paying off. The company's Rgi60 60 watts per channel integrated model is quite stunning, both visually and sonically; plus it looks like no other design, thanks to Redgum's distinctive wood front panelling.
I am particularly impressed with Redgum's commitment to Australian design and manufacture, rather than just design.
It is often found that in this world of cost-cutting, even high-end audio products from respected brands which have been designed in their country of origin, are in fact manufactured on the cheap in another (less affluent) country. It is reassuring to see Redgum's electronics made in Australia in the good old suburbs of Melbourne!
The Redgum RGCD2 is one of two high quality CD player models in the company's current line-up. And it's a rather fascinating and unique product, which is something we've come to expect from the brand.
The innovation of the world's first digital to analogue converter that can be added to an existing system or upgraded to a CD player is worthy of attention and unique. Redgum's reason for this approach is that the most common type of customer complaint about CD players is the tendency of the laser assembly to malfunction, which involves costly repairs to fix. But the Redgum DAC can be purchased separately or with a CD ROM drive.
At a recommended retail price of $945 the RGCD2 is not at the budget end of the CD player market. However, this being an Australian product means that an equivalent import with similar specifications and performance is likely to be much more expensive.
The RGCD2 is a visually unusual compact disc player, with both 'pluses' and 'minuses' in the cosmetics department. Its looks will be a matter of personal taste; you will either love the player's appearance or hate it. It's certainly different to the usual black box, that's for sure.
The front panel takes the elegant minimalist approach and only features the brand name to the far left, but it is made from unfilled natural timber, specially selected and beautifully finished to match the panelling on the company's range of amplifiers. This front panel is cleverly attached by magnets. Once the wooden 'drawbridge' is down, the CD ROM drive can be seen - a Creative Infra 48.
I have to admit I have never found computer equipment to be particularly attractive and the appearance of the CD ROM drive in Redgum's otherwise excellent housing looks out of step with the overall aesthetic, but in this design there is no way around it.
There are some serious operational quirks on this machine that will have to be overcome by the user. Firstly, the CD ROM drive lacks the solidity and smoothness of operation that you would expect on a conventional compact disc transport, particularly at this price point. Secondly, there is nothing by way of a display that shows you what track is playing or what the trick play function modes are doing. This could be a problem for some users. Thirdly, the infra red remote control, which is a standard Creative design, is rather small. But the questions regarding build quality and operating logic come into context when the Redgum is put through its paces and given a real sonic workout. After a few short listening sessions, suddenly the few shortcomings and ergonomic problems seem to be reasonable considering the upside of such a design. An operational nightmare, yes, but oh, what a composed, detailed and wonderfully revealing sound!
Inside this box is perhaps one of the most impressive no compromise digital to analogue converters available; the DAC, according to Redgum, uses the high quality Burr-Brown PCM171OU dual 20-bit DAC chip with audiophile grade support components. The specifications are impressive; eight times oversampling, a digital filter, multi-level Delta-Sigma DAC and an analogue low pass filter.
In keeping with its Melburnian heritage, the digital circuitry was designed by Jon De Sensi of Music Labs.
The overall sound quality of the Redgum is smooth and cultured and of a highly revealing nature. The choice of DAC in a sub $1,000 player is commendable and responsible for the involving presentation. The work Jon De Sensi has certainly paid off and the player has some superb characteristics.
This Redgum is not a dramatic, in your-face CD player. It delivers music a more subtle, realistic way with a for natural quality about it which is easy listen to throughout longer listening sessions. As with Redgum's 60 watt amplifier, this CD player will have you re-discovering your CD collection as its information retrieval skills are particularly noteworthy.
Classical music is treated to a warm and sensitive handling. Large orchestral works sound alert and satisfying thanks to the player's ability to treat individual instruments with equal ability. Stringed instruments such as violins and violas sound distinctive and expressive whether in solos or en masse. Wind and brass are also capably reproduced with the conviction and projection of a more expensive player.
No matter what your taste in classical music, the Redgum can deliver the sonic goods. It's a great performance with all classical music.
Instrumental music from the likes of Stanley Clarke is also handled with the same class.The saxophone, which can sound wonderful with the right equipment, is an engaging listen and bass extension is always weighty and controlled. If the company is aiming for a 'live' performance with its range of products, then it is well on its way to achieving it. There are some acoustic passages that have the necessary atmosphere and presence that would indicate a live performance; the soundstaging and stereo imaging is first rate.
With popular chart music I once again applaud Redgum in delivering a satisfying all round performance. The RGCD2 has a sweet and strong midrange with both male and female vocals and groups, and an upbeat, lovely tonal quality. Midrange clarity is as much a high point as efficient bass delivery so everything from Five, Human Nature and 98 Degrees sound as convincing as hard-driving tracks from Fatboy Slim.
Pulsating dance music and heavier rock needs a less cultured, more uncouth presentation than you'll find from the RGCD2, but the player sure wins its all-rounder tag.
In this world of compromise, it's pleasing to see a Australian company that doesn't.
There is much to like about the Redgum RGCD2. It offers a high level of performance from excellent audiophile components and, if you can forgive some of its operational eccentricities, you will be well rewarded.
Audio & Video Lifestyle issue AVL89 pp 19-21
[ Reproduced by kind permission of LORANE Publishing ]
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