The (CD-700) was tested in our sound room, using a Milbert Bam 235 tube amplifier. The speakers are the Spendor S3/5. The cabling is all Wireworld Reference level . Listening evaluation: Music used: Patricia Barber,Norah Jones Diana Krall,Sting, Mark Levinson vol-1 Keb-mo,Mark Knofler,Iasca Competition The first impression on the Naakamichi was the richness in the tone, then the low noise level, and the dynamic contras was very good. When compared to the Alpine F-1 7990 ,the Alpine has better micro dynamics. and maybe more speed, but not as rich tonaly. also more precision on placement of instrument. It's brighter sounding then the Nak. Also the instrument are smaller, not as full body. Nakamichi has excellent tone. Then thirdly compared to the Denon Z-1 the Denon is more open but poor on the instruments it lacks dynamics, present instrument small, not as rich tonaly and higher noise floor. Conclusion: Nakamichi is the most musical out of the three, Alpine F-1 is better in Micro details and Dynamics But might be bright in some system. The Denon is good on depth and spatial stuff ,and not as much on the musical venue. CHEERS Joe
