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Holfi Xaurus NFB Rex CD player
Product: Holfi Xaurus
NFB Rex - CD player
Manufacturer: Holfi
- Bernic ApS - Denmark
Approx. price: 3.250 Euro/$
Reviewer:
Lucio Cadeddu - TNT
Italy
Reviewed: January, 2003
Holfi is a
Danish Company which likes to think and design different. A
quick look at their website unveils some peculiar features shared by
all the products in their catalogue. For example, they strongly
believe in zero-feedback (NFB) circuits and battery-powered power
supplies.
This Xaurus NFB Rex - being their top of the line
CD player - makes no exception: it is a multibit CD player with
several, interesting and - dare I say it - weird features: firstly,
the power supply uses an outrageously high filtering capacity, at
50,000+ uF!!! It is hard to see such a large filtering "power"
even on big and powerful power amplifiers.
Secondly, this power
supply is split in two (two transformers, that is): one feeds the
batteries and another one the CD transport, motor and servos. Then 4
lead-acid rechargeable batteries power the analogue section and the
D/A converter.
These batteries ensure the most sensitive audio
circuits to be FREE from RFI and interferences from the mains supply.
An automatic circuit keeps them permanently charged so expected
lifetime exceeds 10 years.
The output stage is a single-ended
zero-feedback class A analogue amplifier, based on current
amplification so to keep the output current from the DAC as clean as
possible. The signal passes through 2 transistors only, before
reaching the 2 gold-plated WBT output RCA's.
Even the CD transport
has been slightly modified. Two green leds placed above the transport
should help absorbing the laser reflections from the disc. According
to the complete Holfi literature this way there should be less
reading errors. The CD transport (a Philips CDM 12.65) has been
custom-damped for improved performance.
A similar transport can be
found on quite inexpensive commercial CD players as well as the DAC
chip, a Philips TDA 1545A which is used on entry-level Philips and
Marantz machines (Philips
CD 723 and Marantz CD 4000, to name a few).
The TDA 1545A is
claimed by Holfi to be a multibit (16bit) converter, actually it is
of the Continuos Calibration type, a kind of hybrid system between
single and multibit. Sadly, the Philips literature reports it as
"eminently suitable for use in (portable) digital audio
equipment". Refer to the Philips
SemiConductors page for other details. At 4x oversampling, the
chip operates at double-speed.
The whole steel
cabinet has been internally damped via heavy bitumen sheets
(something tweakers know very well). The front panel is made out of
solid wood (apparently, walnut).
As you can guess, this CD player
is a very heavy one, at 12 kgs (25 lbs)!
A standard digital output
is included...but it's INSIDE the CD player! Yes, the Holfi designers
think the digital output is sonically harmful so they decided to
connect a 75 ohm resistor (to simulate the SPDIF standard load) and
hide the output inside the player. So if you want to connect an
outboard DAC you need to open the CD player and perform some kind of
_not easy_ digital surgery.
The Holfi Xaurus NFB Rex comes equipped with a complete remote control that allows almost every kind of operation, volume level adjust included. The power-on switch is placed in the rear since the unit is supposed to stay permanently on (so to extend batteries lifetime). The mains power cord is datachable.
The Holfi Xaurus NFB Rex - thanks to the Philips transport - should be able to play every kind of Compact Disc (CDs, CD-R's, CD-RWs etc.).
Xaurus Rex, inside view: see the two sets of batteries (right and left)
These are the claimed tech specs:
D/A conversion: 16 bit - 4x oversampling (TDA 1545A)
CD transport: Philips CDM 12.65
Frequency response: 2-20 kHz +0/-0.2 dB @ 47 kOhms
THD: < 0.08%
S/N ratio: > 100 dB, weighted
Output level: 2.0 Vrms
Output impedance: 470 Ohms
Recommended load impedance: 800 Ohms or higher
Power consumption: 10 watt
Size: 45.5 x 35 x 11 cm
As you can see from the specs above,
the output impedance is 470 Ohm and, surprisingly, the recommended
load is 800 Ohms (or higher). This means, in some sense, you need a
Holfi preamp or integrated amplifier to put the Xaurus Rex under the
best possible operating conditions. And that's exactly what I did:
tested the player via different preamps (with standard 47 kOhms input
impedance) and finally with its natural partner, the big Holfi
Integra 88 SE integrated amplifier (soon on these pages).
I've
lived with the Holfi pair for almost 6 months, I've tested them
against various CD players and amps and partnered with 5 different
pairs of loudspeakers, at least.
Roughly speaking, I'm
attracted by people who think different. Perhaps because they remind
me my radical choice to create a no-advertising HiFi mag on the web
(the one and only, worldwide), perhaps because I've always hated
mass-oriented designs and products.
This Xaurus Rex, as you
may have noticed from the description above, is full packed with both
innovative and well-known tweaks that put it into a league of its
own. Not a surprise that even its sound is quite different from that
one may expect.
Indeed, judging from the outside (tech specs, size
and weight) one may expect a big, solid and aggressive sound, with
plenty of bass and grunt. Not so.
Let me start from the
bottom :-) i.e. from the bass range. It is quite lightweight, dry and
extremely controlled. It is not a wrong bass, it is just thin,
considering the high end ambition of this player. So the bass shows
good articulation and precision but depth, impact and weight are
definitely lacking.
A quick and casual A-B comparison test with a
good old Revox B226 - not famous for its powerful bass range - proved
how light the bass performance of this Xaurus is, especially when
used with a standard preamplifier (more on this later).
It is not
that kind of difference that takes hours of self-meditation and Yoga
exercises before hearing it. You don't need to offer human sacrifices
to the Powers That Be. It is something SO CLEAR that my wife noticed
after the first A-B comparison (and, of course, she knew NOTHING of
the two players involved).
More or less, the same applies to the
mid-bass: clean, tight, precise and...light. Big bass and impact fans
may not appreciate the Xaurus, since this player does NOTHING to
impress the listener, at least in this portion of the audio
spectrum.
Generally, this weight-watchers bass performance
makes certain musical genres totally unappealing and somehow
unattractive. Things get only slightly better when the Holfi Xaurus
is partnered with the Holfi Integra 88 SE integrated amp and its
matching 800 ohm CD input.
Mids and highs are far
better, hence voices and string instruments appear nicely and
naturally reproduced. The performance is very detailed and rich.
Hence, one can enjoy every nuance which is recorded into his
favourite discs.
The highest portion of the audio spectrum, from
time to time, becomes tizzy and hyper-detailed. With certain records
the overall sound appears a bit too "lively", especially
when dealing with pizzicato's and cymbals' upper
harmonics.
Somehow, this CD player reminds me a compact
minimonitor loudspeaker, extremely precise and clean in the mid-high
range, with an extra-dry bass and, from time to time, a too vivid
high range.
Frankly, perhaps because I was expecting a totally
different performance - considering the tech specs and the claims of
the Holfi literature ("...smooth and relaxed sound")
- I must admit this player has shocked me for a long while. Actually,
I'm not 100% sure I can justify, sound-wise, the steep 3250 $/Euro
price tag.
It is extremely precise in the mid-high region, but
lacks authority and weight in the bass. Definitely not something one
expects from a 3,000+ $ machine.
Considering the
excellent rigour and precision, one may expect this player to be
extremely fast and well-paced. And so it is. Its musical performance
is quick, well tempo'ed and rythmic. Had it more weight in the bass I
would have given it a standing ovation, with respect to this
parameter. It preserves the natural tempo of the Music, it is not
"faster" or "slower", just metronomically
right.
For this very same reason its dynamic performance is good
and the player succeeds reproducing big "jumps" (of level)
with ease. Only in overcrowded situations (big choirs and large
orchestras playing fortissimo's together, for example) it
seems to show some weakness.
Since it does not have that "big"
sound one may expect, its dynamic performance does not impress, at
first sight. Once the brain learns to equalize (adding bass, that is)
you start to understand everything is done right. It will not shake
the walls of your listening room but it will get the job done
honestly.
Now it should be clear why I choose "Uncontrollable
urge" as subtitle for this review. The dynamic behaviour of this
player reminds me of something that needs to be done, quickly and
precisely. As an established tradition here, I've taken the title
from an album, one of those I listened to during the tests. It is the
first track of the album "Q: Are we not men? A: We are Devo",
a _no-audiophile_ small masterpiece of a band from Akron (USA), the
Devo (1979 on Virgin Music).
As absolutely logical, from what's been said above, the Danish player shines literally in the microdynamics department, with loads of tiny informations brought to you as it was the easiest task in the World.
Exactly like you may
expect: the contours of the instruments and of the players inside the
3D virtual image are extremely precise and focused. So is the
stability of the stage itself, too.
Width and height being at
their best, depth is only a bit sacrified because of the "forward"
character of the Xaurus. If you like a slightly "monitor"
effect, this player will satisfy you.
Ping-pong stereophonic
effects from left to right and viceversa are reproduced quickly and
precisely. This means the player has an excellent channel separation
and impulse response.
Holfi recommends using Holfi (soft) feet
under the player for better performance. Actually, with these feet
under the player, the soundstage becomes a bit more "even"
in the 3 dimensions.
The Holfi Xaurus
NFB Rex is a very heavy unit, so be sure to place it on a stable
platform or table. Use soft feet (like the Holfi ones) to get a
slightly better sound. Leave it permanently on and do not listen to
it until the batteries are 100% charged....or you'll be
disgusted.
Holfi recommends 2 hours of warm-up before playing.
This equals to leaving the unit permanently on :-)
Considering the
low power consumption (10 watts), let me strongly recommend leaving
it on.
Partner it with a low impedance input preamp or integrated
amp to get the best sonic performance. As recommended, an Holfi
Integra 88 SE seems to be the ideal partner.
The solid wood fascia
needs some extra care, so clean it with suitable products (if in
doubt, ask your wife or mother :-)) and be careful: it is easier to
scratch a wood panel than an aluminium one.
Manufacturing and
finish.
The Xaurus Rex is built like a tank. Heavy,
massive, solid and well finished, this player seems built to last.
Zero plastics parts, only thick steel and solid wood. From a mere
aesthetical point of view (FWIW), the match between the solid wood
fascia and the black cabinet might not satisfy everyone's taste. It
didn't satisfy mine, for example. It may be your cup of tea or a
punch in your eye, up to you to choose. For sure, it is more
difficult to integrate it into an existing HiFi set or
furniture.
Just minor complaints: the player can be stopped and
put in stand-by mode only by remote. The four swtches in the front
just allow load/eject, play, tracks skipping. NO STOP! I definitely
need STOP - PLAY - EJECT in the front panel. You always need the
remote but the remote can't do everything. For example, there's no
"Eject" (load/unload) button on it! So to stop the player
and extract the CD you need to operate both with the remote (to stop)
and the eject button on the unit. If you have to put the CD into its
case, you need a third hand or throw away the remote. Two extra
buttons on the front panel ARE the solution. Please, please, please,
give us a STOP and a STAND-BY button! :-)
Finally, the general
power-on switch in the rear can be a nuisance.
The WBT output RCA's
are cleverly spaced, allowing the use of massive RCA plugs but
there's a minor problem: they are placed exactly at the center of the
rear panel so switching cables can be difficult. I prefer those on
the right corner, as usual. This allows easier operation with cables
without moving the unit.
The stock feet should be replaced by
Holfi feets, as the Company recommends. So, why not install them as
default? On a 3,250 Euro/$ CD player it sounds just logical to
me.
Also, on a similarly priced machine, I'd expect something
better than an el cheapo CDM 12.6 transport (there exists a
CDPro2, let's use it!). So, while the player looks "luxurious"
outside, it reveals some saving in the inside. Internal cabling isn't
exactly how it should be on a high-end machine (see pic for details)
and even the power supply transformers look damn cheap. I may be damn
wrong, but the one that feeds the digital transport and servos is the
same one can find inside the Philips CD 723.
Finally, the "fake"
digital output. Either you put it or not. A black hole in the rear
with the writing "Digital output" sounds bizarre, to say
the least. I agree a digital output is a nonsense on this player
(considering its philosophy) but, then, do as others do: avoid
digital out at all (Naim, for example).
That hole in rear,
protected by a platic cap, can lead a customer think he can REALLY
use a digital out in this machine. Not good.
Sound. This is
not the player for deep bass freaks. Things get better with the
natural Holfi Integra amplifier but sometimes the sound tends to be
excessively dry and thin. The Holfi feet help a little in this
department.
The Xaurus NFB Rex, considering overall sound
and materials (transport, DAC, transformers...) is quite expensive,
at 3,250 Euro/$. Do not forget the competition isn't playing hide
and seek in this field. Today, below 3,000 Euro/$, one can find
digital players (or transport + DAC combos!) equipped with CDPro2
transports, 24/192 upsampling and all the latest goodies in the
digital domain.
The required 800 Ohm input impedance isn't an
industry standard (47 or 50 kOhm are, instead) so you won't find a
preamp or integrated amp (except Holfi's) that suits the Xaurus
needs.
In a world of
mass-designed and marketed Far East HiFi components, even rebadged by
audiophile brands (!!!), one may welcome a CD player that dares to be
different. Different by design, looks and sound.
For sure it is
not everyone's cup of tea, but definitely a player that stands above
the competition for many reasons. In my humble opinion it does
something very good, something else...uhm...just so-so but, in the
end, I've found it way too expensive.
A personal and careful
listening test is mandatory, possibly with a Holfi amplification.
Thank you for taking the time to review our products.
I'm sorry that the
bass is not to your liking. We do not in general like what we most
often hear in this end of the frequency spectrum from most other
products - and yes we find that most products are too "fat",
emphazising the area 60-80 Hz. This works great with not too
expensive systems and with systems using two-way bookshelf speakers
regardless of price range. Our Xaurus however is made for playing in
set-ups using fullrange speakers (or alternatively
bookshelf/subwoofer systems).
We hope to see you in your FIAT up
here far to the north (that's a good long drive, but come in the
summertime) and we would love to demonstrate what we think is a
suitable system for the Xaurus. You will not miss bass....
We are
happy that you are at least positive to the control and detail in the
bass - that is what we set out to accomplish.
We can be a little
sorry that we did not send you one of our less expensive CD-players
as they have a little more fatty character (we tune the final sound
quality to the what we believe gives the highest musical satisfaction
when combined with products obvious to the price range).
We look
forward to the review of the Integra 88, which should be much more to
your liking.
Thanks again...and hope to see you sometime.
Comment
by Peter Holstein - HOLFI
© Copyright 2003 Lucio Cadeddu - http://www.tnt-audio.com
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