Accuphase DP-450 CD Player

About The Accuphase DP-450 CD Player 

Accuphase has spent 35 years developing CD players in pursuit of the best in disc playback. The DP-450 CD player combines a number of innovative technologies, including a CD drive mechanism with a strong integrated structure, high-quality elastic dampers that protect the lens actuator from vibration, and MDS+ type D/A converters with four parallel circuits. The DP-450 extracts the full potential of any CD to deliver a listening experience that stays with you.

Accurate Reading: Vibration countermeasures in CD players that read audio data from rotating discs greatly impact the sound quality. By placing the high-rigidity drive mechanism as close to the base as possible, the DP-450 significantly reduces external vibrations from being transmitted to the traverse mechanism and protects the lens actuator that reads the discs. The high-quality elastic dampers that connect the traverse and disc loading mechanisms reduce the magnification of natural resonances in the lens actuator, improving reading precision.

Additionally, the chucking magnet is an 8-pole neodymium bonded magnet for high magnetic flux density and dimensional accuracy. This chucking magnet secures the turntable and disc evenly and firmly to enable uniform disc rotation without wobbling.

Quiet Operation: Creating a quiet listening environment is a vital component in enjoying music. Vibrations from spinning discs that are transmitted to the chassis resonate and amplify operational sounds. The elastic dampers that support the traverse mechanism inhibit vibrations from discs and greatly reduce chassis resonance. The three-layer large bridge surrounding the traverse mechanism also shields against vibrational noise from high-speed rotation. This technological development allows the DP-450 to operate quietly without being affected by disc rotation.

Smooth Loading: Carved from an aluminium block and then finished with a hard anodized aluminium and satin treatment, the elegant and elaborate disc tray uses high-quality bearing shafts to open and close smoothly and quietly.

MDS+ (Multiple Delta Sigma) Type D/A Converter with Four Parallel Circuits: The MDS+ conversion principle is a revolutionary D/A conversion routing method that employs multiple delta-sigma type D/A converters connected in parallel for drastically improved performance. By passing output from the high-performance ES9026PRO DAC chip (ESS Technologies) through 4 parallel converter circuits, the DP-450 almost doubles (=√4) overall performance for distortion, noise, linearity, and more. Because the improvements provided by the MDS+ principle are independent of signal frequency and level, output signal noise at very low levels can also be minimized, a feat that conventional delta-sigma converters find extremely difficult to achieve.

Direct Balanced Filter Circuits: The Direct Balanced Filter circuits with independent line and balanced outputs achieve stable signal transmission because there is no interference from mutual loads, producing ideal performance and sound quality.

Our Review

The Accuphase DP-450 CD Player is a beautifully engineered piece of audio gear that delivers an incredibly refined listening experience - one that truly lingers in the memory. Built on over 35 years of CD playback expertise, it features a rock-solid high-rigidity drive mechanism placed low in the chassis to minimise vibration, along with top-grade elastic dampers that shield the sensitive lens actuator for ultra-accurate reading. Its quiet, smooth operation is no less impressive, thanks to thoughtful vibration countermeasures and a luxurious, satin-finished aluminium disc tray that glides open and shut with elegant ease. Under the hood, the MDS+ D/A converter with four parallel circuits and the Direct Balanced Filter design ensure stunningly clear, low-noise audio with impeccable balance and definition. With its wealth of digital inputs, programmable features, and refined aesthetic, the DP-450 is a standout performer that effortlessly elevates every disc you play.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: High Performance Compact Disc Player
• High-Grade CD Drive that operates smoothly and quietly
• MDS+ Type D/A Converter with Four Parallel circuits
• Direct Balanced Filter with separate line and balanced signal paths
• Programmable Playlists that can change track order
• Sampling Frequency and Quantization Bit Display
• Transport Outputs and Digital Inputs
• Digital Interface with USB Input
• Digital Connection with an Accuphase Voicing Equalizer
• Balanced Output Phase Selection
• Compatible Disc Formats: CD
• Data Read Principle: Non-Contact Optical Pickup
• Laser Diode Wavelength: 790 nm
• Digital Transport Outputs: Optical & Coaxial
• Digital Inputs: USB, Optical, Coaxial
• Sampling Frequencies
  • USB: DSD 2.8 / 5.6 / 11.2 MHz, PCM 32 / 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 / 352.8 / 384 kHz - 16 to 32 bits
  • Optical: PCM 32 / 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 kHz - 16 to 24 bits
  • PCM 32 / 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz - 16 to 24 bits
• D/A Converter: 4MDS+ principle
• Frequency Response: 0.7 to 50,000 Hz, +0, -3.0 dB
• THD + Noise: 0.0008% 20 to 20,000 Hz
• S/N Ratio: 119 dB
• Dynamic Range: 116 dB
• Channel Separation: 113 dB 20 to 20,000 Hz
• Output Voltage & Impedance
  • Balanced XLR: 2.5 V 50 Ohms
  • Line Level RCA: 2.5 V 50 Ohms
• Output Level Control: 0 dB to -60 dB, In 1-dB steps, Digital
• Power Consumption: 11 W
• Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to a Premium Power Cable for better performance
• Included Accessories: AC Power Cable, Remote Commander RC-140, AL-10 Audio Cable, USB Utility 3 CD, UAB Utility 3 Setup Guide
• Finish: Champagne
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 465 x 151 x 393mm
• Weight: 13.7 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.