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28 August, 2020
Bitsream Micromega Overview Stage 2 Philips TDA-1305 SAA7321 SAA7350 TDA1547
Click pics to enlarge. Micromega Stage 2 to left of Yamamoto CA-04L.
Review: Micromega Stage 2
Overview: Micromega, Pinnacle of Bitstream
This article is about Re-Discovering an Old Love, or rather Sibling of one (it happens). Our memories (not just of audio) are both surprisingly reliable and unreliable at the same time.
My Digital Journey really started with the Bitstream era. Simultaneously in Hong Kong I was exposed to all the 14- and 16-bit classics, which immeasurably broadened my horizon. In HK I have owned the majority of the Bitstream Micromega, so this article will start with the Stage 2 player, which will be followed by an Overview of Bitstream and Micromega. My own audio journey is tightly coupled with my digital exploration; if interested, please read my last article.
The Concept Series, to which the Stage series belongs, are all housed in the same box. Here we will deal only with the CDP's. The rest will be treated in the Overview Section.
Recently, I chanced upon a Stage 2 at reasonable price. The owner had re-greased it (this is of vital importance and will be discussed later too in the Overview). Given my fond recollection of my old Stage 1 in HK, I decided to purchase it. It works flawlessly.
For the difference between the Stage players, I translated the included manual, which was only in French (owner had been in Europe).
Stage 1: it is the youngest of the range and yet stage 1 benefits from all the technological achievements of Micromega. It allows itself for a product of this level to be built with the same care as its elders, with the same type of components such as 1% film resistors, polypoprylene or polycarbonate capacitors and the latest models of "Bitstream" circuits, The result is felt from the first minutes of listening with a sound that combines accuracy of timbres and dynamics without forgetting the legendary transparency on which Micromega has built a reputation that many envy him.
Stage 2: thanks to an analog-to-digital conversion using differential time alignment mode, Stage 2 takes a new step in sound reproduction which, while preserving the qualities acquired on the previous model, goes much further in the low register with increased dynamics.
Stage 3: This is the player integrated at the top of the range and Micromega wanted to make it a figurehead.The analog section receives two specific transformers allowing to overcome the problems due to the interaction between the digital and analog sections and to go even further in the search for the primordial micro-information in the perception of the emotions of the performers.
All of these employ the Philips TDA-1305 1-bit chip. The 1 uses just one, The 2 uses two, and the 3 adds more power supply. The TDA-1305 has a very good reputation. Some regard the TDA-1305 as a cheap implementation and it was indeed used in quite a few budget CDP and DAC (like Cambridge). Nonetheless, Micromega's implementation was brilliant and, from transformers (Schaffner) to caps (Wima and Philips), Micromega used good parts. Google Images and you shall see.
I am not going to spend too much time describing the sound. Right off the bat, even from memory it is obvious to me it trumps the Stage 1 in every parameter. Surely 20+ years on I must have gained a little setup skill yet this simple system is not that different from what I used then. I mentioned in my detailed Review of Yamamoto CA-04 that a good bit of the excellent sound in CD replay should be credited to the Stage 2. I also did briefly compared the Micromega to the Sparkler S303 CDP (NOS). I also used the digital out of the Stage 2 with the Micromega MyDac (AD1835 chip) and Sparkler S306 NOS DAC. In the case of MyDac, there is little question I prefer the 1-bit Stage 2. In the case of Sparkler, the Stage 2 also proves to be as good in PRaT (!) and is simply sweeter in the treble. It is the highest accolade for me to say the Stage 2 is as good as the Sparklers! Or: I am in love with the Stage 2.
I also tested briefly the headphone output. As soon as headphone is inserted, the display above changes. As you see from the pic, a "4" replaces the "2". No, it has not become a Stage 4, as that is now the volume indication. Sound? Surprisingly excellent! Crisp and involving.
Overview: Bitstream
As chronicled in my last article, bitstream, particularly at the cheap end, can be thoroughly uninviting. This is unlike the 16-bit era, where the cheap TDA-1543 NOS players sound thoroughly enticing to some of us now (they were completely ignored by the audio press). For those who want some history of DAC chips, see DutchAudioClassics (rather incomplete).
Even with mid-priced and high-end bitstream, truly outstanding products are few. Usually, bitstream is quite smooth, and some would call it musical. But usually, the last bit of detail is not there, and hall sound and bass definition is not as good as multi-bit designs. Also, few truly distinguish themselves in PRaT. Here are some famous and not so famous ones.
Philips The most beloved of their bitstream is probably the well-built 850 Mk II (SAA7350; and Mk I and 840 [SAA7321]). Many units are still working. I find it reasonably musical but lacking in some detail; many others find the same, and employ it as Transport (in this role it is above average, but still not the best). Its successor, the less solidly built 950 (SAA7350; and its cheaper siblings 930 [7350] and 920 [7341]) can be written off. Better sound can be found in the higher priced and better built statement LHH series. I have heard the LHH-200R, but it is definitely nothing special compared to the LHH-300R that I owned (very sweet and solid sound). I have not heard the even more expensive ones in the series. Earlier ones used the SAA7321; later ones, usually with an "R", used the famed TDA-1547.
Marantz The first Marantz that I heard was the excellent CD72 Mk II (TDA-1547; Mk I SAA7350). It was ubiquitous and always made a musical sound, preferable to Philips I thought. I still own the predecessor, CD62 (SAA7350) which is excellent. Later I owned and heard many of the wildly popular CD63 (including Mk II, SE and KI; SM5872) but they are not as good as the better built 62/72. I have heard the more upmarket CD10 and CD16 (TDA1547) many times but somehow they never impressed me. Neither did the CD17 (TDA1547) which I briefly owned. My thinking is the CDM12 machines, like the CD63 and CD17, have a lighter sound.
Studer The D730 (TDA-1547) is excellent and highly desirable, but I prefer the A730 (16-bit).
DPA (Deltec) Now, this gets interesting. I owned the 2-box DPM 1.3 (TDA1547). Designer was Robert Watts, now of Chord fame. There was a lot of then-cutting edge design, including re-clocking. 4 toslink connect the 2 units. If not for Micromega, this would get honorable mention. It was quite detailed and musical enough but, ultimately, a little too literal (as is always the case with Chord). I have also heard the lower-end Little Bit (SAA7350), which was quite nice and sweet!
Meridian 203 This used the SAA7321. Musical but kind of veiled and lacking in detail.
Pioneer I owned briefly the PD-T05, pretty good but not as good as the T-07 (SAA7350), which however is still lacking in ultimate resolution or excitement. The Stable Platter is a classic though and many use them as transports.
Metronome This is another French company that specializes in digitals. Mine was an early 1-bit unit, the model name of which I have forgotten about. Its resolution was not the greatest but unusually it excelled in dynamics, which made classical music replay superb. BTW, this company is OEM for the digital products of Jadis.
Audio Alchemy DDE 1.0 (SAA7323) This budget bitstream DAC was a bestseller and fairly good, but I prefer its non-bitstream sibling DITB (AD1853). Audiolab 8000 DAC (TDA1547) Pretty good but not very dynamic. Cambridge Audio Dacmagic (TDA1305) A bargain but it is a little coarse and lacks the last degree of slam and heft. Museatex Bidat (TDA1547) and Melior (7350) I heard many times in second-hand shops. Musical but still lacking. Naim I owned briefly the CD3.5 (TDA1305). Quite good, but it was bested by the 16-bit CD3, not to mention the CDI and, my favorite, the CD2. Proton AC-422 (Dual 1-bit) I bought at Harvey's clearance for $100. Smooth and detailed but lacking in slam and rhythmic finesse.
There are many others that I have heard but forgotten about. Just as well.
Overview: Micromega
Although not founded by him, Micromega is basically Daniel Schar. For some interesting French audio lore, read the first few paragraphs of this article. First, the products that Micromega OEM'ed:
Leedh When I first got to HK, I actually saw the leedh CD players many times in second-hand shops, commanding princely sums. They look exactly like the higher end Micromega then, except they have gold instead of black facades. Haven't come across them in a long time, anywhere.
Goldmund Only the original Goldmund CDP was a re-branded Micromega. Later ones range from modified Japanese multiplayer to designs that look like Metronome.
Revox Micromega made at least all the electronics in the Elegance Series. Note the familiarity to the later Micromega Minium series. I once owned the S22/S25, and they sound no different from the Minium.
Now, the Micromega brand:
Digital Although Micromega make full systems, they make digitals best. There is no if's, and's or but's, Micromega Bitsream products represent the Pinnacle of Bitstream! They are even better than their later designs, which are no slouch.
CD F1 and 16-bit Era These all use the classic TDA-1541. The CD F1 series, integral players and transport, are rarely seen now, and coveted. The original bread loaf Duo DAC is 16-bit and I never managed to get one in HK somehow. I also had a Micromega badged Modifed Philips CDP but I forgot the name - it could be the Optic, but I think it is even earlier.
Modified Philips Bitsream CD Players The Leader and Logic (SAA7321). This happened very early on, as lower-end offerings. I have not heard them.
Solo, Duo, Trio These represent Micromega at their best. They span the time of the classic Philips swing arm mechanisms, from CDM1 to CDM3 to CDM9/9 Pro. They are all top-loading players with a puck that is attached to a CD sized disc (there is knot pattern that looks somewhat like kevlar, surely for damping). The Solo is obviously a one box player. Earlier ones have a slanted front (I still have one). The sound is musical. The Duo obviously comprise a Transport and a DAC. There are several iterations. The Transport is named Duo CD, with later 2.1 and 3.1 (the original has either CDM3 or CDM9 Pro; the 2.1 CDM9 Pro; the cheaper 3.1 CDM9). The cheaper Duo DAC is a slim bread loaf (The BS and BS2, using SAA7321; I still own the latter) This sweet DAC is probably no better than the one in the Solo and can be improved (like others) by adding a anti-jitter device. But the Duo Pro DAC is another story. It is designed to be placed underneath the Transport (which has spike feet). I still have the Duo CD 3.1/Duo Pro combo. The sound is a big step up from Solo. Much higher resolution and dynamics. It also has balanced out. The Trio adds one more box of re-clocking/anti-jitter, and the sound is for sure the best Micromega has ever produced (still SAA7321). It has the most amazing dynamics, fantastic for classical replay. I used to have one but unwisely sold it to conserve space. Tip: 1) be careful with the heavy acrylic top lid, which can come banging down if improperly handled; 2) as with any top loaded machine, the disc initiates after the the lid comes down. Disable the mechanism and operate manually with the lid open; this will improve the airiness; removing the cover or box of an ordinary CDP will achieve the same result)
The Concept Series After Philips moved to CDM12, Micromega launched the Concept Series. all are housed in the same black box with blue display and red buttons (this is French red and blue, quite beautiful to my eyes; unfortunately our own red and blue are much more problematic). The first CDPs were the Stage 1, 2 and 3 (treated in the first part of this article in detail). The lasers often developed problems. Although there were other theories, I think it is fair to say we now know it is due to grease drying up. A proper cleaning and re-grease (with something like lithium grease) usually solves the problem. This problem was Philip's problem, and in this era many other CD players also suffer from the malaise. No matter, the problem basically capsized Micromega and it never recovered its scale before the plague. The problems were probably what led Golden String, then distributor, to dump them in big sales. I bought a Stage 1 and had to exchange a couple of times. One time I put in a disc, and the drawer suddenly opened and the disc came flying out with a spin (much like 007 Goldfinger, remember that hat?) It was the first time I heard the CDM12, and I was entranced by its openess. Mind you later I acquired my second-hand samples of Solo, Duo, Trio and I still held the Stage in esteem, which was why recently I bought the Stage 2. There is something unforgettable about it. My friend Hoi auditioned all three and bought the 2, saying the 3 was too hifi for him, but should a good and reasonably priced sample of the 3 (or 6) comes my way I shall grab it to complete my assessment. Stage 4, 5, 6 When the European Union made a rule that all machines must have an on-off switch, Micromega revised the Stage series (if you google pics the circuit boards are somewhat different from the corresponding 1, 2, 3) but the sound (and the problems) remain the same. Drive 1, 2 and DAC 1, 2 These separates are similar in design to the integrated players. I bought the Drive 1 and DAC 1 and the sound was certainly a cut above the Stage 1 alone, difference likely due to separate power supplies. The Concept Series was a Full System, and are here some of the other products. Tempo 1, 2 These are amplifiers. I owned the Tempo 1, which runs fairly warm. It is very sweet sounding but not quite powerful enough for loudspeakers like LS3/5A, but if you paired it with a more efficient loudspeaker like Audio Note UK AN-K, the sound is astonishingly good (I found out when I sold that as a set to a friend). There was also a tuner, but it was not cheap and I never got to hear it.
T Series Slightly earlier but overlapping with the Concept series was the T Series. T-Drive 1, 2 and T-DAC These are half-size components with are slightly more upmarket than the Stage series, with balanced input and outputs. I have never owned them but have borrowed them. Sound is similar to the Stage series.
Micro Series This mini-sized series predated the Concept series. It is also a full system (no tuner I think). I own a full set. Microdrive This small top-loader used the CDM9 and a small puck. Sound is excellent but as with many Philips servo of that era, some of the strokes of the display can go missing. Microdac This is a beautiful machine, the only one in the series with an acrylic top. Sound (SAA7321) is so sweet! I had two and sold one to my friend whlee. Our Toronto friend Joe (remember Quad system?) swears by it too! Variodac This is a DAC with Preamp function and extra inputs built in. Microamp This is the craziest one. It has the same size, but runs really hot, so there are two long and jarring heat sinks attached to the back. Stacking on it is not recommended. Sound? Surprisingly excellent and, unlike Tempo 1, it can drive LS3/5A to acceptable level! Considering this is before the time of space saving SM power supply, a super accomplished Mini Series!
Minium Series This is precursor series to their current products, after the debacle of the CDM12. The style harks right back to the Revox S Series. I have only heard the CDP, musical enough (the rarer TDA-1549). The sound is likely similar to the current products.
Aria and Classic Solo Much later Micromega made some half-hearted effort to revive the classic looks. The Aria was visually striking but expensive, but for the price CDM12 and AD1853 did not seem attractive. The Classic Solo was also a curious product. It looks very much like a Solo, but also uses the CDM12, though with the TDA 1547 chip, but its price, again was on the expensive side.
The Current Products For this I refer you to their webpage. The lineup hasn't changed in a LONG time. I have used the CD-10 and IA-60 (here) and they are quite decent and under-rated. Undoubtedly, the most striking direction of Micromega is the M series products, which take after Devialet (I wonder if they are OEM), but are significantly cheaper. I'd not mind a chance to hear the M-one in my system (I doubt I'll get it).
My Series I have to single out this series from the current lineup, as they offer compact form and great sound. In NYC I have the MyDAC, MyZic and MyGroov; in HK, the MyAmp. I have covered all of them in this blog. Incredible values!
I am sure I have forgotten something but, there, finally an Overview of one of my favorite companies.
Early Goldmund CDPs were marketed under the brand name Meta Research (Meta Research by Goldmund). I remember seeing one, maybe even hearing it play, at some audio show in the early '90s. There's one for sale on eBay right now called Laser 1 and it's a top loading transport in pure early Micromega style. According to the seller there were other models and they were all manufactured by Micromega but with some difference from their production, as per Meta Research specs. A special clamp is mentioned (and shown). Pictures also show the PSU has a plate that reads "Goldmund Mimesis PS3 power supply. Swiss made". It would be interesting if someone who knows the whole story - maybe even the eBay seller! - could comment and elaborate on the Meta Research vs. Micromega differences. Certainly early Micromegas are part of the history of high-end and one of the few icons of the CD era. I myself owned a Duo BS for a short time in recent years, and found it had a nice sound.
ReplyDeleteMakes me wanting to try the Duo. You are such a MM expert!! Kudos !
ReplyDeleteI can never trust companies such as Goldmund and Lexicon who have used stock Pioneer and Oppo players and package them in fancy faceplates and upcharge 10x to 20x the price to gullible audiofools. Even Goldmund's now defunct entry level "job" amplifiers were a rip off compared to the Optoma/Nuforce amps which acquired the license from Goldmund to implement the job circuit albeit at lower power and gain.
ReplyDeleteWell, these companies (you can also add the Theta Data to it) did modify a little bit and many swear the sound is better. But the large markups are indeed rather disproportional.
DeleteThe Goldmund Job series is indeed quite nice. The DAC and amp both very good. I have always wanted to try the Optoma, but held off.
Delete@Anonymous to quote the Gershwins "It ain't necessarily so". Sticking a faceplate on a mainstream DVD player and selling it at high-end prices (if that's what has been done) is one thing, licensing their own design to other companies is another, almost the opposite. Prices are typical of the "luxury goods" market, yes, like many thigs swiss (think watches). But do Goldmund amps they sound the same as Optoma STA200? Same basic circuit design does not necessarily mean same value. There are many variations on Goldmund circuits around, including Job 225, Stellavox PW1 and of course Goldmund's own. But do they all sound the same? How do we know without comparison?
DeleteThis is criminal & just a money grab.
Deletehttp://lampizator.eu/lampizator/references/goldmund/goldmundizator.html
I have been a Micromega fan for 20 years now and what a joy to find an article from another passionate person about the brand!. I have owned a Stage 6 for about 18 years working flawlessly with just a laser replacement, but finally it was impossible to me to have it serviced with a second laser unit (i bought 2 on ebay, none worked properly). I also have the Mydac since 5 or 6 years now, sounds fantastic for the price, i use it as a stack with a little amp for my headphones setup.
ReplyDeleteAs i lost my Stage6, i would like to buy a second hand dac to remember the good times, i found a Duo pro 2 dac here in Spain at a reaseonable price (300€) and very good condition, do you think it's the good one? or shoud i look for a T-DAC for example?.
I also found a Microdac for about 250€ but i imagine this is a lower lever dac than the Duo Pro, it´s also older
Thank you again for your article
Grab the Duo Pro 2!
DeleteAs a fan of the Micromega brand for 20 years, it's a joy to discover this article!. I've owned a Stage 6 for 18 years that worked flawlessly with just a laser replacement in the whole time, sadly i could´t find the right laser unit (bought 2 on ebay and lost my money). I also have the Micromega Mydac, which i find to be very enjoyable, i use it with an iFi zen can as my headphone setup
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in purchasing a second-hand good old Micromega dac, and right now i found 2 interesting ones here in Spain:
- Microdac for 250€
- Duo Pro 2 in pristine condition for 300€
which one should i get?, or it's better to skip these models and look for a T-Dac?, how they compare with the more modern Mydac?
thank you again for your article
The laser may not be the only problem. Needs to remove dried grease and suqeeze in some lithium grease.
DeleteSorry i posted 2 comments because i thought the first one failed to upload, i'll for the Duo Pro
ReplyDeletethanks!
No sweat. Happens even to me and other authors! :-( If u read this and get the Duo Pro, write back to tell us your impressions!
DeleteHi again, i just got the Micromega Duo Pro2!, i'm so excited!
ReplyDeleteI left some pics in this forum, if you want to see them: https://www.audioplanet.biz/t129692-dac-micromega-duo-pro2
I even bought some Micromega Mycable interconnects on eBay to have the combo, i'll be testing the dac in the next days and i'll post here my impressions, it's already connected and resting on top of my Minium FM tuner. By the way, the Minimum FM tuner is a beautiful piece of equipment but a piece of crap as a tuner, it's unable to tune the stations without background noise, i don't know if it's my unit or what... do you have experience with Micromega tuners?
Cheers
Fabian
Great, I am very excited for you. we'd love to hear from you. One thing, can you email me? cheaptube@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteYes, the Minium series is certainly not the best. Analog Tuners are notoriously finicky stuff. For less hassle, better listen to digital radio! :-)(
Hi again!
DeleteI have been testing thoroughly the Duo Pro since i got it in june, my main source is a Cambridge Audio Azur 851c which is a cd player and digital preamp, in fact its the best dac in the brand's history with dual Analog Devices AD1955 chips, one per channel. I have the Micromega connected to the Cambridge via a qed digital cable and at first i connected the Micromega rca cables to my Moon amp input... the results were meh, very far from the detail retrieval and performance of the Cambridge.
So i decided to try different configurations and cables, i bought some decent xlr analog cables, the Wireworld Oasis 8 to take advantage of this connection (the Moon has balanced input)... and wow, what a massive improvement. The difference is so huge that its hard to explain, maybe the rca outputs of the Micromega are damaged or maybe the xlr is way better because it takes advantage of the internal design of both dac and amp... i don't know. The sound opened up wildly in the mids and highs, with impressive fine detail and resolution (nothing to envy here to my Cambridge), voices are incredible and overall it sounds great.
However, truth be said, i still think the Cambridge is a better performer than the Micromega, the Cambridge delivers an extra transparency in the highs and has better control in lower frequencies, with more articulated sub-bass and less boomy deep bass. But hey, the Micromega is 25 years old and still manages to deliver comparable performance to the best product that Cambridge Audio has produced... impressive!
As a final test i bought today a balanced Wireworld digital cable, i'm gonna use it instead of the Qed to check the result... i'll be sharing my thoughts
Fabian
Well, many thanks for the report! Depending on equipment, sometimes the difference between RCA and XLR is quite striking. Cables make a big difference too. And I'd not be surprised that the Micromega loses a bit in resolution but I'm pretty sure it's musicality is among the best.
DeleteHi DocJ, i'm thinking about buying a Stage 6. Had a Stage 5 before, liked it very much. What is your take on the newer CD 10 Model in comparison?
ReplyDeleteIMHO, the newer and slimmer CD10 etc are not as sweet as the older Stages. The Stages have more subtle finesse; in comparison the later ones seem a little plain.
Deletethanks!
Deletegot that stage 6 now. compared the stage 6 to the mydac, which I really like: the mydac is similar in livelyness, but the stage is on a next level when it comes to clarity. it is if a (thin) curtain has been removed.
DeleteGreat! I'm glad it has been worth your while! Further listening should reveal even more very subtle differences. The difference between a well implemented 1-bit and mutltibit/delta sigma is there, particularly in sweetness and bass. The 6 has a highly sophisticated power supply that the small SMPS of the myDac cannot emulate. Thx for reporting back!
Deletemaybe one more thing that is interesting for all mydac owners: after a few years, the mydac starts to crackle and creak because the plasticisers in the plastic dry out and the temperature causes the housing to warp. there is a very simple solution for this: there is a silicone spray, Innotec PE100, which i sprayed generously into all the crevices. this liquid is absorbed into the plastic, and after one treatment the crackling is gone. i also use the same liquid to care for the rubber surrounds of my speakers. but there i apply it with a brush.
Deletei have two mydacs, both of which had this problem, and it takes 5 minutes to solve it - without opening the unit.
And one strange thing I just noticed: Turning the power-plug on my MyDAC around (means switching the phase to the other line) changed the sound quality from a bit muddy to very clear.
DeleteNot strange at all. Electric phase is well known to be important. It can be inconsistent and vary in magnitude across multiple gear, but with some the difference for sure is instantly audible.
Deletenever took that seriously. that came up recently again with an AR amplifier. then did some research, understood the topic then. now the phase tester screwdriver is an absolute necessity. it seems that this was the reason my system sounded different (a kind of muddy) on some days.
Deleteback to micromega. can say a bit of the comparison between mydac and stage 6. the mydac has a lot of presence, very spherical. the stage 6 is more nuanced and "laid back", more relaxed. fantastic products, both of them.
Very interesting! Thx!
ReplyDelete