NEC CD-810 Compact Disc Player

The NEC CD-810 is a highly regarded audiophile-grade Compact Disc player from the late 1980s (circa 1987-1988). It belongs to a generation of NEC players that were built like tanks, featuring high-quality internal components that many enthusiasts still prefer over modern budget players.

1. Audio Architecture

• Digital-to-Analog Converters: It uses dual PCM56P-J DACs (one for each channel). These are classic R-2R ladder DACs known for their "musical" and "non-fatiguing" sound profile.

• Oversampling: Features a 4x oversampling digital filter, which was cutting-edge at the time for reducing aliasing noise while maintaining phase accuracy.

• Linearity: The "J" grade of the PCM56 chip indicates a higher precision sort, offering better low-level linearity and less distortion.

2. Physical Build & Connectivity

• Optical Digital Output: Interestingly, the CD-810 was one of the early players to feature a Toslink optical output, allowing you to bypass the internal DAC and send the signal to your Sony STR-DB930 or Yamaha RX-V1600.

• Analog Outputs: Standard Stereo RCA (Fixed and Variable).

• Headphone Jack: High-quality output with a dedicated volume pot on the front panel.

• Chassis: A heavy, rigid construction designed to minimize mechanical vibrations, which helps the laser maintain a steady track on the disc.

3. Technical Specifications