The number 1 in classical music and hi-fi. It is a benchmark in the field of classical music and hi-fi, as well as the distinction it awards to the best devices each year
The Lector CDP-603 CD player combines refined design with meticulously engineered acoustic performance. Inspired by Italian aesthetics, it stands out with its elegant lines and a design focused on simplicity and efficiency. With its blend of high-quality materials and minimalist interface, it meets the expectations of music and design enthusiasts seeking a functional yet harmonious experience.
One of the most remarkable features of the Lector CDP-603 CD player is its tube-based output stage. Lector has chosen 12AT7/ECC81 tubes, carefully selected for their low noise levels and Class A biasing. This meticulous design gives the player a distinctive sound signature, combining warmth and smoothness with exceptional precision.
The analog signal passes through no transistors, ensuring maximum purity. A single high-quality polypropylene capacitor, developed in-house by Lector, completes the setup. This configuration delivers a highly fluid sound reproduction, with rich and vibrant tonal colors reminiscent of the beloved warmth of analog systems.
The CDP-603 not only excels in signal processing but also pays special attention to the physical reading of discs. The reading mechanism has been optimized and equipped with a new high-capacity laser unit capable of handling errors up to 3 mm. This enhancement ensures more stable and precise playback, even on slightly damaged discs.
A powerful Panasonic microprocessor manages the servo control circuits with 32-bit precision, ensuring perfect synchronization of all mechanical components. The entire mechanism is mounted on a rubber suspension, reducing parasitic vibrations that could affect playback quality.
At the heart of the CDP-603 is a high-quality AKM digital-to-analog converter (DAC) offering 32-bit resolution and a 192 kHz sampling rate. This conversion chip, paired with a custom-designed board by Lector, maintains an extremely low jitter level, ensuring exemplary temporal precision.
The upsampling performed by this DAC increases the effective resolution of standard 16-bit CDs to 32 bits, significantly expanding the dynamic range and refining the reproduction of micro-details in the sound.
Lector has paid close attention to the critical aspect of power supply. The CDP-603 features multiple dedicated power supply sections, each assigned to a specific part of the circuit. This approach isolates the different stages and reduces interference. Numerous high-quality capacitors provide substantial energy reserves, ensuring exemplary stability even during the most demanding musical passages.
One of the strengths of the CDP-603 lies in its ability to create a wide and immersive soundstage. Listeners will particularly appreciate the expansive stereo imaging, with remarkable channel separation. While the soundstage appears wider than it is tall, it does not lack depth, offering a convincing three-dimensional representation of the musical space.
The CDP-603 stands out for its ability to make music sound beautiful and enjoyable to listen to. Its reproduction is characterized by a general smoothness and remarkable fluidity, regardless of the complexity of the musical material. The timbres are rich in harmonics, with varied and vibrant tonal colors that bring instruments and voices to life.
This musical approach prioritizes emotion and listener engagement over clinical neutrality. The CDP-603 particularly excels in reproducing acoustic instruments, giving them a warm, woody texture that evokes the physical presence of the musicians.
Although the CDP-603 is primarily a pure CD player, it offers a degree of flexibility. Equipped with high-quality unbalanced RCA outputs, it integrates seamlessly into most hi-fi systems. The absence of digital outputs may be seen as a limitation by some, but it reflects Lector’s confidence in the quality of its conversion section and tube-based analog output stage.
The CDP-603 is designed to play standard audio CDs. It is not compatible with SACD or HDCD formats. However, its playback quality of conventional CDs often rivals these high-resolution formats.
No, the CDP-603 does not feature digital outputs. It has been designed as a complete CD player, leveraging the seamless integration of its reading mechanism, DAC, and tube-based output stage.
The 12AT7/ECC81 tubes used in the CDP-603 typically have a lifespan of several thousand hours. When replacement becomes necessary, it should be performed by a qualified technician to ensure optimal performance.
Like all tube-based devices, the CDP-603 benefits from a warm-up period. It is recommended to let it run for about 15 minutes before critical listening to allow the tubes to reach their ideal operating temperature.
Jean-marc
I am extremely satisfied with the sound produced by this tube player, which is quite remarkable.
It's my favorite CD player.
Comment from June 09, 2021 — Experience from May 24, 2020
