Sound quality: RCD310 vs RNS510

[am1w]

Darren came down today (bless!) and changed my RNS510 for another one as mine did not sound very good. The new one is better sounding but simply does not compare with the RCD310 in sound quality. It might improve once it's run-in as most electronics do.

Darren was also really surprised by the superb power and majesty of the RCD310 sound.

This is possibly due to all the gizmos the RNS510 has, as it not a simple Radio/CD player. I should have expected this, as in high-end Hi Fi, fewer gizmos mean better sound quality.

I wonder how the sound quality of the RCD510 compares with that of the RCD310. I bet not as good, but most probably slightly better than the RNS510.

It would seem that if you buy an RNS510 or RCD510, pair it with the Dynaudio to acheive decent sound quality. The RCD310 on its own is quite amazing for its power and sound quality. Only problem is that it does not look too pretty. A bit of a Susan Boyle!

O dear, have I said too much?

[R32UK]

Have to agree with you there... although I would never go back to the 310... it did sound better than the 510. I found this especially true when listening to the radio.

There isnt much in it.. but enough to tell.

[Snoopy]

It might improve once it's run-in as most electronics do.

No they don't. Only if theres a mechanical aspect to the design.

The RNS510 must have an altered frequency responce, you need to find someone with a real time analyser to see what the FR out of them is.

[am1w]

Have to agree with you there... although I would never go back to the 310... it did sound better than the 510. I found this especially true when listening to the radio.
There isnt much in it.. but enough to tell.

This new one is pretty good and I am happy now.
Darren has been wonderful and so patient.
Such a nice family too.

[am1w]

It might improve once it's run-in as most electronics do.

No they don't. Only if theres a mechanical aspect to the design.
The RNS510 must have an altered frequency responce, you need to find someone with a real time analyser to see what the FR out of them is.

Snoops: The proof of the pudding is in the listening. High-end amplifiers did sound better once 'run-in' and also once warmed up, whether transistor or valve.
I would agree that 'running-in' is much more significant with loudspeakers which are elecro-mechanical devices.

[GolfTi]

I had the RCD310 initially, changed to the RCD510 because the 310 looked so horrible and is not as nice to use.


Sound quality - no difference at all.

[am1w]

I had the RCD310 initially, changed to the RCD510 because the 310 looked so horrible and is not as nice to use.
Sound quality - no difference at all.

I see. Ok then.
But I have 'golden ears'!

[Snoopy]

Snoops: The proof of the pudding is in the listening. High-end amplifiers did sound better once 'run-in' and also once warmed up, whether transistor or valve.

Sorry mate but 'run in' thats utter tosh. They don't, its marketing mans and magazine reviews audiophile BS. People who don't know how it works! I use to design them for a living (arcam,). Electronics DON'T need to be worn in. Im a Electronic and electrical designer by trade its what i do for a living and still do, and have done for 20 years. Valves yes, their caracterisics can change. Descrete components NO.

I would agree that 'running-in' is much more significant with loudspeakers which are elecro-mechanical devices.

Of cause its a mechanical component with moving parts. 

  

[am1w]

Snoops: The proof of the pudding is in the listening. High-end amplifiers did sound better once 'run-in' and also once warmed up, whether transistor or valve.

Sorry mate but 'run in' thats utter tosh. They don't, its marketing mans and magazine reviews audiophile BS. People who don't know how it works! I use to design them for a living (arcam,). Electronics DON'T need to be worn in. Im a Electronic and electrical designer by trade its what i do for a living and still do, and have done for 20 years. Valves yes, their caracterisics can change. Descrete components NO.

I would agree that 'running-in' is much more significant with loudspeakers which are elecro-mechanical devices.

Of cause its a mechanical component with moving parts. 
  

All I can say is new ones don't sound as good as old ones from the same stable. But this has been an argument which has raged for years.
Anyway, my new RNS sounds pretty good and is getting better with my TLC!

[Snoopy]

What you need to do is get a lone of a good 60band +  RTA and measure the speaker lead output of each unit with pink noise. To see if its VW added frequency responce shapping to one or both of the units.

I wonder if the RCD510 is similar to the RCD310 for the frequency responce or more like the RNS510?

Can you describe what your hearing?

Does it by any chance sound like a reduction of frequency level at 200Hz and below as you turn it up and maybe a dip in the responce at ~5Khz?