Sony SCD-XB790 SACD Player - Page 6

Error Correction Tests

• Abex TCD-726

This is an AudioCD disc used for measuring the error correction capabilities and adjustment of the tracking/focusing servo characteristics of a player against defects included on a typical CD. Three kinds of defects are included on this disc: interruption in information layer, black dots and fingerprints. The interruptions are fabricated by intentionally varying the lengths of pits on the disc fabrication area. Their size varies from 0.5mm to 1.0mm. The diameter of the black dots are sized from 0.4mm to 1.0mm. Lastly, the simulated fingerprints are small gathered dots, of diameters sized from 65 micrometers to 75 micrometers 160 black dots in total, construct the artificial fingerprint.

The interruptions on the information layer were not a problem, as was also the case with 65 to 75 micrometer fingerprints. Black dots larger than 1.0mm in size, produced a couple of audible clicks. This is supposed to be an easy test disc and we expected better performance.

• Philips SBC 444A

The test concept with the Philips SBC 44A is the same as in the previous test disc. Interruptions on the information layer vary from 400 micrometers to 1000 micrometers, while the black dots have a size of 300 micrometers to 800 micrometers No audible clicks or skipping occurred during playback indicating very good performance.

• Abex TCD-721R

Same contents as with the Abex TCD-726 but different defects. A scratch sized from 0.4mm to 3.0mm on the disc's surface. Error symptoms expected when playing this disc are noise, skipping, same sector repeatedly played, start of tune cannot be detected etc. This test disc is more difficult than the Abex TCD-726.

The performance of the Sony player was poor. The first five tracks, with scratches up to 1.0mm, were played without problems while the remaining ten track were a problem. Scratches over 2.0mm forced the player to freeze.

• CD-Check

We finish this test cycle with the CD-Check disc from Digital Recordings. Five audio signals (5 tracks) in combination with disc error patterns are used to rate the player's ability to read music and reproduce it completely. The five tracks contain a sequence of progressively more difficult tests.

Check level 1 (track 1): Standard manufacturing errors

Check level 2 (track 2): 0.375mm scratch

Check level 3 (track 3): 0.750mm scratch

Check level 4 (track 2): 1.125mm scratch

Check level 5 (track 2): 1.500mm scratch

Any clicks, interruptions or looping during audio reproduction indicate failure of a Check level (audio track). Below you can see the test results:

The truth is that since this review is about a CD player, we expected much better error correction capabilities. Discs, in not the best condition, should probably be avoided with this player.