The Front End

Most of the systems for the GCD are driven by a CD player, and a Harmon Kardon 20 watt car stereo amplifier. Like every other aspect of the system, this is much more than is necessary, but I wanted to design a system that was capable of "blasting through" in every situation in which the GCD might be displayed. I also wanted to design a system that had no distortion components. Distortion is a "tell" to the ears that the sound is being reproduced. All of the GCD audio components are breezing along effortlessly, well below their rated specs. The monstrous (relatively) 16 amp 12vdc power supply guarantees plenty of headroom, dynamic range, and quick transient response. We must be able to exercise a great deal of tiny, but precise control over the air around the layout. The actual performance is in the air...

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