I finally got around to dealing with a pile of CD-4 demodulators (7 JVC 4DD-5s, 2 Marantz CD 400-Bs), testing with a few CD-4-compatible cartridges (Audio-Technica AT 14S, Audio-Technica AT 14Sa, Audio Technica AT 15Sa, Audio-Technica DR500 LC), here are my abbreviated results:
(Using a Sherwood ST-910B linear-tracking turntable, testing the same song (Nilsson's "Jump Into The Fire" on a CD4 test record from JVC. Each unit had its switches and potentiometers cleaned before testing)
The AT 14S was OK until Nilsson started singing, getting splatter in the rear channels affecting his vocals. Separation good
The AT 14Sa was slightly better, but still some splatter on the vocals. Separation good.
The AT 15Sa was noticeably better, but tracking force was very fickle, a lot less splatter on the vocals, but still an occasional noise. Separation good.
The DR500 LC was the champion, no splatter, and also higher output. Separation good.
As for the units, two of the JVCs were defective, the others were equal in performance, but (to my surprise), one of the Marantz units was better than the JVCs, and sounded better. The other was equal to the JVCs. Not exactly a lab report, but maybe useful to somebody somewhere.
Oh yes, the mix is excellent.
(Using a Sherwood ST-910B linear-tracking turntable, testing the same song (Nilsson's "Jump Into The Fire" on a CD4 test record from JVC. Each unit had its switches and potentiometers cleaned before testing)
The AT 14S was OK until Nilsson started singing, getting splatter in the rear channels affecting his vocals. Separation good
The AT 14Sa was slightly better, but still some splatter on the vocals. Separation good.
The AT 15Sa was noticeably better, but tracking force was very fickle, a lot less splatter on the vocals, but still an occasional noise. Separation good.
The DR500 LC was the champion, no splatter, and also higher output. Separation good.
As for the units, two of the JVCs were defective, the others were equal in performance, but (to my surprise), one of the Marantz units was better than the JVCs, and sounded better. The other was equal to the JVCs. Not exactly a lab report, but maybe useful to somebody somewhere.
Oh yes, the mix is excellent.