I upgraded from a low end Sony to the DX1. Inrease in sound quality was very evident. From the beginning the unity would at times fail to read a CD and I would have to reinsert the CD. After 2 years of ownership, it stopped reading altogether. Cal was great on warranty response and returned the unit in about three weeks with problem solved. Just recently, the problem has returned. Warranty has just expired, but CAL is extending for this problem. So, even though I have had some problems with my unit, CAL's response shows me they make products worth staying with(no they have not paid mee for this).

I recently compared this unit with three other players; the Sony Xa-20es, CAL DX-2, and Parasound cdp-1000. I found The Dx-1 to be a solid mid-fi player. Its strengths seemed to be a warm rich midrange presentation and bass. The Dx-1 did a great job of not sounding like a stereo; it really made music. However generally pleasing the presentation was it wasn't the last word in accuracy. Although it is a huge leap forward in detail and soundstaging from players in the 200-300 dollar range, it was not the best I've heard in this price class. Both the sony and the parasound had a greater sense of openness and air. of The three the most accurate,( deatil, imaging) by a long shot was the sony, but it was also the most expensive and the least upgradable. Look to see if you can find this player on a demo or from someone who is crazy enough to want to "upgrade" to a dx-2. At aboout 300 it's a steal, but seriously think about other players if you can only find it for retail $500-600. i'd rate it a 2 in absolute terms.

Good sound. The CD skips, however, at the start of the CD. There seems to be no way around this serious problem.

Just read the review on the Cal Audio Lab DX-1 by the chap from Baltimore.Hard to believe. I've had the DX-1 now for 2 years. Superb sound for the
price! A flawless unit. Never had a problem. Not even a micro-problem.
Very happy with the DX-1 and plan to keep it for years to come!

The DX-1 (now replaced by the DX-2) is a great bargain. Why we haven't heard more accolades about this $600 player I don't know. It beats the Marantz players hands down. Excellent dtail, soundstaging and air.

I have had mine two years and the spindle motor has had to be replaced religiously every year. It has a three year warranty so no money out of my pocket, shipping aside. However, it does get the lens and everything cleaned as part of the routine so I'm not upset about paying the shipping. I must admit though that I change discs very often and listen alot. If any company is interested in testing the reliability of the CD players/transports under extreme real world condition send them to me. I wish the display was a little easier to read from afar. All else aside the unit sounds very nice. It may not be that last word on resolution, detail, or anything. However, it does not offend. It seems that its almost as important what a unit does, as what it doesn't do. If you get one of these you'll will get very good detailed, open, firm, beautiful sound and you won't find anything abrading about. I don't know how much better the new DX-2 is. For the money at the time it was new I'd give it four and half stars. However, digital technology improves quickly and in comparison to other similiarly priced stuff out there I give it a four. My experience with this unit has been very pleasent.

I've owned a DX-1 for over a year and never had a single problem with the unit. I find the player musical and the soundstaging good for its price range. Moreover, this player is discriminating enough to be able to undergo upgrades of the amplification (went from NAD 314 to a Classe CAP 150), interconnects, etc. Its also discriminating enough to hear the difference between stacking components and a decent rack, if the rest of the system is revealing enough. Of course, with the passage of time any digital front end quickly becomes obsolete but I think it will take a few years before the new digital formats (DAD/DVD or the new Sony/Phillips format) release products that can better this player in this "affordable" price range. My personal philosophy in digital is one needs to balance the Linn philosophy, i.e. you're only as good as your source, and the rapidity that digital becomes obsolete, in order to have a system that is personally satisfying and yet also relatively cost effective. Hence, while this CD player is good for its price range, I am contemplating trying an external DAC such as a Parts Assemblage DAC-2 w/ the upgrade kit. If anyone has had any experience with the DX-1 as a transport, I would be happy to hear any feedback.

The Sound Quality Of The DX-1 In My Opion Is Close To That OfThe Icon MKII With Its 18bit Dac, Of Course The Latter Having More
Dynamics, Best By In It's Price Class.
CAL's Quality Impressed Me Enough That I Purched The Icon MKII HDCD

I do not own a DX-1, but after reading the above reviews, I thought I would put in a couple words. I have listened to the player and agree it does have a very satisfying sound, but I would not buy one. I too would go with the DX-2, as I have witnessed the problems the DX-1 has had. I think that CAL's own willingness to offer the upgrade for fifty dollars is thier own admittance to the DX-1's flaws. Not to degrade any of the satisfied customers, if yours works more power too ya, and enjoy. But I plan to buy the DX-2 after hearing Jim's comment on Marantz, which I had considered. If any one has had experience with a YBA please e-mail me, I would like to kow about it.

I just got one - used. Paid $350 for it - from a dealer, who acceptedmy Sony changer as a trade-in. At least I've got some warranty.
Anyway I'm very happy with it - no problems, looks great (like new)
and sounds very nice - smooth, relaxed, enjoyable. This is the second
most satisfactory upgrade after the speakers (B&Ws). I'm back to listening
to music and having fun! No more distractions. Thanks CAL.