Marantz CD-50 CD Player Upgrade

Almost any Hi-Fi component can be upgraded to higher performance using our techniques and components. The two things go together – the know-how and the right component. Over the last 30 years, we have developed our knowledge of where the biggest problems lie and how to overcome them to unleash better performance from a given piece of equipment.


The CD-50 is a multibit DAC equipped CD Player from Marantz, using a variant of the renowned Philips CDM4 transport mechanism. One of the very last 16bit CD players produced by Marantz, prior to venturing into Bitstream DAC technology.





The CD-50 was produced at the end of the 80s and into the early 90s. It quickly gained tractions as an excellent player delivering a well-rounded, balanced and musical sound elevating it beyond its peers such as more expensive players from Arcam and Rotel. Eventually replaced in 1991 by the CD-62 using different DAC architecture similar to the Phillips CD850Mk.2.

Our upgrades build on the strengths of the player. Everything you love about the sound remains – it just gets so much better.



58 component upgrades/changes are made across the power supply, DAC module, analogue output section and system control PCB. We use Russ's favoured audio grade Panasonic capacitors which give a smooth and detailed sound.




The player is completely disassembled to gain access to key areas of upgrade. The transport mechanism is also, serviced, cleaned and re-calibrated to ensure smooth running and accurate playback.


A major source of improved sound quality is made by upgrading the original master clock. The clock is in charge of the distribution and timing of the digital audio data. The greater the accuracy of the clock then the lower the jitter (digital distortion) is.








On the left is the upgraded Trichord Master clock we use. On the right is a typical clock that's removed. Quite a difference!


To clean up and give the power supply an upgrade a new, more robust IEC socket is fitted together with internal, pure copper TCX wiring from Kimber.





For the majority of the capacitor changes, we use Russ's favoured Panasonic Audio Grade caps. Where possible, we will endeavour to use the superb Kimber Kaps.






If you don't have exactly the same model as listed above, but a very similar unit, then it's highly likely that the same or similar upgrades will apply. But we can't guarantee that until we have the unit here for inspection. Get in touch and let us know what you have.


Equipment upgrades are proving hugely popular. During peak times there may be a wait of several weeks before we can carry out the upgrade. So before we get your equipment here, it must be booked in so we can ensure a speedy turnaround of the upgrade. Once you have placed your order, we will contact you to arrange a suitable week and getting the equipment here.

In Person
For those of you who are local enough or if you fancy a trip to the lakes, you can drop off your equipment personally and then collect it when it’s complete or we can ship it back to you.

By Courier
We can arrange a courier collection of your equipment for an additional cost. We currently use UPS.
To make things easier, we can offer several collection options.

1. We can arrange a specific day for the courier to call and collect your equipment. Someone will need to be available all day at the collection address as we’re unable to arrange a time slot for collections.

2. Dropping off at a UPS Access Point. UPS use a network of local shops to deliver and collect parcels from and to. We can either post you a collection label or email you the label (you will need to print the label at home/work). Securely box up your equipment, affix the collection label to the outside of the box and take it to your preferred Access Point where you will be issued a receipt. UPS Access Points can be found here (link opens in a new window), simply enter you postcode to find your nearest one.

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Please note this is just an upgrade modification, it does not include the Marantz CD-50 CD Player