Exposure 1010 CD-player

It was distinctive for not being as smart and bracing as the Naim audio that is most popular, and however a whole lot more musical than many American or Japanese amps. Ever since then, a more extensive outreach has been developed by Exposure, making while keeping its purist doctrine, some quite able affordable separates. This is personified by the 1010CD; it is affordable in Exposure terms actual focus was paid to the plan.

Building is the most common steel box anodised aluminium fascia plate. Round the back, there is the digital output signal that is regular although this time just in Toslink optical type. There is a remote control bundled. The Exposure is not nasty to use, but does not feel as finished as rival machines; so you can tell its fascia panel has been constructed down to a cost it has ever so marginally sharp edges for example.

SOUND QUALITY

The smoothest the Exposure of this group, seems complete, rich and warm, that will suit many budget systems very well - but a way is it lacks only a little sting and incision. In a few ways it is somewhat opaque although a kind of synthesis involving the sleek -sounding the more affluent, more incisive and participating Cambridge Audio 651C and Teac CD-H750. It loses a little of the detail and penetration of the latter, even though it adds a little shine and heat.

Take the New Order course. The opening drum sequence immediately marks the Exposure as a little less strong player out; you do not get those electronic kick drums! Rather, a somewhat standoffish sound, appealing and less immediate. But within a second or so you are able to see the interaction between hihat and the snare, and it is done in a sense that not one of the players that are more affordable manage. Even the superb Azur, with all its cleverness, does not quite manage to get these miniature inflections that are microdynamic. Then the poetry kicks in and it is initially a little less dramatic, but then again you start to discover the entire flow of the tune tremendously satisfying. There is a much better awareness of depth view than a great many other players here as well as the Exposure appears assured to hang backing instruments only where they need to be - in the rear.

The Visioneers trail reminds us, and emphasizes the pleasant heat of the player. But with the Cambridge, matters are not quite as closely focused as inside the recorded acoustic guitar. It is definitely an enjoyable, gratifying player, but it is imperfect.