Philips - CD380 with famous TDA1543 DAC Chip CD player

Vintage CD Player – Philips CD380 with Legendary TDA1543 DAC (Late 1980s)

Offered here is the Philips CD380, a highly respected vintage compact disc player from the late 1980s, celebrated among audiophiles for its use of the famous Philips TDA1543 DAC chip, renowned for its warm, natural, and musical sound signature. Manufactured during the golden age of Philips digital audio engineering, the CD380 combines robust build quality with classic multi-bit DAC technology that many enthusiasts still prefer over modern digital designs.

Features & Specifications:
Model: Philips CD380 Compact Disc Player
Year of Manufacture: circa 1988–1989
Origin: Philips Europe
Type: Single-disc stereo CD player

Digital & Audio Design:
• Equipped with the legendary Philips TDA1543 DAC chip
• Classic multi-bit digital-to-analogue conversion architecture
• 4× oversampling digital filter system
• Known for warm, analogue-like sound reproduction, highly appreciated by audiophiles

Performance:
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Dynamic Range: Approx. 96 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Approx. 100 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: Approx. 0.003 %
Channel Separation: Excellent stereo imaging and channel balance

Mechanism & Playback:
• Smooth front-loading CD transport
• Compatible with standard audio CDs
• Programmable playback and repeat functions
• Track search and direct access controls

Connectivity:
• Analogue RCA stereo outputs
• Headphone output with level control

Design & Construction:
• Classic Philips late-1980s industrial styling
• Solid chassis construction for vibration reduction
• Clear fluorescent display with track/time indication
• Intuitive front-panel operation

Condition:
This Philips CD380 is presented in good vintage condition, with the signs of use consistent with age. The display remains clear, and the transport mechanism operates smoothly. Playback and controls function as expected. Cosmetically in fair condition for its age; see pictures to form your own opinion about cosmetic condition.

Collectable & Practical Value:
The Philips CD380 has become especially desirable among vintage audio enthusiasts due to its use of the famous TDA1543 DAC, a chip widely praised for delivering a smooth, musical, and non-fatiguing listening experience. Many audiophiles actively seek out early Philips CD players for this reason, as they offer a distinctive character often associated with classic analogue sound.

An excellent opportunity to acquire a true piece of digital audio history from one of the pioneers of the compact disc format.

Proudly presented by SpaceTime Engineering — watch it in action on our YouTube channel:

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Shipping:
Worldwide tracked and insured shipping according to Catawiki guidelines, the weight is approximate, including packaging

Seller’s Story
We are a highly specialised company based in the Netherlands, offering high-quality audio and electronic equipment throughout Europe, generally through Catawiki at an affordable price.