CD Transport

@vitussl101

I appreciate your enthusiasm for the TEAC/Esoteric transports. I have to say that every audio component has some degree/level of signature or sonic character. I have not encountered an audio product that is any exception to this. I do think that the TEAC701T comparison with the Jay’s Audio CD transports would be very informative.

Charles

@2psyop 

Yeah that one and the Bricasti should make sweet sound. If it does not, I would be very surprised indeed

Yes, should sound splendid!!!

Charles

@leog2015 

I don't believe that you'll be disappointed.

Charles

@chayro

06am

I just want to add that just because Teac says it’s a VRDS (or whatever) doesn’t mean much. I had an Esoteric X-05 with a so-called VRDS transport that was just a glorified plastic transport with a top clamp resembling the clamp in the 701. It was nothing like the transports in the higher end Esoteric products.

Fair point. “VRDS” is the attention grabber. Very likely different levels of its implementation in different models.

Charles

@leog2015 has terrific options among CD transports. In a high quality and resolving audio system superb Redbook CD music reproduction is the reward.

Charles

@nonoise 

I went back to double check and the only thing in English on those shots read: 701/701T so it must be the CDP and not the CDT. My bad

No problem and appreciate the effort. TEAC has the engineering chops and experience. To get the CD tray mechanism/assembly right does involve a degree of complexity that alternative top loaders don’t require. Simplicity is  an advantage with regard to audio more often than not.

​​​​​​​Charles 

@leog2015 

$10K?…out of my budget

Understood. I think that the 3 transports on your list are excellent choices to ponder. Do you have a preference for top loading versus tray loading CD mechanisms?

Charles

@chayro 

Congratulations!!

I hope it serves you well for many years.

Charles 

@chayro 

👍

@chayro 

I have a CEC on the way. There are a lot of choices and very difficult to compare them side by side. I like the ergonomics of the unit and the fact that it is a time-tested design with US service

A friend of mine had an upper level TL2 for a number of years.

It is a high-quality CD transport and from my observation quite reliable. He did have to change the drive belt from time to time as they tend to stretch after awhile. It is also a well-built top loading unit as well. There are definitely very good options available for those who continue to greatly enjoy the physical media CD.

Charles

@baylinor 

Jay's strangely absent in this discussion. Fantastic top loader.

The Jay’s Audio gets mucho praise on this forum (A quick search confirms that). The OP mentioned the 3 specific CD transport choices he’s interested in. But yes I like a good quality top loading CD transport as well. Simpler and very effective.
Charles 

@bigkidz 

For those who feel CD transports do not sound different, I invite you to our listening room where we have Audiomeca Mephisto II,  Metronome, Marantz, Cary, and a bunch of streamers to compare with your own ears.

I don't believe the dogmatic "All transports sound the same" types would accept your generous invitation to listen to the excellent choices you have. They're too bias and rigid in their mindset. Negative confirmation bias on display.

Charles