CD Transport

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.

@charles1dad - CEC estimates the belt life as 5 years, which of course depends on use. They do go on to say that it’s not necessary to change the belt after 5 years if it all sounds right. I have a strong feeling that belt will be the least of my worries in 5 years. 

Just following up for anyone interested in the CEC TL5. I received mine today and it is very nicely made with a well-damped chassis and everything feels commensurate with the price. Yes I know they are selling them on EBay for $1000, but I chose not to go that route. Audio Union is the distributor, but sales are now through a few dealers. I bought mine from Atelier 13 Audio in Nashville and I dealt with Constantin, who was extremely professional. 3 weeks from order to delivery as promised. I can’t comment on the sound compared to my CXC as it’s too new and I’m breaking in a new dac, so it’s really impossible to know what’s causing what. In any case, the TL5 is very nice. I’m sure the next model up for double the price is even nicer, but that’s the way things go sometimes. 

@leog2015 - selling?  No, I just got it. I was just posting my initial impressions for anyone in the market for a TL5. 

Here's an interesting article by Arthur Salvatore to the effect that the transport is more important to the overall presentation than the dac.  A minority view to be sure, but make of it what you will. 

http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Digital.html#2011

@leog2015 - I would definitely check with Audio Union before buying an expensive used CEC product.  I would give them the serial number to make sure it can be serviced if necessary.  I have never heard one, but the TL2N looks like a beautiful unit and I believe you can even add some type of outboard clock if you want.  

@leog2015  I believe Audio Union doesn’t sell anymore. They just distribute and repair. As I said above, I had a very good experience with Constantin at Atelier 13 Audio and I know they have the TL2. Maybe not in stock, as I think they order from Japan. But check if you’re so inclined.

The Jays is a beautiful product but it’s huge and weighs almost 50 pounds. I couldn’t swing that. It’s definitely an issue for some. The CD2 weighs about 33 pounds which is no lightweight either. The TL5 is 18 pounds and the TL2N at about 26 pounds.  

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. Given the cost of the better Esoteric units, I don’t think they’re giving you that much VRDS for under 3k. Not saying it’s bad, but don’t think you’re getting a transport out of a K-03 or anything like that. 

@cleeds - that photo is definitely from a higher end VRDS.

Great choice. Just don’t get a hernia installing it :)

@leog2015 - did you get the Jays yet?  Just interested in your opinion if you did.