Esoteric or CEC cd-transport


I'm looking for a cheap cd-transport (around 1000-1500 USD). Any ideas what models from Esoteric or CEC fit this price range? Preferably a used one.

The current system is made of Luxman components only - DAC DA-06, C-600F and M-600A amps.
alex_bolotnikov
The best guy for modifying CEC transports is lampizator.
Just read how he modified the CEC TL-1X transport.
Lampizator said the CEC TL-1X after his mods were the best transport he's ever heard and he's heard tons of transports and CD players.
http://www.lampizator.eu/lampizator/REFERENCES/CEC/CEC%20TL-1X.html -

Lampizator also modified CEC Dacs, but said the CEC Dac is not good. He said, there are much better Dacs out there.
Here's his commentary.
http://www.lampizator.eu/lampizator/REFERENCES/CEC_DAC/CEC%20DAC.html -
Mechans, it seems TEAC has already missed the boat with audiophiles moving to servers. They should have put VRDS Neo into more affordable players a long time ago.
If you don't have an external clock connected I would assume that the switch should be set to "int" for the internal clock to be used.
I haven't seen that mod before either, but it appears to be an external clock input via BNC connector along with a switch to allow the selection of either the internal or external connected clock.
Alex...sorry I don't know. I knew there were several companies that were modifying these, but that isn't one I've seen.

I even searched for that image, but didn't come up with anything.

Maybe ask the person you bought it from, what was done.
One question regarding my purchase. I see some non-factory upgrades on the back panel... What is it?

[img]https://content-19.foto.my.mail.ru/mail/alex_bolotnikov/11/s-330.jpg[/img]
Purchased a CEC TL3N earlier this year, nice unit.
Has anyone heard any CEC DACs?
Congrats on getting the CEC transport! They have a very engaging, smooth and effortless sound. Since they're a belt drive design they may require some service over the years, but are much better sounding in my opinion as a transport compared to the Esoteric models.
TEAC is the parent company of Esoteric obviously their high end division. I would hope they apply some of what they use for Esoteric into TEAC, but I wouldn't count on it. If they put Neo -VRDS in a reasonably priced TEAC CD player, I would buy one immediately
I've never owned an Esoteric, but have had several CEC units. I currently use a CEC TL-2 and find it to be the best transport that I have ever owned, (and I've owned LOTS of them).

I'm sure either one would be an excellent choice.
As an option I also consider TEAC VRDS 10 or 20 - they are even cheaper. Don't think that Luxman will work here - they aren't famous for their CD players.
For that price range I would not get all focused on any one or two brands. Their are many good players/transports for around $1500. The only Esoteric I would own would have the awesome NEO VRDS drive (that's very expensive). I would make sure the unit you choose has the correct outputs of course. Also, a unit that functions well and quickly, quietly, with remote, you could use anything from a used Shangling to a new Oppo 105! Regards,

Matt M
I am surprised that there is even one at that price. I think you may want to up your ante If you want a good Esoteric, I am less familiar with CEC.
If you do a search on Audiogon for CEC and Esoteric you will find one unit each within your price range.