Micromega T-Drive Transport, anybody got one?
Regarding Opus: I have the Opus 3 and the analogue out is not on par with audiophile equipment. I run it through the digital out via a Musical Fidelity or a TACT 2.2XP). With the external DAC's it sounds good. I also have an Arcam CD82 CDP, and I think the Opus through the digital out and the external DAC is on about the same level as the Arcam. If you have a DAC you like I think the Opus is a good audiophile solution. The convenience of the music server changes the way you listen. BTW, if you live in Europe, you might want to check out the Hifidelio Pro-S 500. It is like the original Opus (called Symphony or Musica in the US, but it was just a rebranded German Hifidelio) and now comes in a model with a 500 GB drive. It also has the analogue recording feature that the new American (Olive) models have dropped. It's hard to find, though. Check if you have a Hifidelio dealer in Sweden (try http://www.audioactive.se/) who can get it for you. |
Richards: Thanks for input... much appreciated. Funny though. I was researching the latest Olive Opus No.4 server/cdp . I wasn't, however, sure how good it's digital out was. Also I would have liked to run it off a battery but Vinnie doesn't do mods although I gather other people do I asked Olive support Have you compared the Olvie Opus Nr-4 to any other decicated CD or DVD players either via the digital outs or analogue outs ? and they answered: We have compared to a couple of CD transports from Cambridge Audio and others in a similar price range and the OPUS 4 is on par with those players. I'm also looking at a used 47 labs Shigaraki transport with regard to later having it modded for battery version. I was actually already looking at CD-Pro2m based Philips mechanism transports. It seems some high end cdp(cdt manufacturers use it. I found one via the various forums and I'm still researching called Softone Model 3 It's priced at $1500 + shipping. For me as I live in Sweden I have to factor around 30-35% on top of this for import taxes. Cheers :-) |
I also bought a new T-Drive when it first came out and enjoyed it for many years till it stopped reading discs (but sold the companion DAC the very same year). It was quite nice -- sweet, dimensional sound, but not quite as extended as others. With a new laser mechanism and clock, it would be a good buy at $500. Replaced it with an Empirical-modded Sony that provided a nice upgrade, especially regarding detail. Then got a DIY-zone CD-Pro2m based on the Philips transport mechanism that many expensive transports use. It's really good -- deeper and tighter bass and very musical (there's one for sale at Audio Circle -- no affiliation). I still use it, though more often use a red-wine modded Olive music server -- just as good and all my collection without getting out of my chair (unfortunately Vinnie doesn't mod them anymore). BTW, I've heard the Altmann (compared to several other DACs in a local shoot-out) and thought it was very good. |
Gregm: I think that's a good suggestion. Thanks. I'll have a look into the Teac cdp as a transport. Jaybo: I decided I'm still interested in getting responses about better transports than my Micromega T-drive. I don't want this thread to digress in to one box players recommendations. I know different people have different opinions about the merits of the Altmann Dac. I intend keeping it, so thinking back now, it's not worth getting (your) opinions about one box cdp's. I can always search or start a separate thread with regards to that. Sorry for messing you around. Thanks for your input regarding AN vs Micromeaga transports. Btw. any comments on CEC transports ? Cheers :-) |
Dear J-k, while you are pondering the question, I recommend you purchase a mid-of-the-range used (not abused) TEAC cdp to use as transport. Their transport mechanisms are good and the mechanical integrity is first class. The sound is more extended than, say, a typical philips (i.e. what you had on the micromega) although it might sound dryish at times. Much cheaper than most alternatives, too. Regards |
no offense to the altmann, but for 1500 bucks, there are tons on players(mint-used) with exceptional transports and dac's Jaybo: I presume you've heard the Altmann Dac when making the above statement? Perhaps you could give me some examples of one box cdp or transport/dac's ore even dacs you've compared against the Altmann Dac up to $1500? After that I can check them out. Cheers :-) |
Jaybo, Thanks for your reply. the audio note is good, but not as good as the micromega I perhaps have the possibility of getting another used Micromega T-Drive that has been upgraded with a better clock and power supply as well as some mods to the digital out. I think it had the laser mechanism also replaced. It would cost around $500 from someone in England. Any other transport suggestions or opinions on the Micromega T-Drive? |
