Transport--Used PS Audio PerfectWave or New Teac VRDS 701T????

New is new, but that aside I would choose the Ps Audio for several reasons.

I have many of their components and they have excellent customer service and their products sound amazing.

I would never by another TEAC product because about 6 months ago I purchased a brand-new TEAC CD player that would not read CD’s after just a few months of use. After hours making phone calls and being given the runaround, I was finally given a number to contact. The number was for an independent repair shop that services TEAC products under warranty in my region of the US. I was told that TEAC does not handle warranty issues themselves (at the factory). I shipped the unit to the repair shop. "Weeks" later, I received it back. It still didn’t work. I contacted the shop. The shop said that the CD mechanism is fragile and that it was likely over-vibrated during handling. I have purchased and have had countless CD players shipped to me since they first came out in the early 80’s and have moved all over the world shipping audio gear during my numerous moves with absolutely no such problem. I knew by then that his excuse was BS. I sent the CD player back for a second time. I received it back after "several" more weeks for the second time and it still did not work. By then I had had enough. I was not about to waste another minute of my time with TEAC, except for the minute that it took me to throw the CD player in the garbage.  They made my permanent "do not buy list", together with Schiit Audio.

So, there’s my advice to you. Good luck.

I would not buy a PS Audio or any used transport unless there are replacement transports available. I know PSA used to use an OPPO drive which is no longer made. If they are, I would ask PSA if they will sell you one as a spare. 

I have read that PS Audio uses a D and M drive. Once I reserched it, I found it is a Dennon and Marantz "D & M" drive. I don't find in the reviews that the D and M drive is better than the Teac/Esoteric VRDS system. It is interesting that Teac believes that their drives are a competitive advantage and therefore have stopped selling them to other OEMs. I would think Teac would be in a great position to offer support, but the comments above about their poor support are concerning. Any other Goners have experience?

For what it's worth, as well as PS Audio, I have 2 home Marantz CD players and 3 Marantz Professional CD players, and they have performed flawlessly for many years. Sounds like many, but I have several systems in 6 different rooms.

@wokeuptobose TEAC is still selling/providing CD drives to many other audio manufactures such as Innuos, BelCanto, and others. 

hi ellejeanella - i am on a similar journey for a transport just curious what did you eventually use 

Great question, I am now watching what happens to the trajectory of the Wadax Studio. Seems like a crazy new direction, but since the Studio has a streamer, CD/SACD player and a DAC in one box I can sell my current stuff and move to the Studio if I get to listen to one.

I have a familiarity only with the TEAC through knowing individuals who have been steering themselves through Digital Sources for many many years, with slightly different concerns for what a Digital Source is able to offer. 

The Individual who has recently adopted the TEAC 701T has abandoned Analogue as Source many many years past and investigated extensively what the Digital Source is capable off in their system. I feel confident to say for them, they are looking at the 701T as a Last Purchase in relation to Transports.

The same individual loaned the 701T to a friend who shares similarities in their interest in a Digital Source and had created numerous permutations, from CD Replays and Streamed Content.

When the loaned 701T was added to the alternate system, the system owner was met with something quite unexpected, the Transport replaying same Tracks as was able to Streamed, had shown itself to be very very attractive and a model was purchased.

The newest 701T Owner was smitten with TEAC and went off on a tangent purchasing the TEAC UD-701N.

The 701N has won over the new owner, they can't sat enough good things about it, for this I am also grateful, as a Steaming Source will be on my list in a few years and I can't see needing more that a 701N as a used purchase not meeting my needs.  

The two individuals carried on with their investigations and come to the conclusion there is not too much to be found separating TEAC UD-701N and the Esoteric alternative. 

For the PSA PWT I am very familiar with this Transport, and when using with a Commission Built Valve DAC with a COAX Connection using D.U.C.C Wire as the Signal Wire, I have never looked back. This marriage is very attractive to my needs, it has also made me Transport Curious, but to date, I have not compared anything as an alternative to be considered as a purchase.

My DAC shares similar Valves as the EAR Acute and the Acute has been compared on a few occasions, where Vintage Valves are used from the same Brand and Production era in both.

The Acute an my own Source is compared to other Digital Sources, such as Linn and Wadia and both Valve Sources stand out as quite a special performers.

The Acute is offering much more in functions than a PSA PWT is able to.

The PWT is the cheapest option, and research will show there are designs in place outside of using a service from PSA to keep the device functioning for quite an extended period. 

I'm not able to help you with a decision to be made, Used vs New, Olden Tech vs Cutting Edge Tech, Brand Reputation all make the idea of a purchase require navigation. I do feel confident if any device from the above is on your shortlist as a Solely a Digital Source or a unit within a assembly for a Source, there is a lot of satisfying musical encounters to be had.        

If you are a streamer and only play Redbook CD’s IMO the Shanling ET-3 for the money is hard to overlook. Yes I own one nevertheless I am happy with the product.