CEC CD Transports on eBay: Are they fake?

@rja Thanks! I worry about the voltage issue. Putting a transformer into the equation might affect sound quality, no?

@fthompson251 Nice! And do you hear that "analog" sound that CEC touts for their transports? I thinking also about getting an Aqua La Diva which uses the new drive mechanism from Stream Unlimited. It is ridiculously transparent, but I worry the La Diva might be a bit analytical.

@ajays

I thinking also about getting an Aqua La Diva which uses the new drive mechanism from Stream Unlimited. It is ridiculously transparent, but I worry the La Diva might be a bit analytical

Fear not! I have the Pro-Ject RS2T transport that uses the very same Stream Unlimited Pro-8 drive/servo drive integrated unit. The sound quality and character is indeed transparent but not a trace of analytical-clinical sonics. I believe that you’d be thrilled with the La Diva II CD transport. BTW, Audionet, Gryphon’ and Acustic Arts Audio also utilize this same Stream Unlimited drive unit.

https://www.accusticarts.de/en/products/drive-ii/

Charles

@charles1dad Thanks for sharing! You might recall a post from me (to which you actually replied) a few weeks back about my defective RS2T, which had to be returned. The issue was mechanical noise. I did get to listen to it briefly (powered by an LTA external power supply) and I thought it was (as I noted) ridiculously transparent, airy, with incredible imaging and a deep, layered but soundstage, but also (perhaps as a result of all this) a bit fatiguing. It really wasn’t a fair listen because it was just so short and hurried as the unit was due to be returned the next day. Reflecting on my quick listen I thought that -- especially as a result of the imaging creating such an audible separation between instruments on the soundstage -- it might end up effectively "analyzing" music into its constituent parts thus dis-integrating it all to the extent of  reduced musicality. I guess you don’t agree? (BTW, I didn’t have the sense that the RS2T was "clinical", however. It was still musical but perhaps the separation I would describe as a bit distracting from the overall piece/song.)

Yes, the La Diva M2 is the one I’m considering. I was then thinking that perhaps a CEC transport might be a nice in-between position. Curious if you’ve ever heard a CEC transport to compare it to your RS2T? Apparently, CEC transports (which I have never personally heard) are known for being quite organic-sounding.

@charles1dad BTW, I have a Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC -- so perhaps that needs to be considered, too. I don't think the Tambaqui is analytical, but it is highly resolving.