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Phillips no longer producing transports

Hi folks, as many of you are no doubt aware Phillips have decided to stop producing the Pro 2 LH transport used by ARC, Ayon, Vitus and others. What does this all mean? I'm informed by one manufacturer who I wont name that their stock of transports is good for another year or so of production whilst maintaining stock for warranty service. I'm told they are now moving toward designing a server to replace cd players in future. Esoteric are still manufacturing transports, and Accuphase have moved to a proprietory transport mechanism, so cd players will still be produce into the future. But for a powerhouse like Phillips to give up on cd transports is a harbinger, a sign of things to come and the likely phasing out of cd production. It is likely in future cd production will only continue in small runs of for audiophile labels and boutique producers, and high res downloads will continue to develop and become more mainstream. I think Bob Dylan said "The times they are a changin'".
melbguy1
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Spoke to Kal, ARC Customer Service Tech Rep, today. He reported that ARC is aware of the issue but seemed unconcerned, even with the advent of the new Ref CD-9 which uses the Pro 2. Kal said that ARC has more than enough Pro 2 transports in stock to support new production and replacement of older CDP units. That's the news folks. Go figure????

I suppose the good news is that the Pro 2 is touted as being pretty sturdy and trouble free. Perhaps the need for replacement units is not acute. I own the Ref CD-8 and previously the Ref CD-7. So far, no problems to report. Nevertheless, the business side of me tells me that ARC will have to source another supplier or end the use of the Pro 2 with Ref CD-9. Just a guess.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
All my cd players with Philip drives had problems. Many were very expensive Krells.

You are talking about Philips SACD drives. That is a very different design, which indeed was problematic. On the other hand, the CD-Pro2 discussed in this thread, is very reliable.
reb1208
518 posts
 
Phillips Pro transport mechanisms are serviceable and can be easily reconditioned to perform as new. Typically only two parts "fail", the spindle motor or laser assembly. ARC is therefore well situated to meet any transport repairs well into the future.
melbguy1 OP
1,438 posts
 
Thanks for your input Reb
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
You are talking about Philips SACD drives. That is a very different design, which indeed was problematic. On the other hand, the CD-Pro2 discussed in this thread, is very reliable.
NO I'M NOT. I'm talking about Philips CD drives.

Phillips Pro transport mechanisms are serviceable and can be easily reconditioned to perform as new ...
I don't know the model I had but you can't fix something that never worked.

I remember asking Patrick @Krell why use such a unreliable transport and his answer, because it sounds good.
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