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esoteric x-01, ux-1 etc reliable?

I am considering buying a used Esoteric CD/SACD player, and I have heard a lot of praises heaped on top the VRDS-NEO transport. But what worries me is that I read somewhere that Teac Esoteric has discontinued the laser assembly used for the VRDS-NEO transport. Is there any owner or users willing to share their experience regarding the reliability as well as the lifespan rating of the laser head. Also, it gets even more complicated for modded units as the manufacturer warranty is likely void. I am hoping owners of the best modders like RAM, APL etc can shed some light on this.
opusone
gregadd
574 posts
 
Get an Accuphase. No problems. The reason d'etre of the esoteric is the transport. If it's not reliable then what's the point?
Post removed 
gregadd
574 posts
 
TVAD being the honorable audiophile you are you should first reveal your involvement with APL. If there is any?

"Have you ever read of anyone having a problem with an Esoteric transport, other than this owner of two APL modded Esoteric UX-1 players? I have not." TVAD

No one has reported anything to me. I too have never heard of any problems with the Accuphase player that IMO does not need tweaking.

The failure of those 2 $20k player is significant. Given the price Alex, should come out to his home and make the repair himself.
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fplanner2000
616 posts
 
I have a UX-1 upgraded to a UX-1pi by Esoteric - great to work with and no transport problems whatsoever. The Esoteric support has been great and their transports are pretty solid and bulletproof, which is why so many other manufacturers covet and use them in their products and have in the past.

Chungted - I'm confident Alex will take care of your problems to your satisfaction, and do so in a timely manner.

As far as a "modded" unit, Alex has fixed the laser on my APL-modded Denon a number of times - quickly, inexpensively and without any problems or drama. The laser is a known problem area with the Denon.

My involvement with APL is solely as a long-time APL customer.
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