Pioneer CD & DVD as Transports

Just thought I'd mention that Esoteric does not use Pioneer transport mechanisms. Esoteric is the high end marque of TEAC and TEAC makes its own: the famous VRDS in a diverse array of models; these are then used by ultra-high-end marques like Wadia.

Regards,

Joel.

Joel,

Incorrect. Esoteric does OEM and use the Pioneer Transport and associated DSP servo circuitry in the DV-50 and DV-50S models. This was most likely done because of a price point to meet and for production. This is same transport mechanism that is in the cheapy Pioneer DV-563, 578, pioneer dv-45a, dv-59avi, muse 11 etc..

There is nothing wrong with this transport mechanism. It is ROCK SOLID! and reads every disc, every time, right gmood1??

Esoteric does utilize a different clamping system for the disc, which should improve vibrational characteristics.

The VRDS transports/circuitry costs WAY much more to build and implement, since this is done at TEAC and not mass produced like with the Pioneer OEM models, and then TEAC upsells the VRDS to Wadia who then put them into their machines (which are not cheap! we are talking about a second mortgage here!) . This has to be one of the reasons they have a $13K msrp on the higher models.

Flye,
Thanks, good info. Do you have any idea how much difference I'll hear between these units(e.g. DV45a vs. DV47 vs. 563) if they are all just used as transports?
How much of the sonics are based on "the transport within the player" vs. other aspects of the design & construction.
I'm trying not to overpay for the internal DACs that I won't be using in the DVD player.
Thanks to all,
Spencer

Sbank, as much as transport matters, digital cable is just as impotant. There are huge differences between various digital cables. I experimented with different coax cables between the S7700 and Bel Canto DAC2 and was surprised actually how different these cables sounded. So make sure you get yourself a decent cable.

Audphile1,
Good point. So, can you & others please comment on what you thought of the various digital cables you've tried? Thanks,
Spencer