Yamaha CD S1000 or S2100 as transport
This is for owners of the Yamaha CD S1000, S21000 or S3000 CD players. I want to use one of these as a transport-only paired with an external DAC. Since they all seem to use the same rigid aluminum transport mechanism and laser, would there be a noticeable difference in sound quality between them? I'd like to go with the S1000 since it's significantly less expensive, but I'm willing to spend more if the SQ of the S2100 or S3000 is better.
Thoughts appreciated*
* Not interested in suggestions to use a different transport than one of these three, so please stay on topic.
@output555 , I own the s2100 and concur with blisshifi's assessment. The s2100 has a build quality well beyond their standard big box store units. I use the native output for any 2-channel SACD playback and a Holo Audio May DAC for any redbook playback. The s2100 is an overbuilt built and high quality transport, but the May DAC does provide a wider and more 3D soundstage. Not sure if you are considering used, but TMR Audio has one listed on their site at a fair price. No affiliation. |
Thanks for the confirmation. Yes, the S2100 is chock full o' quality parts and build. The S1000 is as well, albeit not to the same level. Too bad the DACs are quite long in the tooth. I have looked at the Holo May; it gets many great reviews. I currently use the Gustard X26 Pro and find it quite impressive. The new X26 R2R is under consideration, having received a glowing review by SoundNews.
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@output555 It's my pleasure. I find it fascinating how bad the product marketing is for most brands/manufacturers. Just a little bit of effort to help describe the benefits of each step up in their lines and a comparison chart would go a long way in helping people decide on the right product for them. While the Yamaha is great, after owning both, I can honestly say the customer centricity and service is quite bad. The units are great if they work as intended, but should you need service and support, you will be directed to a Yamaha-authorized service center (not run by Yamaha), and in my case with an issue on a Yamaha A-S3000, it took a year to get it back with little to no return communication from them when I inquired. So that's something to consider when purchasing! |
I totally agree. My big hesitation with the Yamahas is their spotty quality control. Lots of folks have reported problems with these units. For a product costing upwards of $6000 there should almost no issues. I have read mixed reviews about after the sale service. Some say Yamaha is great, some say the worst. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. |
