CD Transport

@leog2015 has terrific options among CD transports. In a high quality and resolving audio system superb Redbook CD music reproduction is the reward.

Charles

I just want to add that just because Teac says it’s a VRDS (or whatever) doesn’t mean much. I had an Esoteric X-05 with a so-called VRDS transport that was just a glorified plastic transport with a top clamp resembling the clamp in the 701. It was nothing like the transports in the higher end Esoteric products. Given the cost of the better Esoteric units, I don’t think they’re giving you that much VRDS for under 3k. Not saying it’s bad, but don’t think you’re getting a transport out of a K-03 or anything like that. 

Sony built some of the best CD players ever with the X and XA models as examples. Particularly in the 1990's decade. They were better than many ES models. The CD mechanism was engineered like a Rolex watch. I wish Sony still made CD players like those models. If they did, Sony would be my first choice.

chayro

I had an Esoteric X-05 with a so-called VRDS transport that was just a glorified plastic transport with a top clamp resembling the clamp in the 701. It was nothing like the transports in the higher end Esoteric products.

Here's a photo of the Esoteric VRDS transport from its website:

@chayro

06am

I just want to add that just because Teac says it’s a VRDS (or whatever) doesn’t mean much. I had an Esoteric X-05 with a so-called VRDS transport that was just a glorified plastic transport with a top clamp resembling the clamp in the 701. It was nothing like the transports in the higher end Esoteric products.

Fair point. “VRDS” is the attention grabber. Very likely different levels of its implementation in different models.

Charles