Resolving CD Transports Crowd Sourcing

@lalitk    My point in referencing the refurbed CD Pro 2 was that for less than $500 I could buy it and have it replace the current drive in my AA Drive 1 if the original drive were to crap out. Therefore, unless the Aqua smokes the fully functional AA Drive 1, the value proposition is squarely in the corner of the AA. I do suspect the Aqua will perform at a higher level but it will have to be more substantial than just "incremental" for this retired car salesman to consider it.

I had the opportunity to hear the Denon DCD-A110 Anniversary Edition SACD/CD Player last night. It was in a system with a Musical Fidelity M6SI integrated amp, and Spendor A4 speakers. 

Physically, the CD player is a 40 lb beast--nicely machine gun metal/graphite grey all metal exterior, including the CD drawer. It also has a great remote. Outputs are both balanced and RCA.  I did not hear the unit via XLR because the owner has many SACDs and they only play via the RCA jacks. The sound characteristics of the CD player are detailed and not clinical or harsh because it has a warm sound. It projects a bold, but not fatiguing sound.

For me, while the warm sound is appealing, it comes at the expense of imaging and soundstage. Beyond the first layer of instruments and vocals there is a noticeable drop-off, or recess in drums, bass and music that is in the background. So, it loses some front-to-back three dimensionality as a result. Nonetheless, I liked it, but would not own one.

I'm still waiting for the opportunity to hear the TEAC 701T. BUT, the clock is ticking....my loaner goes up for sale on 12/1, and I have first dibs. The owner says purchasing it, and getting a replacement CDPro2, just in case, from ARC ($500 with S/H) is a no brainer with my ARC components.

@wharfy 

The owner says purchasing it, and getting a replacement CDPro2, just in case, from ARC ($500 with S/H) is a no brainer with my ARC components.

Sounds like a good plan. You have heard it in your system and confirmed it is a fantastic fit.

Charles

wharfy,

The teac VRDS transport is by far the best transport made on the face of this planet there's nothing better I have the esoteric P10 transport from the '90s It's built like a tank and I haven't heard anything even at $20,000 from the esoteric stuff that's that much better, they were so far ahead of everybody they were already using OCC single crystal for the internal wire, you definitely won't go wrong with Teac and the build quality is excellent and the sound quality is as well, if you partner it with an extremely good DAC you will have many many years of enjoyment, I wouldn't buy anything else.

@wharfy 

The owner says purchasing it, and getting a replacement CDPro2, just in case, from ARC ($500 with S/H) is a no brainer with my ARC components.

I would contact ARC and ask about ordering the replacement CDPro2 just to verify its availability now as a straight purchase (not repair).  If available, assuming it's the unit you want, it's all systems go.