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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
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Chungted - I asked Esoteric that exact question - the response I got is that it would be too expensive to do this on a large enough scale to be profitable, according to the bosses, both for the customer and for Esoteric. There also other complicating factors, since production and new product decisions apparently come out of Japan. Alex, on the other hand, has the freedom and flexibility to produce what sounds best to him. IMO, Alex is a one-of-a-kind.

I agree with you on the transport - happily that's what I have as well.
chungted
9 posts
 
Fplanner2000 - Thanks for your information. But I think it's a very poor excuse for not improving the sound quality. Not only they are using cheaper transports on newer models, also in many people's opinion the sound of X-01 D1 is not to the level of older X-01 Limited.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>06-06-09: Chungted
Not only they are using cheaper transports on newer models<<

Perhaps less expensive is more appropriate as cheaper connotes poor quality to most people.

To set the record straight even Esoteric's lesser expensive transports are superior to anything else currently available in other players.

I hope you understand better know.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Oops typo.

"know" should be now.

Pass the coffee please.
gregadd
574 posts
 
"The tone of your question is odd.
I apologize.
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