@trn - I suggest you follow up on looking at the CEC TL5 or TL2. I also had space issues and the CECs are quite compact and a minimum of space is needed due to the relatively low profiles. I have the TL5 and I am satisfied with the sound, but I really haven’t done any comparisons with the competition. I like the fact that the TL5 has a user replaceable belt, which may or may not be the case with the TL2. |
Trn: I also have a Schiit URD. It worked fine for a bit over 1 year, and then started to develop the "intermittent" play problem. Finally, the CD drawer would not open, so I sent it to Schiit. A solid unit with a Stream Unlimited drive and servo board. You mention that others have had similar problems; any further comments about all this? I found the sound to be very good with this transport, but I am wondering about the JPL-2800 drive mechanism durability, noting that a series of high end CD transports use this drive, or the CD PRO-8 (which seems to use most of the same "guts" as the 2800). |
As I understand it, the Urd also uses the Pro-8 (or a variant of it). I've been in contact with other Urd users who have had similar issues as mine and different issues such as what you're experiencing. I've found these users on many of the other forums (ASR, SBAF, Head-fi, etc). Some choose to live with their issues (for reasons I personally don't understand but, you do you.) I haven't read about any issues other than what seem to be drive issues. No one has an issue with the sonic performance of the unit (I don't either). It's sounds good when it plays. "Replaced the tray motor's band, the CD drive control board, and made sure all of the Urd firmware is up to date. Played multiple CD's without any issues." |
Trn: Keep us informed in this thread as to how your repaired URD works. The URD uses the JPL-2800 tray loader mechanism, and the CD88 servo board. The CDPRO-8 variation is supposed to be an "upscale" mechanism. My research is that the CDPRO-8 has most of the same "guts" as the JPL-2800; but it is housed in a CNC machined aluminum box. Not sure this would lead to any significant sonic or reliability advantage. As you might be aware, there are very few decent CD drive available for use in the high end. Stream Unlimited, a Teac unit (not Esoteric), and maybe a few others. Stream Unlimited is made up of the "gurus" that were doing the fine drives that Phillips made decades ago. Schiit went with the Stream Unlimited drive and servo board - probably the best choice. As to reliability, we will see. My unit has just reached their repair department, and I am hoping for a long term fix. I will update this thread. |
