TEAC VRDS 701T - Review

[brian2957]

Buy all of them then decide

I use the DR Database https://dr.loudness-war.info/ and pick the one with the highest dynamic range, that's usually, but not always, the original release.

(NB you can't use it for selecting vinyl releases, it's not accurate for vinyl).

Thanks Martin. I'll have a good look at that.

[Jimbo]

Just going back to the OP Teac VRDS 701T.

I had a good read up on the spec and technical on this machine and it looks like TEAC have gone to some trouble to reduce vibration around the loading drawer etc. All make good sense as I am sure trying to tracking a spinning CD at 500 rpm and a scanning speed of 1.2 m/s whilst its wobbling may cause plenty of errors. Having a very stable mechanism and eliminating vibrations must be a good thing?

As digital gets better it tends to sound smoother, more analogue and spacious with better soundstage so this maybe attributed to the VRDS tech?

All you need now is the Teac clock and some massive upsampling software like HQ player and it will unleash even more from the E30 DAC?

OOPs HQ player needs a computer!

[Macca]

Just going back to the OP Teac VRDS 701T.

I had a good read up on the spec and technical on this machine and it looks like TEAC have gone to some trouble to reduce vibration around the loading drawer etc. All make good sense as I am sure trying to tracking a spinning CD at 500 rpm and a scanning speed of 1.2 m/s whilst its wobbling may cause plenty of errors. Having a very stable mechanism and eliminating vibrations must be a good thing?

As digital gets better it tends to sound smoother, more analogue and spacious with better soundstage so this maybe attributed to the VRDS tech?

All you need now is the Teac clock and some massive upsampling software like HQ player and it will unleash even more from the E30 DAC?

OOPs HQ player needs a computer!

I've got a concrete floor so skipping from vibrations isn't an issue. Only discs that ever skip are those with damage, I just buy a new one.

The DAC upsamples and reclocks, so there's no point in adding external clock or upsampling. Yes I know some say external clocks do something regardless. If so, I personally can't hear it. Same reason I stick with the Topping DAC, I don't hear any benefits with the fancy DACs. I do have a Soncoz DAC also, that was the thick end of £500. Can't tell it from the Topping.

I keep hoping to encounter some plug in and play wonder device that I think does do something. I would certainly buy it. But I go to the shows and the meets, and it never happened yet.

IMV the more you complicate it the more ways to go wrong. I sometimes think even having an external DAC is just inviting trouble.

[Jimbo]

Would be interesting to compare the Teak VRDS 701T + E30 with the VRDS 701 which has its own DAC?

[Macca]

Would be interesting to compare the Teak VRDS 701T + E30 with the VRDS 701 which has its own DAC?

I did think about getting the CD player rather than the transport but you're talking an extra £500 for the CDP and I already have two DACs. So it seemed a bit wasteful.

Plus the TEAC DAC is their own tech, their own FPGA. I read it has HF rolling off from 10Khz. From messing about with EQ I know I can easily hear that level of attenuation so it puts me off getting the matching DAC/Pre. But it was only one review and maybe not that reliable.

With the transport you can swap DACs if you don't like it, you can't do that with the CDP.

[Barry]

All the CD players I use have a digital output, as well as analogue, allowing connection to an external DAC if desired.

[struth]

I have tried both and although not overly exoctic I found the oppo to be good enough. Not that I play many CDs now.
The rom I've got for pc is pretty good tbh and I'm more inclined to use it as it's pretty quiet

[Gazjam]

How’s listening to CDs going Martin now the black box has some hours under its belt?

[Macca]

How’s listening to CDs going Martin now the black box has some hours under its belt?

Can't fault it Gaz. The biggest benefit by far is no more slot-loading shenanigans.

I still think it sounds a little different from the Audiolab though. 'Calmer' somehow. That's the only word I can think of to describe it.

[Jimbo]

Can't fault it Gaz. The biggest benefit by far is no more slot-loading shenanigans.

I still think it sounds a little different from the Audiolab though. 'Calmer' somehow. That's the only word I can think of to describe it.

Would you also describe the sound as smoother?