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transport w best detail retrieval and 'weight'

OK- here we go- I have the new Audio Note 3.1 Balanced (transformer-coupled output) Dac (it's great!), and am searching for a transport. I had an older Teac Esoteric P1, and liked the 'weighty' sound (the VRDS clamping system I am a big fan of). I sold it and picked up the Audio Note CDT-II due to the reviews and b/c I have the Audio Note Dac- what a mistake! Unit was very lightweight, and so was the impact. Yes- resolution was OK, and low noise floor was great, but it just didn't have the 'weight' to the sound that the Teac-based units (includes Wadia) have. I am considering the Wadia 270 and the Spectral SDR 3000 transports (both use versions of the Esoteric VRDS clamping system). Or should I give it all up and go back to one-box player? (I owned an Audio Aero Capitole but wanted more resolution so went separates). Ultimate detail retrieval and good 'weight' to the sound is what I am looking for from a transport- I have the musicality angle covered with the Dac. Any ideas?
sutts
sutts OP
697 posts
 
Hey Albert- how are you? I have considered the CEC TL1x, but am unsure about the lower registers, as compared to the Teac VRDS clamping system, which I have found to have superb bass characteristics.

Not to say the CEC isn't excellent in this regard, however it merits further study. Also- seems to always be someone trying to sell a CEC TL1 every day on Audiogon, and I always wonder why if it supposedly so good...
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Good question, perhaps there are people bringing them into the county to meet the continuing demand and making a few dollars in the process.

Wish I could justify buying an Audio Note and CEC transport so I could describe it's performance first hand. Three audiophiles who I respect very much all own this combo.
sattothestars
233 posts
 
Try Dampening the CDT2 Transport.I have gotten amazing results doing it.3m make an alluminum strip with ahesive on one side.go to www.3m.com.It is used in to quiet washing machines,or any household device that needs dampening for the motors.Once this is done you will find that this transport is pretty hard to beat,though the CEC is excellent.Dampen the cover,the inside around the motor,and the lazer.
aida_w
308 posts
 
No better CD transport out there than the WADIA 270!
Good luck and a Happy New Year!
sutts OP
697 posts
 
Sattothestars- already sold the CDT2- too late! It will probably come down to the CEC TL1-x vs Wadia 270 vs Spectral SDR 3000...
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