TEAC VRDS-701T CD Transport

TEAC VRDS-701T CD transport is a high-end CD transport that uses TEAC’s Vibration Free Rigid Disc Mechanism (VRDS) for the most stable playback possible. It is designed to be used with an external DAC. Notably, this CD transport has been realised to celebrate TEAC’s 70th anniversary.

The mechanism has several features designed to reduce vibration. Such as an aluminium clamp system and a floating sub-chassis. Moreover, the power supply uses two transformers. These are mechanically isolated from the chassis. High end features include an external clock input and an RS232 interface.

Vibration Free Rigid Disc-disc Clamping System

This premium mechanism clamps the disc to an aluminium turntable. As a result, it reduces any rotational vibration, as well as vibration from the mechanism itself. The turntable has the same diameter as the disc and increases the mass and inertia. Consequently, the turntable acts like a flywheel, resisting any speed changes. This also has the result of reducing servo current and reducing disc read errors.

Vibration free bridge

The next component is the bridge. This connects the turntable to the rest of the mechanism and is made of light but rigid material. This blocks any vibration from reaching the electronics. The result is a wide and dynamic sound. The bridge itself has a torus structure. The bridge is only fixed on one side to suppress sympathetic vibrations.

Semi-Floating mechanism

Finally, the CD mechanism of the VRDS-701T is mounted on a sub-chassis. The chassis is in a semi-floating state. Consequently, there is no transmission of motor vibration. Additionally, no external vibration can reach the pickup. Reading precision is increased by isolation.

Enhanced digital output and MQA support

The VRDS-701T does not have a built-in DAC as a result components have been upgraded due to more space being available. This results in higher audio quality. Additionally, there is now a built-in MQA core decoder, which can digitally output CDs with MQA content at 88.2 kHz. A compatible MQA DAC is required for full MQA playback.

10 MHz master clock

Both the VRDS-701T and any connected DAC can be driven from a 10 MHz master clock source, such as the TEAC CG-10M. This will give the most stable, jitter-free performance possible. The whole system will then be synchronized.

Why use an external DAC?

This CD transport must be used with an external DAC, which minimises the chances of any mutual interference. It also allows the user a choice of DAC. DAC stands for Digital to Analogue converter and converts the 1 and 0’s of a digital stream back into audio.

There are a plethora of audio formats in use and a good DAC needs to be able to handle them all. Normal CDs are recorded using PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) while DSD uses a 1-bit system. There is also MQA which stands for Master Quality Authenticated.

Enhanced power supply

Two toroidal transformers are used for the power supply. One is used for the mechanism while the other feeds the electronics. This prevents mutual interference. Moreover, the transformers are mounted on a floating structure that isolates any transformer vibration. Additionally, the side heatsink fins are slightly different lengths, to prevent sympathetic vibrations.

Pinpoint steel feet

Finally, the VRDS-701T is well supported on its machined steel, pinpoint feet. These act as vibration dampers and have a structure that has a certain amount of play. This will prevent vibration from getting into the mechanism.

Connectivity

Outputs include coaxial and optical outputs as well as an RS232 connector for integration with popular control systems. There are also trigger in and out connections for power coordination with other devices.