NEXT-LEVEL sound quality with CDs & STREAMING | TEAC VRDS-701 review

[@wfifa199]

I used to covet the Teac VRDS 7, 10, 20 and 25 cd players of yesteryears. Built like a tank. Good to see this latest version with digital inputs.

[@MrNicks-gn8jc]

I got a rebuilt McIntosh MCD 7009 to match my Mac system; in part because it has VRDS transport system !!

[@eugeneswanepoel877]

Americans and Canadians get an aluminum version. That got a smile out of me.

[@ChatGPT1111]

You mean al-you-miny-umm! 😂😂😂

[@YoungThos]

Of course, French Canadians still get the aluminium version as standard

[@musictube123]

Of course, Americans and Canadians get the lower density aluminum version, rest of the world get higher density aluminium version 😊

[@DethFromAbove1985]

I think an American scientist pronounced it wrong got very embarrassed and changed the spelling on the periodic table for the entire continent.

[@contemporaryhomeaudio]

lol

[@RadoDani]

Proem -- another great recommendation. I find myself browsing through Darko videos that I’ve seen already just for music recommendations.

[@Big-J-8579]

Nice review and the Teac looks like a keeper. Thanks again!

[@christopherviers8302]

Wow...!!! Great review and better yet... Thanks for turning me on to Proem...!!! Nothing better than having someone turn you on to a great book or music...!!! I've started off with Proem's first album - 'Burn Plate No. 1' - as I enjoy beginning with an artist's first album, then listening to the rest of his/her/their work in chronological order, so as to get a sense of their evolution, per se... Thanks again Mr. Darko - much appreciated...!!!

[@StrangeBrewReviews]

Great DAC in this beautiful machine. And s nice valu..TEACs new lines are amazing

[@johnpischedda6951]

Nice one John !Digital inputs on a CD player are a must for me. Especially high end, when you're paying good money you want to be able to utilise the DAC you've paid for.

[@Brett1334]

Some of teacs higher end amps etc all look amazing, definitely need some more reviews of more of their gear!

[@StrangeBrewReviews]

the TEAC ap505 hypexNcore is incredible, perfect for demanding bookshelf speakers.

[@professorcalculus5315]

Didn’t even know Teac was making high end audio! Thx John

[@dannytse8767]

TEAC makes an even higher end line called Esoteric.

[@DonHamlin]

So nice to see a review of this player! I’ve had mine since December and it really is something special.

[@RickRolling-tc7vb]

Thanks John, I think I had as much fun as you did with this one. Great to see such complete and nuanced reviewing delivered with panache - well done!

[@liverpoolk648]

Hi John...Liverpool Kev here...Firstly...I love your videos...your presentation style is simply wonderful...I am in my 60s now and have loved 'value HiFi' all of my life and have several HiFi setups across home and office...You clearly have a great sense of humour so hope you take this the right way....several years ago in UK...there was a wine tasting lady on tv who used ever more bizarre descriptions in wine tasting...I am sure she said once 'mmm yes badger with a touch of tarmac'...(might have made that one up) ...some of your descriptions (which I love by the way) have a touch of the Jilly Goolden about them....look her up John...I hope you will appreciate the crossover into high end HiFi audio description...Do take care and thank you so much for your videos....Liverpool Kev

[@bpalpha]

As someone who passed on a Pioneer Elite DVD player with SACD capabilities (working, good condition, no remote) at the thrift (charity shop for Europeans) for all of $8us, I don't know how to feel about units this expensive. I love it. Been a big fan of TEAC/Tascam for a while. I happen to like the looks a lot. Diminishing returns. It's nice that the internal dac can receive external sources. Can you still be a Bonafide audiophile without space program level of spending?

[@TheTastefulThickness]

As guttengerg says...an audiophile is someone who listens to music without muktitasking

[@jp93309]

Lol sorry I picked up that Pioneer Elite player at Goodwill. $6 with my senior discount

[@MehmetAtalay-on9yr]

No, you definitely need this as an audiophile. Don't forget to buy the right cables for at least 500 USD.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

i mean… this isn’t the high end of such components, there’s way pricier stuff than this, especially considering the broad functionality

[@watdanuqta-mf5ms]

I recently had a mint condition Pioneer Elite DV-47Ai(gave it to a friend) with remote that I used as a backup in case my main device failed. It was pretty good, utilizing three Burr Brown 192kHz/24-bit (3x2 Channel) Audio DACs but definitely inferior to my Rega Apollo, and really inferior to a Yamaha CD-S2100 SACD player. One thing about these elderly machines is that they don't give you the option to play either layer on an SACD. Pop an SACD in the player and you cannot compare it to the CD layer. Yes, they're available on the cheap but the last few years have really improved on the digital front and these older machines just don't excite the senses. I'd tell you what I own now but you'll think that I must be daft but it changed my world view on reproduced sound.

[@DavidMorley]

I'd love that Teac. I have been a big fan of Teac over the years. Never the coolest brand to like, but often surprisingly good.

[@eyesintheskies]

Decided this was the one before I even read a review, good to hear that it lives up to my expectation 😃

[@JoelOman1980]

There's something about your reviews Mr. Darko, that makes them soooo enjoyable to listen to/watch even though I know, I'll never afford some of the products on "display". I would love to pick up CDs again, like I was doing in the late 90s and early 00s. But I guess that streaming has made me lazy. Thank you for being such an honest and inspiring person both when it comes to products as well as music! (Yes! I love both the ambient and old school rock music that is mentioned in your videos)

[@patbarr1351]

Always nice to see a great sounding, great looking CD player arrive. And that toggle switch screams "1978!" beautifully.

[@slartybartfast666]

Very interesting and timely for me. My teac vrds 10 which has given me 25 years of service has just gone to have its clock upgraded to see what difference it makes. I use it as a transport mainly nowadays and the digital output should benefit from the clock with an offboard psu addition. I got to say the tray of my old girl does not wobble like that new one!

[@slip6699]

Haha that US /Canadian joke was well played.

[@brianconcannon9358]

Thanks for the Proem recommendation. Great stuff!

[@MrShufunk]

I love how you're so honest and saying things like "it's not a night and day difference" you don't hear that anywhere else imo 😊

[@ChrisWhittenMusic]

It looks lovely. Will have to save up.

[@andrewthompson5745]

Thanks for reminding me of my Proem CDs! I haven't played them since 2011.

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

I looked up the Teac VRDS-701...it is $3,799US. Too rich for my blood.

[@elgingaragegym]

The real value is it's DAC, I'll be honest I think at its price point considering it has digital inputs, it's better than most standalone DACs at that price let alone it's a CD player. Gustard R26, Musetec 005 and damn near as good as my T+A200.

How about a $20 old DVD-burner and $10 Apple USB type C dongle?

[@diegobalzarini1994]

It'll be over$5k here in Australia. That's my whole system😂

[@nathanielbrice8725]

@still too expensive 🤣🤣🤣

[@Peter_Crow]

@@diegobalzarini1994$4199 AUD

[@yru435]

Maybe use a better amp/pre combination to evaluate source components?

[@peterkosar7007]

I’d like to suggest you to try the UD-701N (Network player/DAC/Balanced headphone amp and Preamp) as well.

[@James-hb6ee]

As well as a couple of analog inputs.

[@mwalker2496]

VRDS transports are the best transports on the planet. A version of which is also used in $100k Esoteric players and used to be bought by dCS and Wadia until Teac/Esoteric stopped supplying them. This TEAC is a genuine bargain.

[@stephens2r338]

Shame that the clock won't work on them.

[@djeejah]

let's not forget about their pro brand Tascam which was on top of the world back in the mid-eighties if i'm not mistaken. VRDS is a fantastic technology and a few others were doing great tech at the time. Whether made by Meridian or the manual tray with a magnetic puck made by Naim. they were more than a few notch above CD players using computer rather than audio tech. All in good old days.

[@julianwarr7246]

I guess the obvious competitor to this is the Marantz SACD-30N - it would be good to get some impressions on how these two players compare.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

🤩 a CD player with volume control 🤩

[@chrisvand2678]

Yeah, it's for the headphone amp. A lot of older and Pro cd-players have that built in.

[@rhorto01]

It seems like it is a good time to get into higher end CD playback as there are a number of interesting options out there. SACD capability is still a sticking point for me as I have just enough of the things to want to use them. (And I don't get that segment of the audiophile world that denigrates the SACD format. These are the same folks that championed vinyl as a format when it was dead as a doornail. Why should I care if only 20-40 new titles get released in a year? They sound great.)

[@Krell666]

The problem is the SACDs released seem to be re-releases of the same old middle of the road Jazz and rock staples. Where's the new releases? Electronica? Metal?

[@rhorto01]

@@Krell666 You are right, it would be nice if there was a wider variety of releases. That being said, if you keep an eye on it some releases do come out for less obvious albums. (Classical releases on SACD do not have that problem. There is variety there.)

[@RodneyAllanPoe]

CD players that have digital inputs are gold. Particularly if you have limited audio rack space.

[@quantok]

Does it play the 2018 Pink Floyd Animals remaster that tripped up the Hegel?

[@theonlyegg]

I can run out and by a nice used Sony or Panasonic garage sale cd player with Toslink. I wonder if the Teac will sound $2700 better? Doubt it.

[@kitdenerley]

Good for you. Enjoy

[@Krell666]

Why not try both and see?

[@MrNicks-gn8jc]

How much life is in the laser of the garage sale unit? Can you even find a replacement laser assembly even NOS on the internet ?

[@GordonPyzik]

I can assure you those garage cd players will suck compared to a better player like this

[@syanhc]

Wonderful review. ❤

[@mechanickiwi4116]

Of course if you really want next level sound and you have the next level cables, next level anti vibration mounts,next level one's and zero's reader, you must of course get the gas levels in the room to the correct percentages, otherwise you just won't get to that next level.

[@neilosullivan8216]

Your comment on the flimsy loading tray resonated . In the past I've had reliability issues with Teac equipment and it makes me hesitant to try them again.

[@dodpr]

Im happy with my Onkyo C-7030, but if I had the funds, I’ll definitely get this. Looks well built and it’s fully featured.

[@DaveJablonski]

I subscribed after seeing that Galaxy 500 CD :)

[@seanoconnor8843]

It's a shame they don't mass produce good stuff anymore. A stereo should never be an expensive gimmick. Unlike amplifiers and speakers it's difficult to make your own cd player

[@0chrislewis]

Beautiful CD player but sad to say SACD wasn’t listed in the specs😢

[@Lion-vv8dq]

What would you choose as a DAC? This TEAC or the Chord Qutest? Very interesting

[@Rory626]

4:22 "Obviously Americans and Canadians, you get an aluminum version" 😂

[@estudiopmf]

This looks like a very interesting component. I have a Marantz CD50n, which does pretty much the same, plays cds, has digital inputs, could be used as a preamp and also has a streaming module. It’s sounds really good too, at least in my system. It might be a good option for those on a lower budget, it can currently be found for about 1500 euro in Europe.

[@simonupstone4924]

Yes - I am seriously considering the Marantz CD50n which sits better within my budget than the TEAC, and as you point out, has the same functionality (CD player, DAC with inputs, headamp, nice dad remote) plus HDMI Arc input, and streaming functions (though HEOS is clunky - I'll stick with my network Roon endpoint).

[@estudiopmf]

@@simonupstone4924I use Roon with it , my Roon rock server is connected to the usb dac on the Marantz and sounds terrific.

[@CliffCollipriest2013]

For less $$$ than this Teac the Marantz SACD 30N will do what the Teac does, PLUS play SACD and DSD files via the USB ports

[@diosubescu]

Love the intro ==> Air Swim - Circle De Soleil , obviously royalty free ....

[@robertcowart2456]

I'm still enjoying my Shanling ET3 connected to my Denafrips Terminator. This is an excellent setup that I enjoy immensely.

[@kyuushin84]

is the dac section the same as in UD701N?

[@counterrage]

ye

[@robvandenheuvel4617]

Another great review, still love playing CD’s on my Audia flight CD two, the Teac might be interesting though.

[@gaborhorvath7658]

I wonder how would you like the lower level Teac units, e.g. NT505 streaming dac. Glad you tried out the clock too, I was wondering if they make any audible difference.

[@wrangler10]

I have a question , i"m into buying a blue-ray player for 4k uhd movies (Panasonic DP-UB820EGK) and i wonder how good cd player is a blue-ray player like that Panasonic or should I have a dedicated cd player (similar priced) and why ?

[@robertmackinnon4853]

Sound quality differences compared to the Shanling ET3 and the Teac 701.

[@eugeneswanepoel877]

How does it compare to the Marantz sacd 30n? Just kidding.

[@datom0711]

Well, the actual highlight isn't the TEAC, it's your new USM Haller entertainment unit, very nice !

[@stuartboros7693]

I’m curious how the TEAC 702 transport is. I’m happy using my old Sony Dvp9000es as a transport with my Benchmark Dac/pre but I fear its days are numbered. How does the TEAC cd player compare to the Shandling transport plus a $2K dac?

[@doctorbritain9632]

In Quebec it is also aluminium.

[@greenbeginner3353]

What about the streaming specified in the video title ?

[@CarlosPerez-eb5er]

No SACD? Can be used as preamp? Thanks for the video.

[@nicholasbaines7868]

Hello, really need your help…. Can you tell me the name of that side unit that your gear is sitting on. The beige coloured one with the chrome frame…It’s very cool and I want to get one. Thanks so much

[@mk1st]

Looks like a nice unit. The clock though, that seems like the proverbial ‘audio catnip’

[@papagen00]

my first CD player in the 1980's was a Teac, made in Japan 👍

[@simon89767]

I like the unit the cd player is sitting on, is it available to buy?

[@sam24bstroke6]

What’s about the price. !

[@marknielsen8977]

So John, would you go as far as to say that the Teac "Blow the Hegel out of the water" ? or did it just "Wipe the floor" with it ? Great content and I think this Teac warrants further comparisons with both lesser & higher priced units in future videos.

[@zerostat]

Yes pleas, music list and thank you!

[@eatbachelorchow]

why do you prefer a tray loader over a slot load?

[@antpart7998]

Maybe less wear and tear on your cd's

[@dtracy03ss]

I have the Black model and it is absolutely Awesome, Got a Great Discount on it , all you have to do is ask! It was still 3k, But Well Worth it! By the way 4 Times Upsample is a Notable difference! No way am I buying the external Clock, the built in Goodies are top-notch, but I am going to try and run my Node X through it! As it will give me another input to use on my Pioneer SX1280!!!!

[@Erwinhooi]

I was looking at the old Teac VRDS 25 that already had that flywheel/platter which is even more substantial. Those cd players look quite rigid and only need belt swaps every decade🤣 Thanks for some nice music tips. I am brainwashing myself with Leaving Laurel’s “When the quiet comes” at this moment👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@rog86]

Thanks for the info to Proem, listening now and like it. John, do you have any lists anywhere of your recommended eletronic music? Cheeeers.

[@ZFXJ]

Hi John, superb review, as always. How would you compare the DAC to the Tambaqui? Or is the T. too far down the memory lane by now?

[@eyesintheskies]

How is the headphone amp?

[@bigjon3710]

I was looking to upgrade my 1997 VRDS 10. I wonder if this is much of an increase in quality🤔

[@HansEtter-ee6wd]

Are the VRDS-701 USB Audio Class 2 complient? Meaning will it function with RPi Linux running LMS/Squeezelite? The product homepage is a bit silly in this regard only listing some proprietary app for Windows/macOS.

[@kosiekoos9408]

I have a 80s Teac hifi stand. It makes my NAD 3020 sound better😂

[@dtna]

I didn't know that TEAC was still in biz. They were the best when auto cassette players first came out. The TEAC AC-9 auto reverse player.

[@richardthoreau9299]

Btw I use the Audioquest Thunderbird interconnects which it looks like you are using. How do you like them and have you done a review video on them yet?

[@Touringtim]

Desperately WANT one!

[@iamtesting3824]

Esoteric is a luxury brand owned by teac. Similar analogy as Lexus to Toyota. VRDS is a mechanism introduced in high end models. Basically the cd is clamped while music is played.

[@obstoaga8121]

Thanx for this review, might be just what I was looking for to replace my CA CXC.. I was eyeing the Hegel but never got to get over the slot loading mechanism, and the price..

[@interproservice]

I have SONY CD deck with CD stabilizer, is it as good as TEAC? :)

[@jeromelester8]

Esoteric is the superior parent company from TEAC. You can easily see and hear the similarities.

[@jeromelester8]

@@connorduke4619 Yes indeed...thanks for your correction.

[@zizendorf]

Okay, so I'm a CD guy and only purchased "expensive" interconnects for my Denon DCD-600 NE CD player. (In fact, the interconnects - simply amazing - were more costly than the Denon player. I liked this review and given CD's (and to some extent vinyl) are my preferred sources and are also my music collection, I'm curious if there's TEAC CD player without all the "streaming" stuff. I'm not opposed to streaming. I just won't get into another source format. I have no need. Any suggestions? Or, should I simply remain satisfied with the outstanding sound I already have found? (Woops, I think I answered my question as I typed it.) LOL

[@mrevonomis]

Great video again - but somebody at TEAC has definitely been peeking at my 2 year old Sabaj A20d DAC, it's aesthetically identical!

[@biketech60]

In America it's $3800 . There is also a transport-only version at $2700 .in April 2024

[@joeblankenship377]

Would you even want to use an external DAC for a CD player that expensive?

[@demazy]

John! Nice video as usual! Could you check AIAIAI TMA-2 Wireless+ Studio headphones and Unit-4 Wireless+ studio speakers please ? Low latency wireless transmission (stable 16ms), ideal for music producing and ok to dj with, or simply lossless quality on the go. They send CD quality wirelessly, both headphones and speakers. Double signal for stability. Thanks! Can’t wait to see your take on them and your precise analysis if ever you chose so! (Unit-4 vs LSX ?)

[@SimonPepper]

Normally external OXCO units need days to really stabilise for their difference to be properly realised.

[@interproservice]

What are the best sounding albums on Tidal? I need to test my DAC and HIFI.

[@stargator4945]

Thank you for this Episode. Seems to be a CD Player to stay for years. However, in this class, there are also some Players available supporting SACD Audio. Especially your Sponser T&A, Marantz, Denon have some. Also interesting would be if there is a lower version of this Teac Model and how different it is I think of the Marantz CD 60 for instance as a class below but still recommendable and more reachable for people not having so much money.

[@matthewholley8278]

2:21 Aliens Ate My Buick in a paper sleeve. Is this a new release? I'm only aware of it in a jewel case. Most under-appreciated album of his, IMO Nice CD player, btw!

[@Larstig81]

I had a Teac VRDS 7 once, it needed a external DAC but it was a very good CD player. It was already old when I bought it. And sold it when the snare and lens failed.

[@user-rg4xn3ib4c]

I wish that cd loading trays were better, smoother, stronger movement, with firmer feel and action. Would it really cost that much to make them that way? Anyway Darko can you tell me why you do not like slot loading players? I always liked how smooth they work. Thanks! Great stuff!

[@Kukkema]

Let’s go!

[@emiltsenov7853]

The natural comparison for this Teac would be the Technics SL-G700m2, I wiuld definitely try the Teac but it does not play SACD - which the Technics does - and this is a deal-breaker for me.

[@musiclassica]

Thanks for the review, John. Hard to believe anyone would pay €2,500 for a CDP with a flimsy disc tray like that. I’ll take my €400 NAD without all the extra unnecessary ports and what not but with a firm disc tray over this TEAC every day.

[@richardthoreau9299]

Teac make the Esoteric SACD players which I have and have used for years…they are not cheap but I think well worth it/

[@noturnleftunstoned72]

What a beast! For me in Canada, the AUDIOLAB OMNIA was and is the better solution and much cheaper with a lot of the same quality and uses. I couldn't pay $5000 CDN for the 701. I would weep.

[@anthonystephenson7659]

@DarkoAudio As a hifi newbie, could you please tell me why you prefer tray CD loaders over slot loading mechanisms? I always thought trays looked, and felt, fragile... and not as aesthetically pleasing as a slot.

[@mrchrisgau]

Not sure whether John will be answering. Let me share my 2 cents: In case of malfunctioning hardware, it’s pretty difficult to retrieve CDs from a slot loading player while a tray is often easier to deal with.

[@dan44762000]

Appreciate you're a busy guy but I'd really value your opinion on the best DAP below £300, is there such a video on this channel maybe?

[@robertcallander6772]

Don't you find that while Roon is a nice User Interface, it actually degrades the sound quality?

[@MediaConsumption-x4k]

Always like the Japanese gears, audio or other.