The TEAC VRDS-701 is the END GAME CD PLAYER!

[@michaelcollins2473]

"Every CD player sounds different." I've been saying this for years.

[@ptg01]

Analog stage MATTERS !

[@audioarkitekts]

Exactly! Glad you agree!

[@mikeg2491]

What about transports?

[@lawrencehansen6788]

COMPLETELY agree! Once the signal comes out of the digital domain and hits the analog part of the circuitry, it's like any other analog component. And what goes on in the analog stage has a HUGE effect on the sound. I've always liked the way Pioneer CD players (and DVD players) sound since the 1990s. Just warmer, livelier, more "musical", more analog. Seems a big difference to me..... tho' I've gotta admit, I've had some higher-end Sony units that sound very good, too.

[@ptg01]

Stunning but at $3800 seems a bit too pricey for me .....

[@audioarkitekts]

At this stage you're paying for longevity in my opinion.

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@ptg01 you could go for a less costly transport (Audiolab) and a Denafrips DAC …and have money left over ….its a matter of how you look at it.

[@felixfranzen7318]

Yeah, would be for me too. Especially since you could buy a second hand CD-player from a quality brand for $50 and it will sound just as good as this one.

[@Yiannis2112]

@@audioarkitekts Hi there! Are we talking Canadian or may be Australian dollars, guys? I'm asking cause here in Europe this thing is at 1970 euros and as far as I just checked US price is at 2700 USD.

[@modemmark421]

JUNK! Don't Waste Your Money! I recalled, years ago TEAK was a worthy brand. I recently purchased a TEAK CD player. It stopped working after 4 months of gentle use. I tried to find TEAC Support and found that TEAK no longer has Any (None!) customer support in North America! I'd have to pay over $300.00 in shipping costs to send my defective CD Player back to Japan for any warranty repairs!!!!! So, I'd end up paying More than a Thousand dollars for a $600 CD player. NOPE! I decided to write TEAK off as a Total Loss. TEAK? NEVER AGAIN!!!

[@michaelwright1602]

That is a very good looking unit. They really put some thought into the design, and the screen is top notch. Nice to see TEAC making a comeback.

[@woodyssoundup]

Great video, my man! The TEAC gear is phenomenal and I love that their styling is definitely a bit unique and classic.

[@audioarkitekts]

Thanks Woody, I saw you got your hands on one as well!!!

[@woodyssoundup]

@@audioarkitekts I was playing with the 700 series network player and the 701 stereo amp which was a really wonderful combo! I really like that amp a lot!

[@pervertedalchemist9944]

TEAC has made some really good equipment as of late.

[@audioarkitekts]

They really have!!! I’m impressed! I have a couple of other TEAC pieces to review as well!

[@connorduke4619]

@@audioarkitekts I can hardly wait, as Teac review are very hard to find. Yet their products - especially source products - are exceptional.

[@themarklar8759]

​@@audioarkitektsDo you by chance have the TEAC AI-303 desktop integrated amp? I've been considering it as a desktop amp with my new ELAC Debut 3.0s but I'm hesitant due to the low power output (25 watts into 8ohms). I've heard the output is VERY well implemented and feels more like a 100 watt amp but...I'm hesitant to buy until I see more reviews due to the price. Do you have any insight here? Thanks!

[@damianzaninovich4900]

“Iron Dog” which was the nickname of the beautiful German battlecruiser Derfflinger from WW1 taking 21 high caliber hits and playing a big part in sinking two British battle cruisers at Jutland, the greatest sea battle in history between two large fleets of battleships. I use a Denon dcd a100 with iron feet making it really heavy. It’s an iron dog as well.

[@audioarkitekts]

I like Iron Dog!!!!

[@watdanuqta-mf5ms]

I haven't kept up with all your videos but I remember your excitement over the Lyngdorf CD-2. Do you still use it?

[@audioarkitekts]

Both the TEAC and Lyngdorf have a similar sound signature, that’s a tough comparison.

[@StGCfiLife]

Is it true that this player uses the cheapest (& inferior) VRDS mechanism, equivalent to the plastic 4.0 mechanism found in the vintage VRDS7 CD player?

[@brighton_dude]

I've had the VRDS-701T (the transport only version) for about six months now. It is definitely the best source I have ever owned and I put together my first Hi Fi system in the 70s.

[@JK-rt2jj]

Those classic VRDS players still look stunning. I even prefer their looks. The play button lighted up. So neat. Internally they were a little bit messy by the way.

[@audioarkitekts]

People are still after them!!

[@DonHamlin]

I’ve had my VRDS-701 for almost a year and it’s definitely the best I’ve ever owned even though it’s far from the most expensive. Truly excellent value.

[@audioarkitekts]

Couldn't agree more

[@labnine3362]

"You don't have to spend $4k on a CD player to bathe your media in baby oil." ~ Diddy

[@jamesberryman9893]

I just use a cheap cd burner to burn my cds to my computer then move to my DAP but used to be heavily invested into big cd players and amps. I am probably the only person that likes MQA. I supported DVD-Audio and SACD way back when those players came out. I actually traded in my old Acura a few years back that was stock and played all those types of audio. Really cool video! I'm sure I will get back into the big cd players and amps again one day. My pops wants me to come over to his house and go through his old home theater stuff from years past so there's no telling what I will find there.

[@audioarkitekts]

You're probably going to find all sorts of gems at your Dad's place.

[@jcroxtall]

You have made some great reviews of the TEAC 701, Lyngdorf CD2 and the Primare CD35 - which in your opinion sounded the best?

[@audioarkitekts]

Oooohhhh that's a tough one, each of them have different things about them I like. If I had to go off subjectivity I like the TEAC, objectively the Primare is the total package.

[@connorduke4619]

@@audioarkitekts Interesting, as objectively the Teac has the better transport mechanism (VRDS versus cheaper Teac transport in the Primage) and Dac chips (proprietary versus ESS in the Primare).

[@jcroxtall]

@@audioarkitekts Thank you

[@gastelumfrank53]

It is a beatiful quality made player without a doubt, the price tag of $3800 is not attractive or likeable for many of us, for somebody that can afford it then more power to you, fortunately there are lots of options for the under $1000 crowd that also offer good quality sound and built, thank you for your videos.

[@audioarkitekts]

I think once this player hits the used market it will garner a lot more attention from the people put off by the retail price for sure.

[@EuphoricImpact]

I definitely dig this unit! It's too pricey for me, but if I did purchase it....well, it would be an end-game product for me. Very handsome looking unit. I may have to torture myself and audition it. Great video... quality build products that have the retro look that was popular when I was younger will always capture my attention.

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

The amplifier should be called: The Ark

[@12rubyrose]

Im going to check it out. Great video, very nice presentation. My current player is the Marantz PMKI RUBY, i really like it and enjoy the smooth DAC. Cheers

[@audioarkitekts]

I’ll have to take a look at that Marantz!!

[@12rubyrose]

@@audioarkitekts oh that would be fantastic. Thanks for your reply.

[@Cliff-Joseph]

The TEAC 701T. Is my end game transport 🎉

[@audioarkitekts]

That is a really good transport!

[@shannonhenson609]

If you have $4,000 to spend on a cd player.....you live in a very different world than i do. 😆

[@audioarkitekts]

I love my world 😂

[@carminedesanto6746]

Teac is the daddy of Esoteric 😊

[@audioarkitekts]

Yes it is. It's the Daddy of a lot of manufacturers that have been using their mechanisms for a very long time.

[@bigmacfullerton7870]

For those not wanting to spend thousands on a CD player I have two of the Onkyo DX-C390 6 disc changers which has what they call the vector linear shaping circuitry with a direct digital path and a really nice Wolfson DAC in it. It sounds pretty darn good and so far is playing fine and for $350 retail you really can’t beat it. I found mine open box at Best Buy for $125 each with a 4 year geek squad warranty. That’s a steal!

[@marcob.7801]

Does it have a remote volume control?

[@TBomiT23]

Hallo , ich bin wieder ins Medium CD zurückgekommen 🤣.Kannst du mir bitte sagen ob der CD Player von SHANLING ET3 HiFi CD Player Multifunctional Digital Transport CD Turntable schlecht ist oder den wo du da Vorstellst besser ist ? Ich könnte meinen wieder verkaufen im Notfall. Merkt man echt einen unterschied zwischen 150 oder 1500 € CD Player . Wäre sehr Nett wenn mir da jemand helfen könnte . Grüße Thomas

[@felixfranzen7318]

It looks super-nice. But you can buy a second hand top of the line CDP for $500 and it will be just as nice. If we're just talking sound you can get a 2nd hand player from a quality brand for $50, and it will sounds just as good as this TEAC. Yes, some CD players sound different than others. Some high end brands have a tweaked frequency response, tubes in the output stage etc. But it is not hard to make a CD-player with a flat response. The vast majority of all player made from the mid 80's and forward have a dead flat response, virtually no distortion and will cover all the frequencies humans can hear and then some. And they will sound exactly the same. Now, I get it. High end audio gear such as this one fills the same function as a Rolex watch. It's the feeling, the craftmanship and attention to detail that's the appeal. I would really like to own a Accuphase or Luxman amp for the very same reason, even-though they do not sound any better than my Yamaha. But I'm not prepared to pay those prices

[@johnbrentford5513]

The amplifiers name is Klaus.

[@audioarkitekts]

I like it!

[@yippie6862]

I'd consider buying one if it also played SACD's.

[@NJLinSpain]

Thank you for your excellent review. My beautiful Sony CDP X300SE is coming to the end of its life. I love it. I am now thinking about replacing it with another used model (if I can find it and can be assured that it will last a few years) or the TEAC. The TEAC is on the expensive side, but given that it should last for the next 20 years or so, I think it is a reasonable investment. I am not sure it it will sound any better than the Sony..

[@storungz]

Great, go tell everyone our secret... TEAC baby!!! She's been one of my top 3 brands for decades!

[@audioarkitekts]

lol it’s a good secret 🤫

[@EricB256]

How about index values? How about pre-emphasis? I know they don't make new CDs anymore which have that. (Or do they?) But people still want to play those that they have.

[@DanielLundh]

Not giving up my Oppo BDP-83SE NuForce Edition any time soon.

[@SAGNI0971]

Thanks for the review! Where is it manufactured ?

[@fredblogs6704]

I'm still using my Mark Levinson 390s. Love it to bits, sounds holographic with a well engineered CD.

[@martymcfly3837]

I think this player is really a no brainer for the money!! this Teac and Gato CDD1 are my favorites❤

[@billthejazzfan6225]

buying a new cd player for a hi fi system does a body good.

[@qwaqwa1960]

The emotion it invoked? I'M A BROKE MORON.

[@DavidMander-rs4uk]

Yes it's all about CD and not vinyl 👍

[@ibisman1593]

CDs are an absolute bargain compared to what they retailed for years ago. Could CDs become the new vinyl one day ?

[@audioarkitekts]

I hope not, I hope CDs stay competetive and cheap. That's the enchantment about CDs is that they AREN'T Vinyl lol

[@sonicyouth29]

Planning to buy the transport version of this player.

[@audioarkitekts]

Heck yeah!! It's a great transport!

[@melaniezette886]

End game since the nineties 😄

[@woohunter1]

Damn, we audiophiles are suckers, I’ll be the first to admit it.

[@audioarkitekts]

Suckers is spending 20k on a player that sounds the same.

[@Themanthatisi]

I would never buy a CD player that does not have its transport section centered in the chassis.

[@johnshaw359]

Get a Cambridge DAC--magic 2mk2, 2i or 3 if you want something high-end for redbook. An older Philips CDM2 based CD player with an s/p DIF transport is also a bonus.

[@audioarkitekts]

Those are great choices!

[@lawrencehansen6788]

Ouf, $3,800 for a CD player is..... well, a bit outta my range. BUT if you can afford it, go with it. I've had a rule of thumb for a long time that if it's a choice between two components of a similar price/quality/performance category, I go with the more expensive one. The reason being that I'll never be wondering if I should've been less cheap and gone for the pricier one. Over the years, I've regretted "going cheap," but I've never been dissatisfied with a unit because I wished I'd bought a less expensive one. Keep in mind, this is all going on within a price range I can afford. This Teac player looks and sounds (on paper) very impressive. But think I'll stick with my two Emotiva units and my Oppo universal Blu-Ray/CD/SACD/DVD/DVD-Audio unit. P.S. New to the channel. Really like the host's enthusiasm and articulateness. And yes, I have subscribed! 👍😄

[@robdove8341]

You can get an original Teac P2 + D2 DAC for much less.

[@rui1863]

I just can't justify purchasing a CD player today if it doesn't play SACD.

[@markusweissenbock6337]

End game CD players came right between 1989 - 1991.

[@PeterofCanada]

The future of digital is DSD, which is the format of SACD. Regular CD format is PCM. If all the machine can decode is PCM, get a cheap Blu-ray player. This is an expensive paperweight targeted at uneducated "audiophiles."

[@1Hiprascal]

D.I.Y. amp = B.B. (bad boy) 2) Bruno 3) Herc Would Teac lend you a 701T for review? Personally I prefer the Transport plus separate DAC route.

[@audioarkitekts]

I prefer transports as well. I have a couple of other pieces from them at the moment that need attention, after those I’ll ask!

[@chrislj2890]

Hmmm, absolutely no mention of SACD.

[@audioarkitekts]

It’s in the patron only after filming commentary. ;)

[@Zareg]

RS 232 in 21 Century?

[@CheekyFest]

" 3'44; (joke) Where did Sadam keep his CDs? .....

[@nuznikas]

In 2001 i bought server case and buit my duron monster when went for liteon cdr recorder and teac cd rom reader, oh after testing i found teac was bugy and slow and liteon was perfect even today i play 23 years old cdr

[@audioarkitekts]

Nice!

[@xstensl8823]

Shanling ET3 and a good DAC

[@greatwhite1958]

Name for the amp…Klatu.

[@ericelliott227]

Baby oil on vinyl records? I have heard everything about records, I am steeped in that world (I even do record restoration), but that is one I admit, is a first. My two cents from a lot of experience and time in this particular world: Not "every" CD player sounds different, that is not scientifically accurate, however, some CD players "do" sound subtly different from others, it is all in the implementation of the DAC and especially the output section. Of course, ultimately, it is one's speakers as with everything. The signal goes through the DAC first of course, which is why it is possible to subtly change the signature sound if you will, of a CD player with an outboard DAC. So signal is still going through the DAC first before reaching output. The first important part of a CD player as you mentioned is the transport/drive and clock. If I recall, Teac has always been one of the gold standards for transport/drive systems and companies such as Marantz uses or used to use (I'm not sure if they still do), Teac transports/drives in their players. (by the way, Tascam is the pro line of Teac). As for this player, well, there are some issues as to value. Is it a good player? Absolutely! There is a lot to like about it, however at $3800 it is extremely overpriced/valued. One can get essentially the same thing with a Marantz SACD 30N (sans "preamp") for $800 less if one wants to go crazy. Alternatively, on can get a CD 50N for $2000 less or even a CD60 for $2900 less and be perfectly happy, all provide everything the Teac does, including the same Sigma Delta type DAC except the "preamp" and MQA. I'm not a Marantz fan boy, just giving an example that I know. Very good CD players that are even close to equal these days can be had from Rotel for another example. Even Rotel and Cambridge may use Teac drives, I don't know. The "preamp" on the Teac is really just volume control for the headphone amp. I don't know the implementation or quality of the headphone amp on the Teac though. They are usually afterthoughts 99% of the time. I have a "high-end" preamp, but the headphone amp stinks. It won't power half my cans sufficiently and I'm not driving high ohm cans. The headphone amp on my now discontinued Marantz ND8600 blows my preamp's headphone amp away. (Yes, it does have it's own volume control). I think Teac is trying to make much ado about normal stuff. One old trick is to change the name of something to sound more sophisticated than what it is such as naming the volume control a "preamp". Not that it is a bad or poorly designed volume control, indeed it is not, but come on. The unit is not designed to be used as a preamp for a full system. First of all, if it were, there would be at least a couple more inputs on the back. There would also be an input selection switch of some sort at least on the remote if not the box. The there is MQA, I think that maybe $900 to $1000 of the price is for that. The thing is MQA is all but dead and gone and was a joke when it finally rolled out. (The idea and initial design was no joke, I was in on the early demos and such before it rolled out to public. However, some dumb audiophiles or something twisted what it was and used for and the company that invented it mistakenly thought it was a good idea to roll on that and we see the result. It got to the point that one would think they could sprinkle MQA on there breakfast cereal for health benefits or some such stupidity and now the only thing that uses MQA is Tidal as far as I know and I think they are even moving away or have moved from it. MQA was designed to allow "CD quality" files to be sent down the US narrow internet pipes and then unpacked at the end with DACs built to do it, but it got twisted into some perverted thing). The there is the potential need for an external clock for even more money. Any good or high-end CD player already has that worked out in the build. so no need to worry about it. Essentially this Teac unit is an example of audiophile BS price gouging, which is a shame because when it comes to CD players and the like Teac is a quality product.

[@audioarkitekts]

The baby oil was a joke lol... I always respect and appreciate your feedback Eric!

[@ericelliott227]

@@audioarkitekts LOL! I actually figured that, but commented kind of sarcastically because I really have seen some really crazy stuff regarding record care in my travels since I am very involved in that aspect. You should see some of the incredibly crazy stuff I have addressed.

[@greatwhite1958]

MQA is a solution looking for a problem.

[@audioarkitekts]

That is an amazing way to explain it

[@nesutoneko]

Looks like a fantastic cd player but way out of my budget. Any transport under 1K that is well made, reliable and looks great? The usual suspects like Audiolab, Urd, Shanling, SMSL etc don't do it for me.

[@hipidipi20157max]

Even 400 USD is too much for one single CD player. Yes it is the endgame Im giving up on finding a cd player that isnt cheap plastic portable.

[@mr.b4444]

$3800 and cannot play SACD, are you kidding me?

[@richardstevens8839]

That’s a deal breaker

[@davidsmithson9236]

How many SACD’s do you own?

[@audioarkitekts]

I knew someone was going to mention this, luckily I came prepared. SACDs are obsolete. Not many artists recognize SACDs because it's too expensive and way too niche. It's time to move on from that argument.

[@mr.b4444]

@@davidsmithson9236 I own several which may not be a big deal in itself. There are many hybrid SACDs available as well but because of the costs involved with SACD players I don't own more SACDs, hybrid or not. But when you spend this way over the top price for a CD player it should at least be able to play SACD which many inexpensive bluray players can do. For me it's a matter of principle. Just like these so called CD transports and charging more for less, put a damn DAC in them as an option for those that for whatever reason may want to play their CDs that way.

[@chrislechner9116]

67 sacds

[@vacuumblink2300]

Did you change the name of the channel? Or am I having a Mandela moment ?

[@audioarkitekts]

Hey! Yes, the name went back in time to the original name of the channel. I never really wanted to change it. This is going to be the final name for this channel lol

[@jukingeo]

A CD player shouldn't cost $4k plain and simple. I bet a commercial CD player with a good Dac such as a Denafrips will probably beat the pants off that thing. Teac is becoming a troll company of late and they think by putting a few nicer parts in a CD player that it gives them the gold key to over charge for it. People have to stand up to be like this and just say, "no". There is no way anyone can convince me that CD player is worth $4k. In fact any single audio item shouldn't cost that much as I can put a whole decent system together for $4k. Ridiculous, really it is.

[@audioarkitekts]

Look, I agree with you that you can totally put together a good system for under $4k. However, some people might want a certain build, set of features, performance, or particular unit that may cost in the thousands. Just because your particular budget doesn’t allow for a purchase like that doesn’t mean you need to bash the company or convince yourself publicly that it’s not the right purchase for you. I would never suggest a product without value.

[@jukingeo]

@@audioarkitekts Open the next expensive unit up and ask yourself is it really worth $4k? Putting other things at 4K into perspective. What I get it and what I am against is how this hobby has been spiraling out of control and companies are charging whatever they want. Most ride on a big name and overcharge for their items. This is especially true of speakers. You don't always get what you pay for. There are many people that may have the money, but are not in the know. They still believe in the line, "you get what you pay for," and that is not always the case in hi-fi audio. Believe me. I was in commercial audio for many years and saw the same thing happen there. A good example is JBL. EVERYONE wanted JBL's and touted they were the best. Well, I have news for you, they aren't the best. Not even close. They charge high prices mainly because of the name. Do they have good stuff? Sure, if you know where to look or you pay through the nose for it. Careful education and research will reveal that you can find something that performs just as good or nearly so for far less.

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

Get a used rega!!

[@Utube1024]

The VRDS is not new. My 20 years TEAC Esoteric P-20 Transport have them.

[@daveandreahoward8203]

Baby oil?

[@daveandreahoward8203]

@@dang75790 well then, BOOM!

[@rich_t]

​@@dang75790 he meant KY???

[@audioarkitekts]

I almost added a pic of Diddy lmao

[@daveandreahoward8203]

@@audioarkitekts ah ha!

[@Watcher3223]

If I were to spend the money on new Teac equipment ... I'd rather buy Technics. Being of Panasonic, there's a better customer support network available to help you out if you need it. And, in addition to making superlative CD players, Technics makes fantastic direct drive turntables.

[@audioarkitekts]

I've never tested Technics, perhaps they are superlative. Who knows?

[@hilarioaniel1895]

Daming daldal

[@Enoughbsalready]

Marketing over logic. No SACD, or other legacy formats?

[@RoccoXYZ1]

The re Will never be and end game. What would you do. You May have to start listening to music and stop fooling yourself.

[@RoccoXYZ1]

There will never be and end game. There will always be those who Will never be satisfied. Listen to the music of you dare.

[@rudiger86]

That price thought

[@audioarkitekts]

I know......