Spinning Gold: An In-Depth Review of TEAC's CD Transport Lineup
Read Time: Approx. 10 min.
TEAC PD-505T and VRDS-701T CD Transports vs. the TEAC VRDS-701 CD Player & USB DAC
CDs are back! Yep you read that right, CDs are hip again.
It's time to blow the dust off your beloved CD collection because audiophiles have made CD transports hip again! Yep, CD transports are back and we're comparing two TEAC CD transports, the VRDS-701T and PD-505T vs the VRDS-701 CD Player — Let's get to it!
"Who said CDs are dead? In a lot of cases, I prefer the sound of a well-designed CD Transport over music streaming. Vibration is a huge enemy when it comes to maintaining a stable CD Transport and preventing tracking errors on the drive. The VRDS transport mechanism is among if not the best in the business — Used by many of the top brands out there. TEAC continues to push the boundary of performance at a very fair price point, thanks to the trickle-down technology from parent company Esoteric. Can't afford Esoteric? No problem, I could easily live with a Teac CD Player or Transport for the rest of my life!!"
Design
Starting with design, all three of these units have a similar look — A Matte black chassis with two handles that I will assume are to help safely move the unit and three supporting steel pinpoint feet that provide a stable placement. This is a TEAC original design that they say controls vibrations that could affect audio quality. They also all have a display screen, CD tray, on/off switch, and several command buttons like pause/play, stop, and menu.
Priced at $1,399 the PD-505T CD Transport is the smallest unit in this lineup at almost half the size and weight of the VRDS-701T Transport. The PD-505T has an entire metal enclosure making it resistant to external noise and the intrusion of electromagnetic noise from computers and other devices. Thanks to the unit's small form factor you can place it on a desk, side table, and any other small spaces.
The front panel of the PD-505T has six command buttons for the menu, ejecting the CD tray, track skipping, pause/play, and stop. The back panel features a coaxial RCA output and optical output, clock sync input, and power input.
As mentioned earlier, the VRDS-701T CD Transport, which goes for $2,699, is larger than the PD-505T at 22 pounds. It's got a smaller display screen than the PD-505T but its larger front panel makes room for more command buttons. On the VRDS-701T you'll find the following buttons: A CD tray ejection, pause, play, and stop button, a menu button, a play mode button, a repeat button, as well as a track skipping knob. On the back panel is a coaxial and optical output, clock sync input, a trigger input and output, RS232 control and USB firmware port, and power input.
At $3,799.99 the VRDS-701 is the ultimate all-in-one high-quality unit with a CD Player and USB DAC. It's almost the same size as the VRDS-701T but it's the heaviest unit at 26 pounds. On the front panel is a stop, play and pause button. As well as a menu button, source button, and play mode button. There's also a track skipping knob, volume knob, and 6.3mm headphone output. It's the only unit capable of audio playback thanks to its internal DAC and internal headphone amp. The back panel of the unit features an analog XLR output and RCA output, a USB type-C input, a coaxial input, an optical input, and a clock sync input. There's also a coaxial and optical output as well as a trigger output and power input.
Back panel of the TEAC PD-505T
Back panel of the TEAC VRDS-701T
Back panel of the TEAC VRDS-701
Sound
Let's talk about the sound quality. The PD-505T and VRDS-701T are dedicated CD transports. They have no internal DAC, headphone amplifier, volume control, or headphone jacks so we've paired them with the TEAC UD-701N Headphone Amplifier & USB DAC with the TEAC CG-10M Master Clock. The VRDS-701 is an all-in-one unit with an internal DAC and headphone amplifier.
The VRDS-701 and UD-701N both use TEAC's Delta Sigma discrete DAC so sonically both units sound practically the same. The reason I say this is there is a preamp stage in the UD-701N that may make a small difference between the two units with RCA/XLR outputs. The PD-505T and VRDS-701T were connected to the UD-701N as the source unit and I listened in a single-ended output.
The Delta Sigma discrete DAC delivers a sound that's wide and organic with plenty of detail and a nice dynamic range. I paired the units with the Meze Empyrean Headphones and our Silver Dragon Headphone Cable. Given that the UD-701N and VRDS-701 use the same DAC I didn't hear any noticeable differences when I compared the two CD transports to the VRDS-701.
Pictured: TEAC PD-505T CD Transport (Top) & TEAC VRDS-701T CD Transport (bottom)
Pictured: TEAC VRDS-701 CD Player with Meze Empyrean Headphones & Moon Audio Silver Dragon Premium Headphone Cable
If I'm being honest I can't say that I've listened to a CD since I got my first iPod over a decade ago so I was utterly shocked to hear some of my childhood favorites in breathtaking fidelity. Details I hadn't heard before were suddenly brought to the front and there wasn't any added warmth to the sound that negatively colored it. I want to reiterate that these sound impressions are from the Delta Sigma discrete DAC in the VRDS-701 vs. UD-701N that drove the PD-505T and VRDS-701T transports. The CD Transports do not have coloration. The addition of an external clock corrected any timing errors with the transports and added an airiness to the sound but did not drastically impact it.
So let's shift focus and briefly talk about the VRDS-701. With multiple source modes and a built-in CD player, I was able to listen to the same songs on a CD then stream them via USB. Sonically, the VRDS-701's CD player and the two CD transports delivered the same great sound with no degradation in quality between the three units. The sound differences between the VRDS-701's USB mode and CD mode were subtle. In USB mode everything was slightly elevated. A little more detail, dynamics, and so on. If you blind tested the two modes it would take a well-trained ear to notice any differences. Mind you, this is when the streamed songs are being played in CD quality — If you were to stream the hi-res version of a song and then listened to the CD version you're going to notice some changes.
So if you're seeking a borderline analytical sound with some nice bottom-end presence then you'll enjoy the VRDS-701. The main differences between these units lie in their features, technology, and ergonomic scenarios which we'll jump right into!
Poker Face; LoveGame; Starstruck
by Lady Gaga
(The Fame)
I'm Gonna Getcha Good! Ain't No Particular Way; Ka-Ching!
by Shania Twain
(Up! Green Version)
Bohemian Rhapsody; Another One Bites The Dust; Fat Bottomed Girls; Crazy Little Thing Called Love
by Queen
(Queen Greatest Hits I & II)
My Church; 80s Mercedes
by Maren Morris
(Hero)
Technology & Features
Earlier, I briefly mentioned that the PD-505T and VRDS-701T are dedicated CD Transports, meaning you will need to externally connect a DAC and headphone amp to the units. The VRDS-701T has been specifically optimized for digital output and TEAC recommends the UD-701N USB DAC Network Player as the ultimate companion for the VRDS-701T. This is only a pairing suggestion by TEAC, the VRDS-701T can be used with any DAC and integrated into any system.
The PD-505T, VRDS-701T, and VRDS-701 all have a 10MHz external clock input allowing users easy integration with systems that are synced using an external clock. The PD-505T has dedicated power supplies for the OLED display, CD drive and microcomputer circuit, as well as the audio circuit. Toroidal core transformers are used for the power supplies. The unit can play CD-R/CD-RW discs that are in audio CD format and the unit has a crystal-oscillator-based internal clock that accurately reproduces the original sound stored on the CD. You can pair the PD-505T with a TEAC reference 500 series DAC, as well as any external DAC of your choosing.
The VRDS-701T features TEAC's latest VRDS technology. VRDS stands for Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System (VRDS) which reduces the rotation vibration of the disc as well as unwanted mechanism vibration by clamping the CD to an aluminum turntable with the same diameter and maximizing inertial mass in order to stabilize rotation. In short, this technology ups the game, going to all lengths to reduce the potential of any jitter and noise. Two high-capacity toroidal core transformers are dedicated to the VRDS-701T's digital control section and CD mechanism, and the unit has a built-in MQA decoder. When paired with the UD-701N MQA full-decoding is possible.
Pictured: Diagram of TEAC proprietary VRDS Technology featured in the TEAC VRDS-701T and TEAC VRDS-701
Pictured: TEAC VRDS 701T CD Transport
The VRDS-701 is the most technology and feature-rich unit in this lineup. Just like the VRDS-701T, it also features the VRDS technology from TEAC. The VRDS-701 has independent left and right toroidal core transformers for the circuity from the power supply through the D/A converter section to the analog output stage. There are also independent high-capacity toroidal core transformers for the CD mechanism and digital control section.
The inclusion of TEAC QVCS technology enables the VRDS-701 to be connected directly to a power amplifier. QVCS, which stands for Quad Volume Control System is an analog gain amp-type attenuator with a fully balanced structure that prevents discrepancies between left and right channels at low volumes. The USB type-C port on the back of the VRDS-701 enables users to connect the unit to a computer with USB and use it as a USB DAC. Dedicated TEAC software allows users to play high-resolution audio sources up to 22.5MHz DSD or 384kHz/32-bit PCM from Windows and Mac computers. Digital audio data can be transmitted with certainty under the best conditions when connected using a USB cable.
The VRDS-701 has a high-precision dual clock that supports 44.1kHz for CD playback and 48khz for playing files from a computer when used as a USB DAC. There's also a fully-balanced transmission of the left and right analog output signals from D/A conversion to the final output stage that helps improve the signal-to-noise ratio and extend the dynamic range.
Dragon Audio Cables
[Black Dragon Coax Digital Cable, Blue Dragon Power Cable, Silver Dragon USB Cable]
Let's talk audio cables because your new TEAC setup will need some. At Moon Audio our Dragon Audio Cables are handcrafted daily in our Cary, NC headquarters with the highest standards and made to order according to your specific needs. We'll create a custom cable for you using the highest quality UP-OCC silver or copper conductors that can be manufactured. When you're spending upward of $5,000 on a new piece of gear I imagine the last thing on your mind is all the accessories you've got to buy to go with it.
So for these CD Transports, our Black Dragon Coax Digital Cable with 75 Ohm impedance and RCA connectors was used to link the CD Transports to the UD-701N Headphone Amp and USB DAC.
To power each TEAC unit we used our Blue Dragon Power Cable. The durability of our power cable will withstand many variations of your everchanging audiophile setup and its double shielding will help ward off all outside interference. Our Black Dragon Coax Digital Cable with 50 Ohm impedance and BNC connectors connected both TEAC CD Transports to the TEAC CG-10M Master Clock, providing a stable connection free of interference. And lastly, we use our Silver Dragon USB Cable to compare the VRDS-701's streaming and CD data transfer.
I opted to pair the Meze Empyrean Headphones with our Silver Dragon Premium Headphone Cable. Each of our Dragon Audio Cables has its own sound signature and the Silver Dragon adds clarity and detail to your headphones with breathtaking resolution. If that sounds like something you'd enjoy then the Silver Dragon is a great choice, but it's all up to preference so you can't go wrong with any of our Dragon Audio cables. If you want more bottom-end weight then opt for the Black Dragon Premium, or if you want the most neutral sound without any coloration, give our Blue Dragon Premium Cable a try. Our Premium headphone cable line offers the same quality construction as our standard Dragon cables, but with extras like Premium Mundorf solder and premium rhodium-plated Furutech connectors that look and feel great while you listen.
I used a Dragon Premium Cable with a 6.3mm connector but you can customize the cable length and connector options to fit your setup. We're flexible and we love to offer our customers the ability to customize their cables — So if you're not sure what connector you need or which dragon sound signature suits you best, we're always here to help!
Generally, stock audio cables are manufactured with subpar materials, metals with impurities, poor geometries, and an overabundance of layers to make them look and feel like a fire hose. Inconsistency and lack of quality control in stock cables can lead to poor sound quality and a veiled sound vs. what the musician intended for you to hear and feel from the music. Dragon Audio Cables are handcrafted with the highest standards and made to order according to your specific needs. At Moon Audio, we create a custom cable for you using the highest quality UP-OCC silver or copper conductors that can be manufactured. UP-OCC metals are void of impurities and are optimized for signal transfer and sound quality. We have one of the largest collections of audio and headphone connection options available online and we create limitless audio cable options depending on your specific gear and needs.
Why Dragon Cables?
You’ve heard the saying that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, right? Well, the same applies to your brand new audiophile-grade headphone or other high-end audio components. The weakest link, in this case, is your stock audio cable or the cheap interconnects the manufacturer threw in the box just to get you up and running. Why is the audio cable always an afterthought, when it’s just as important as the rest of your system? At Moon Audio, we use the purest and best raw materials in our cables to unveil your music. We believe that materials matter and your audio cables should have the same care and craftsmanship that manufacturers put into their audio components and headphones. Audio cables are ultimately the connection to your music. The fact remains that cabling is often considered the last priority to that of the main product and a means to cut down the overall production costs. It’s as simple as that. Dragon Cables elevate every note - as if you were hearing your favorite music for the very time.
Rediscover your CD Collection in High Fidelity with TEAC's CD Transports & CD Players
All three TEAC units are the perfect choice for the audiophile who's ready to dive into their CD collection. If you've already got an external DAC, headphone amp, clock, and so on, and all you're missing is a way to play your CDs digitally then the PD-505T and VRDS-701T are the units for you. The PD-505T and VRDS-701T are two CD Transports that allow you to transfer your CDs digitally to your desired source unit, be it a TEAC DAC or an alternate external system, and listen to your favorite songs with breathtaking fidelity. Like myself, you'll be amazed to hear how resolute your CDs sound and you'll never go back to listening any other way.
The VRDS-701 is the all-in-one system perfect for someone who might not have all the external pieces and wants one unit that houses it all. As the most feature-rich unit it's a great addition to your audiophile setup and its ability to play CDs and stream music digitally makes it the catch-all of high-end audio gear. Whether it's your first all-in-one unit or your third, you'll be thrilled with the organic sound of the VRDS-701's Delta Sigma Discrete DAC and the tiny details it'll bring to the surface.
Put down the smartphone, wipe the dust off your CDs, add a TEAC unit to your audio setup, and rediscover the pure magic of physical media in the audiophile's modern age.
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Specifications
TEAC PD-505T CD Transport
Digital Audio Outputs: Coaxial, Optical
Coaxial Connector: RCA x1, Output Level: 0.5Vp-p, Output Impedance: 75 Ohm
Optical Connector: TOS x1
Clock Sync Input:
Connector: BNC x1
Input Frequency: 10MHz
Input Impedance: 50 Ohm
Input Level: Rectangle wave (Equivalent to TTL level, Sine wave (0.5 to 1.0Vrms)
Power: AC120V, 60Hz, AC220-240V, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption: 4W
Standby Power: 0.3W
Dimensions: 290W x 84.5H x 248.8D mm
Weight: 4.0kg
Included Accessories: AC Cord, Remote Control (RC-1338), AAA Batteries x2, Foot pads x3, Owner's Manual
VRDS-701T CD Transport
CD Section, Supported Media: Audio CD, CD (CD-R/CD-RW CD-DA Format) (8m CDs not supported)
Digital Audio Outputs: Coaxial, Optical
Coaxial Connector: RCA x1, Output Level: 0.5Vp-p, Output Impedance: 75 Ohm
Optical Connector: TOS x1 (JEITA RC5720C)
Clock Sync Input:
Connector: BNC x1
Input Frequency: 10MHz
Input Impedance: 50 Ohm
Input Level: Rectangle wave (Equivalent to TTL level, Sine wave (0.5 to 1.0Vrms)
External Control:
Trigger Input (12V TRIGGER IN)
Connector: 3.5mm Mono mini jack
Input Level: 12V, 1mA
Trigger Output (12V TRIGGER OUT)
Connector: 3.5mm Mono mini jack
Input Level: 12V
Maximum Current Supply: 100mA
Power: AC120V, 60Hz / AC220-240V, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption: 4W
Standby Power: 0.4W
Dimensions: 444W x 111.3H x 333 mm
Weight: 10.1kg
Operating Temperature: +5℃ to +35℃
Operating Humidity: 5% to 85% (no condensation)
Storage Temperature Range: −20℃ to +55℃
Included Accessories: AC Cord, Remote Control (RC-1338), Dry Battery (AAA) x2, Foot pads x3, Owner's Manual
VRDS-701 CD Player & USB DAC
Supported Media: Audio CD, CD (CD-R/CD-RW CD-DA Format) (8m CDs not supported)
Analog Outputs:
1x XLR (L/R), 1x RCA (L/R)
Impedance: XLR 220 Ohms, RCA 180 Ohms
Maximum Output Level: FIXED 0dB, XLR/RCA 2.0Vrms, (1kHz, Full scale, 10kΩ loaded) : FIXED +6dB, XLR/RCA: 4.0Vrms, VARIABLE, XLR: 12Vrms, RCA: 6Vrms
Frequency Response: 5Hz - 80kHz (+1 dB/ -6dB)
S/N Ratio: 105dB (A-Weight, 1kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.002% (1kHz, LPF: 20 - 20kHz), Input signal: DSD 11.2 MHz, Measured output: RCA, DSD LPF: FIR 1
Headphone Amp Section:
Connector: 1/4" (6.3mm) stereo jack
Maximum Output: 500mW + 500mW (into 32 Ohm)
Digital Audio Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
USB: 1 Type-C, USB 2.0 or more
Input signal type: Linear PCM, 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192/352.8/384kHz , 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit, DSD 2.8/5.6/11.2/22.5MHz
Coaxial Connector: RCA x1, Input Level: 0.5Vp-p, Input Impedance: 75 Ohm
Coaxial Input Signal Type: Linear PCM, 32/44.1/48/88.2/176.4/192kHz , 16-bit/24-bit DSD 2.8MHz
Optical Connector: TOS x1 (JEITA RC5720C)
Input level: -24.0 to -14.5dBm peak
Input signal type: Linear PCM, 32/44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz , 16bit/24 bit, DSD2.8MHz
VRDS-701 CONTINUED
Clock Sync Input:
Connector: BNC x1
Input Frequency: 10MHz
Input Impedance: 50 Ohm
Input Level: Rectangle wave (Equivalent to TTL level, Sine wave (0.5 to 1.0Vrms)
Digital Audio Outputs: Coaxial, Optical
Coaxial Connector: RCA, Output Level: 0.5Vp-p, Output Impedance: 75 Ohm
Optical Connector: TOS (JEITA RC5720) x1
External Control:
Trigger Input (12V TRIGGER IN)
Connector: 3.5mm Mono mini jack
Input Level: 12V, 1mA
Trigger Output (12V TRIGGER OUT)
Connector: 3.5mm Mono mini jack
Input Level: 12V
Maximum Current Supply: 100mA
Power: AC120V, 60Hz / AC220-240V, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption: 40W
Standby Power: 0.4W
Dimensions: 444W x 111.3H x 333.6 mm
Weight: 11.8kg
Operating Temperature: +5℃ to +35℃
Operating Humidity: 5% to 85% (no condensation)
Storage Temperature Range: −20℃ to +55℃
Included Accessories: AC Cord, Remote Control (RC-1338), Dry Battery (AAA) x2, Foot pads x3, Owner's Manual
