VRDS: Whats the big deal while it just a Sony KSS151A ?

[Pani]

Hi Friends,
This is my first post in this forum. I came here because I was looking for an answer to a very cryptic question.

I am looking out to buy a used transport for myself to be paired with my Reimyo DAP-777 dac. I have two choices for around the same price:

1. Marantz CD-94
2. Teac VRDS-10

I have heard a lot of good things about VRDS. But recently I read somewhere that it is just a Sony KSS151A with a clamp. If that is the case then why has it received such a cult status ? Is it all hype and marketing. Does that mean that a CD-94 will actually be a much better sounding transport ? Does VRDS really is worth buying ? Please share your views and experiences. I know there is more to a transport than just the laser mechanism and I would love to hear from you knowledgeable people before I make a choice.

BTW, I dont have the option of listening to any of these with my DAC before buying. It will be a blind buy so your opinion counts a lot.

regards.

[georgehifi]

Originally posted by Pani
Hi Friends,
But recently I read somewhere that it is just a Sony KSS151A with a clamp.
regards.

Just a Sony KSS151A? In my opinion best best laser/sled assembly ever produced, have a good look at it, there are no gears to move the laser, it's done with a magnetic/coil drive, far smoother than gears.
As for the clamp (attached), in the VRDS10 it is built like a Swiss watch, it's dished and covers the whole surface to take out any disc flapping that occures with center held mechs.
Cheers George

[georgehifi]

And the way it works. I'll see if I have a pic of the magnetic drive for the laser.
Cheers George

[georgehifi]

This is a picture of my Wadia (Teac P-2S) essentialy the same as what your looking at.

Cheers George

[Pani]

Hi George,
Thanks for your reply.
I did not know that the KSS151A is such a good mechanism.

BTW, have you ever compared your Wadia to the likes of CD-94 or any other Philips high end mechanism based transport (I dont consider CDM-12.x to be high end). Something like CDM-1, CDM pro2, CDM9 etc ?

[georgehifi]

Originally posted by Pani
Hi George,
Thanks for your reply.


BTW, have you ever compared your Wadia to the likes of CD-94 or any other Philips high end mechanism based transport Something like CDM-1, CDM pro2, CDM9 etc ?

I have these second to the Teac's, even with the lower KSS240A Sony lasers, that are in the VRDS-T1's. If you really want the best (attached Teac's P-70)

[jitter]

No, the KSS151A is a laser, not a mechanism as a whole.

Whether or not the reputation of the VRDS mechnism, or any other high end mech, is deserved remains to be seen. Why do I say this? Anyone in here who has been playing around with a certain low cost boom box CD-mech (and that includes me) knows that even that can sound incredible when tweaked a little and hooked up to a good DAC. Too good to be true? Read this thread .

[georgehifi]

His original question was

"I am looking out to buy a used transport for myself to be paired with my Reimyo DAP-777 dac. I have two choices for around the same price:

1. Marantz CD-94
2. Teac VRDS-10"

The VRDS10 has the KSS151A and the Teac VRDS clamping and magnetic drive

Cheers George

[Joschl]

Hi George,

I would choose the Teac. It is built like a tank and the VRDS drive is imho superior to the CDM. Not because the Laser blabla but because of the VRDS giving the laser best conditions to read out the disc.
On the other hand you will have a big problem when you have to get a new laser for the Teac.
At the end of the day both machines are very good and it will be a matter of taste to choose between them.
So it's up to you. Flip a coin...

Best regards
Josch

[jean-paul]

Th epint is that VRDS uses lasers in a 10:1 ratio compared to CDM4....