TEAC
TEAC VRDS-701 CD Player, USB DAC
Best high-end player for audiophiles seeking pristine digital and disc playback.
The TEAC VRDS-701 is a premium CD player and USB DAC, celebrating TEAC's 70th anniversary with innovative features. It boasts a newly developed VRDS mechanism for exceptional CD playback and a discrete TEAC ΔΣ DAC for superior digital-to-analog conversion. The fully-balanced dual mono circuit structure ensures outstanding channel separation and a wide, clear soundstage. With MQA CD playback and full MQA decoding capabilities, it also functions as a high-resolution USB DAC supporting 22.5MHz DSD and 384kHz/32-bit PCM data. Features like RDOT-NEO upconversion, a 10MHz external clock input, and an enhanced-current output buffer amp contribute to its audiophile-grade performance.
$3599.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
33
/ 239
#33 in CD Players & Recorders
Price vs Category Average
-22%
Below average
CD Drive
Newly developed VRDS mechanism
/ Newly developed VRDS mechanism
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking maximum precision from their physical disc collection
- Digital music lovers needing a high-resolution hub for external files
- Design-conscious listeners prioritizing premium build quality and aesthetic longevity
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level audio solutions
- Apartment dwellers or those with limited shelf space
- Casual listeners who primarily stream music via mobile devices
Performance breakdown
CD Playback Precision
The proprietary VRDS mechanism eliminates disc vibration for near-perfect data retrieval.
DAC Versatility
Handles high-resolution DSD and PCM files with exceptional digital clarity.
Channel Separation
Dual mono architecture creates a wide, immersive soundstage with distinct imaging.
MQA Decoding
Full MQA support ensures studio-quality playback from compatible high-resolution discs.
Build Integrity
Dedicated toroidal transformers provide the stable power required for audiophile performance.
Preamp Functionality
Integrated analog volume control allows for a clean, direct power amp connection.
Key Specs
CD Drive
Newly developed VRDS mechanism
Digital Audio Converter
TEAC ΔΣ (Delta Sigma) discrete DAC
Circuit Structure
Fully-balanced dual mono
Volume Control
TEAC-QVCS analog preamp circuit
MQA Support
MQA CD playback, full MQA decoding
USB DAC Support
22.5MHz DSD, 384kHz/32-bit PCM
Upconversion
RDOT-NEO (2×, 4×, 8×)
External Clock Input
10MHz
Features
- Newly developed VRDS mechanism for precise CD playback.
- Discrete TEAC ΔΣ DAC for superior audio quality.
- Fully-balanced dual mono circuit for excellent channel separation.
- TEAC-QVCS analog preamp allows direct connection to power amplifiers.
- Supports MQA CD playback and full MQA decoding.
- High-resolution USB DAC functionality for DSD and PCM data.
- RDOT-NEO technology for smooth digital audio upconversion.
- Dedicated toroidal transformers and enhanced-current output buffer for dynamic sound.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the TEAC VRDS 701 for its exceptional sound quality, describing an immersive and detailed audio experience. The precision of the VRDS mechanism is frequently highlighted, contributing to a stable and accurate playback. Reviewers also appreciate the robust build quality and sophisticated design, noting its premium feel and aesthetic appeal in any audio setup. This combination of superior audio performance and elegant construction makes it a standout choice for discerning audiophiles.
Know before you buy
Yes. The unit features the TEAC-QVCS analog preamp circuit, which allows you to control volume directly from the player and connect it straight to a power amplifier without needing a separate preamplifier.
The VRDS mechanism clamps the CD to a high-mass turntable to eliminate rotation-induced vibrations and disc warping. This ensures the laser reads the data with significantly higher precision, resulting in a more stable and accurate sound.
Yes, the USB DAC is highly capable, supporting high-resolution formats up to 22.5MHz DSD and 384kHz/32-bit PCM. It also utilizes Bulk Pet technology to ensure stable, smooth data transmission from your computer.
The VRDS-701 supports full MQA decoding, meaning it can unfold and process MQA-encoded data from both physical MQA CDs and high-resolution digital files played through the USB input.
Yes, the player includes a 10MHz external clock input. This allows you to connect a dedicated master clock generator to further reduce jitter and improve the synchronization of your digital audio system.
RDOT-NEO uses an interpolation algorithm to smooth out the digital waveform, upconverting your audio to 2×, 4×, or 8× the original sampling rate. This process aims to make digital audio sound more natural and closer to an analog source.
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