Teac VRDS-9

[Target1]

To all,

I am taking a good look at one of these at a local shop. It is well burnt in, and has been the show player for quite some time. Can anyone offer some insight as to how it stacks up against some other top brand players? A DAC could be in my future (though far off), and I would be using it with either a Grahm Slee Amo, or the White Noise Audio, and lastly a set of HD 580's. For people that know the player how much would you pay for a used one that has been well taken care of, but has seen many hours. Thanks all for the help.

Mark

 

[jefemeister]

The VRDS-9 uses the 4.2 version of the VRDS mechanism. This is basically the same transport used in the Wadia 850 CD Player. It also uses dual Burr-Brown 1702 DACs per channel like the Wadia. I haven't heard one, but it has some impressive parts in it and it looks nice. I think retail was in the $1200 range, so depending on condition I would look at anywhere from $500-$900. It should be very good as a player, but will really shine as a transport with external DAC. It's also a prime candidate for modding. Just be cautious if it has been on repeat for 3 years during it's life as a demo. Laser strength wears out after awhile and a replacement could cost upwards of $300. If your local shop is authorized, you may be able to leverage a laser replacement into the deal somehow.

 

[Target1]

I found an article saying that there were 2 different types made, one in Japan, and one modded in Italy. The article said that the Italian one was MUCH better, and the Japan one overpirced. Not sure about this, because I couldn't verify any of that elsewhere. It hasn't gotten a ton of use, and I think the lasor should be fine. They are asking 500 pounds (900 USD), but I'm relatively sure I can talk them down to about 400 (720 USD). From what you said this would be a decend deal, but not steller correct?

Mark

 

[jefemeister]

I read the same article you did. I tend to not pay a lot of attention to reviews that compare the stock player to some fancy modded thing. Of course the original one won't be as good and usually this fact is overstated in the review. Is it possible to listen to it before you buy? I'm sure you could take your headphone setup over and check it out first. Also before you drop that kind of cash on a older player (I can't seem to locate the model year anywhere) you should check out the newer competition from Arcam, etc.

edit: Eventhough I am a premier member of Team Source First, I'm not sure it makes sense to have a $900 transport and $100 headphones.

 

[NotoriousBIG_PJ]

The stock unit kind of sucks. Its an amazing little unit once you do something with the analogue stage.

Fab Audio in Toronto sells modded ones.

Biggie.

 

[Target1]

I don't think HD 580's are $100 headphones, and if they are then I have overpaid by quite a lot. When people say that it needs to be modded in the analogue stage, is this something a decent DAC would fix? In other words if in the future when I have more money I just want to use it as a mechanism how does it stack up then? And until then with just HD 580's, and a ($300) amp will anything more expensive even be worth it?

Mark

 

[NotoriousBIG_PJ]

Yes, a decent dac would fix that. Used senn 580's can be found for pretty cheap..

Biggie.

 

[sleepkyng]

i got my used senn 580's for 85 bucks

and my 600's for 150

cheers edwood!

 

[Target1]

But would you call HD 580's a "$100" pair of headphones? And further say that getting a $1000 dedicated source would be wasted on them?

Mark

 

[NotoriousBIG_PJ]

I'd call it a $200 pair of headphones and I don't think a $1k source for them is a waste.

Biggie.