[ciphercomplete]

Does anyone know?

I just got my first listen of this thing today and it is incredible. Easily the best source I have heard when paired with either of my DACS. And this is coming from someone who didn't think a transport would make this huge of a difference. Its just ones and zeros is what I pretty much thought.

The quality of your transport does indeed make a difference. The Stello is authoritative across the entire spectrum and the bass (especially when paired with the Stello DA 220) is exceptional. It has a strong analog sound. I don't think that my computer using lossless FLAC will ever this good and the Sony and Pioneer DVD players I was previously using as transports are obviously out to pasture.

I am in the middle of writing a lengthy review of all my equipment so I will save the more detailed impressions for later. My favorite combinations as of right now are:
Stello CDT200 --> Stello DA 220 --> M^3 --> Senn HD650
Stello CDT200 --> Monarchy NM24 --> WA6 -->AKG K501

But back to my initial question: Why would April Music stop manufacturing such a great CD transport? The CDT 200 had very strong industry reviews.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Sales might not have been enough to keep the line going. Another reason is that one of their suppliers went under or stopped manufacturing a crucial part. They might also be bringing out a new model soon. You never know; there are lots of things that could have gone wrong.

 

[1UP]

Doesn't the transport also have an I2S link to the Stello DACs? That should give a better platform over run of the mill coax; although you said the Monarchy also mates well.

 

[krmathis]

As 'Uncle Erik' said there may be numerous reasons.
Updated model around the corner, too low sales, shortage of parts supply, ...

 

[SleepyOne]

I only wish they make some type of transport to replace that.

 

[Stevesebastianb]

Oh that is bad news

 

[S J]

6moons reported a while back (April iirc) that a Stello CDT-500 and DA-500 were due for a summer release, along with an updated AuraNote. There were a couple pictures and not much else. Presumably those are the replacements?

 

[Stevesebastianb]

^^^ Do you have the link to the pics?

 

[S J]

Hrm, I can't find them... I guess 6moons doesn't keep an archive of its daily news blurbs.

From what I can remember, they looked quite similar to the CDT-200 (as opposed to the Stello 100 series). Also, iirc, price was said to be in the $2500ish rage (presumably each).

The AuraNote is going to be offered in 2 chassis now (the one-chassis model will still be offered, and will undergo a few updates). One chassis holds the CD player and DAC, and the other contains the integrated amp. The amps output power was improved a bit, and balanced outputs were added to the CDP portion. It is staying with the same silvery modern look as the old version.

 

[ciphercomplete]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1UP /img/forum/go_quote.gif Doesn't the transport also have an I2S link to the Stello DACs? That should give a better platform over run of the mill coax; although you said the Monarchy also mates well.

No, the CDT 200 has balanced, digital coax, coax BNC and digital optical outputs. The DA 220 has the same as inputs the exception being the coax BNC which it substitutes a second regular coax for. The new version of the DAC, the DA 220 MKII, has the I2S Link and usb. I am pretty sure the CDT 100 has the I2S link output.

 

[SleepyOne]

DA220mk2 doesn't have i2s but have usb, AES, coaxial and optical. DA100s came out after DA220mk2 so has i2s.

 

[IceClass]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif As 'Uncle Erik' said there may be numerous reasons. Updated model around the corner, too low sales, shortage of parts supply, ...

If Uncle Erik already said it then why repeat it?

 

[vakavanha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevesebastianb /img/forum/go_quote.gif ^^^ Do you have the link to the pics?

Here is pic and some spesifications that I got from AprilMusic:

Stello CDA500 (CD Player)

CD Mechanism: Top loading CD Deck Design

Format: Audio CD(CD-DA), CD -Recordable(CD-R)

Upsample: Upto 192 kHz

DAC: 24/192 Digital to Analog Converter

Frequency Range: 10 ~ 45 kHz

2 Analog Outputs: RCA, XLR

3 Digital Inputs: COAX, TOS, PC USB Link

2 Digital Outputs: COAX, TOS

Full Function Remote Control

Size: 18.1 x 3.4 x 15.7(WHD) inches , ?? lbs. Net / 460 x 86 x 400 (WHD) mm, ?? kgs Net.



Stello AI500 (Integrated Amplifier)

Output Power: 150 Watts/CH @ 8 Ohms,

300 Watts/CH @ 4 Ohms

Output Stage: Para Push-Pull Sanken MT-200 Package Bipolar Power Transistors

Power Supply: Custom Made 800 VA Toroidal Transformer 60,000 uF Capacitor Bank

Output circuit:

Preamplifier: Discrete class A push-pull

Amplifier: Class AB

Frequency response: 20~45 kHz

THD + N: < 0.05 %

Volume control: Cirrus logic CS3310 digital volume control

Analog inputs: 3 unbalanced analog line inputs

1 balanced analog line input

1 BYPASS input

2 Analog Outputs: Pre-out, REC

4 Digital inputs: PC USB Link, COAX, TOS, iPod Docking

Front Panel Control : Standby, Input selection, Mute, Volume

Full Function Remote Control

Size: 18.1 x 3.4 x 15.7(WHD) inches , ?? lbs. Net / 460 x 86 x 400 (WHD) mm, ?? kgs Net.

 

[ciphercomplete]

OMG! I love that design!

 

[SleepyOne]

I wonder will they do a transport version of CA500?