TEAC Audio VRDS-701T

Overview

The TEAC VRDS-701T is a dedicated Reference series CD transport built for listeners who want the purest possible extraction of data from a disc and prefer to pair it with an outboard DAC. It has no built-in digital to analog conversion, so its entire engineering focus is on reading the disc with precision and delivering a clean digital signal to your converter of choice.

At its heart is TEAC's celebrated VRDS mechanism, a rigid turntable style disc holder that clamps the CD to a heavy platter to control vibration and reduce reading errors. The chassis is a purposeful, low resonance design finished to the standard of TEAC's flagship Reference line. A 10 MHz external clock input allows the VRDS-701T to be locked to a master clock such as the TEAC CG-10M-X for even lower jitter, and a full set of digital outputs including balanced XLR gives you flexibility across systems.

This transport is ideal for the serious CD collector who already owns or plans to buy a high grade DAC and wants a source component that will serve as the foundation of a two box or multi box digital front end for years to come.

Key Features

• VRDS disc clamping mechanism for stable, low error disc reading
• Dedicated CD transport with no onboard DAC for a pure digital signal path
• 10 MHz external clock input for use with the TEAC CG-10M-X master clock
• Balanced XLR digital output alongside coaxial and optical outputs
• Rigid, low resonance Reference series chassis and construction
• Reference 700 series industrial design and build quality
• Ideal partner for TEAC UD and NT series DAC and network players
• Three year warranty available with TEAC USA registration

How the VRDS-701T Compares

TEAC VRDS-701T vs TEAC PD-507T

The PD-507T is the step down transport in TEAC's Reference line and offers a more compact, accessible entry into a dedicated disc spinning source. The VRDS-701T moves up to the VRDS mechanism and the heavier 700 series chassis for greater mechanical stability and a fuller digital output set. Choose the PD-507T for a tidy front end and the VRDS-701T when you want the reference grade transport foundation. See the TEAC PD-507T.

TEAC VRDS-701T vs TEAC VRDS-701

The VRDS-701 is a complete CD player, DAC and digital preamp built on the same VRDS mechanism, so it makes sound on its own. The VRDS-701T is the transport only version for listeners who prefer to choose their own outboard DAC. Pick the VRDS-701 for an all in one solution and the VRDS-701T when you are building a separates based digital front end. See the TEAC VRDS-701.

TEAC VRDS-701T vs Audiolab 9000CDT

The Audiolab 9000CDT is a slim, feature rich transport with a large display and a slot or tray style user experience aimed at a clean modern setup. The VRDS-701T takes a heavier, mechanically focused approach centered on the VRDS clamping system and a 10 MHz clock input for master clock integration. Both feed an external DAC, so the choice comes down to physical scale and system ambitions. See the Audiolab 9000CDT.

TEAC VRDS-701T vs Shanling Onix Zenith XST20

The Shanling Onix Zenith XST20 is an SACD and CD transport, so it can read the higher density SACD layer in addition to Red Book CD. The VRDS-701T is a CD focused transport centered on the VRDS mechanism and TEAC's Reference clock and output implementation. Choose the Shanling if SACD playback matters to you and the VRDS-701T for a CD centered reference source. See the Shanling Onix Zenith XST20.

Recommended DAC, Amplifier and Speakers

The VRDS-701T is a transport with no built-in DAC, so it needs an outboard converter to make sound. Pair it with a TEAC DAC or DAC preamp, an amplifier and speakers for a complete system.

• TEAC UD-701N DAC / Network Player / Preamp This discrete DAC and network preamp is the natural partner for the VRDS-701T, converting its digital output and adding streaming and preamp functions. It also shares the 10 MHz clock input so both can lock to a master clock.
• TEAC NT-505-X DAC / Network Player A more compact DAC and network player option that decodes the transport's digital feed while adding TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify and Roon Ready streaming. A tidy way to combine disc and network playback in one stack.
• TEAC AP-701 Power Amplifier This dual monaural power amplifier matches the Reference 700 series aesthetically and provides the current and headroom to drive demanding speakers from your DAC preamp.
• TEAC AX-505 Integrated Amplifier For a simpler build, this integrated amplifier accepts the analog output from a TEAC DAC and drives your speakers directly, keeping the box count down.
• Amphion Argon 1 Bookshelf Speaker These precise, controlled dispersion standmounts reward a clean digital front end and reveal the detail a VRDS transport and quality DAC deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TEAC VRDS-701T?
It is a Reference series CD transport that reads Red Book CDs and outputs a digital signal to an external DAC. It does not convert the signal to analog itself.

Does the VRDS-701T have a built-in DAC?
No. It is a transport only, so you need an outboard DAC or a DAC preamp to convert its digital output into sound.

What is the VRDS mechanism?
VRDS is TEAC's disc clamping mechanism that holds the CD against a heavy platter to control vibration and reduce reading errors for a cleaner data stream.

What digital outputs does it have?
It offers a balanced XLR digital output plus coaxial RCA and optical outputs, giving you flexibility to connect to a wide range of DACs.

Can I use an external master clock with it?
Yes. It has a 10 MHz external clock input so you can lock it to a master clock such as the TEAC CG-10M-X for lower jitter.

Which DAC should I pair with the VRDS-701T?
The TEAC UD-701N and NT-505-X are excellent partners because they share the Reference design language, and the UD-701N also accepts the same 10 MHz clock.

Can it play SACDs?
No. The VRDS-701T is a CD transport for Red Book CDs. If you need SACD playback, look at an SACD transport or player instead.

Does it read CD-R and CD-RW discs?
Yes. It supports CD, CD-R and CD-RW media.

How is it different from the VRDS-701?
The VRDS-701 is a full CD player with a built-in DAC and preamp, while the VRDS-701T is the transport only version for use with your own DAC.

How does it compare to the PD-507T?
The PD-507T is the more compact step down transport, while the VRDS-701T adds the VRDS mechanism, a heavier chassis and a fuller output set.

Do I need a special cable for the balanced digital output?
Yes. The XLR digital output uses an AES/EBU style balanced digital cable to connect to a DAC with a matching balanced digital input.

Is a remote control included?
Yes. A remote control ships with the transport along with a power cord and documentation.

Where is TEAC from?
TEAC is a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1953, and the VRDS-701T is part of its Reference hi-fi line.

What amplifier works well with this front end?
Once your DAC or DAC preamp is in place, the TEAC AP-701 power amplifier or the AX-505 integrated amplifier make well matched partners.

Can I build a full separates system around it?
Yes. Pair the VRDS-701T with a TEAC DAC preamp, a power amplifier and quality speakers for a complete separates system.

What speakers do you recommend?
The Amphion Argon 1 standmounts pair well with a resolving TEAC front end, and larger rooms may prefer floorstanding options from our catalog.

What warranty does the VRDS-701T carry?
It carries a one year parts and labor warranty from TEAC for the original owner, which extends to three years free when you register it with TEAC USA.

Why choose a dedicated transport over a CD player?
A dedicated transport lets you select and upgrade your DAC independently, giving you full control over the conversion stage of your system.

Does the VRDS-701T stream music?
No. It only plays CDs. For network streaming, add a TEAC DAC and network player such as the UD-701N or NT-505-X.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
We are an authorized TEAC dealer in Maryland, so your VRDS-701T is genuine, fully warranted and eligible for the extended registration. Our team can help you assemble the right DAC, amplifier and speakers to complete your system, and we keep this model in stock.