Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

DP-1000

reviews

[ { "title": "Accuphase DP-1000 Precision SACD Transport | HiFi BLOG", "thumbnail": "https://v5.airtableusercontent.com/v3/u/36/36/1735077600000/KKHo1HKWL8ap4NfPdDzCMg/eq3FH433sCaEB1vl67l-LZiEv1bxhPKvPJafGfazKTV2O07UdcN443qSBMb_SHgY2m4R2kVObO9Xda41inXYbEWTV7I-tQ3C_dnxttFRQlYX-RCmtGBtImUIPeT5vMgsFzg3ChDvUiWEoY6jYvsZPg/Famsd2nHJDiG44_4H_5E4PA0xl9UOu-t-UPyiP36A20", "link": "https://www.hifi.blog/accuphase-dp-1000-precision-sacd-transport/", "source": "HiFi Blog", "datePublished": "12/12/2021" } ]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • High-rigidity, high-precision aluminum machined SA-CD/CD drive
  • Low-noise power supply circuits and separate toroidal transformers for mechanical system and signal processing
  • Programmable playlists so that you can enjoy your music in the order you want
  • Accuphase voicing equalizer and digital connections
  • Digital outputs (HS-LINK / COAXIAL)
  • Low placement of the SA-CD/CD player for a low center of gravity
  • “Power-on play” that automatically starts playback with a timer (sold separately)
  • HS-LINK Ver. 1 / Ver. 2 switching
  • Data disc playback (including DSD discs)
  • Natural grain wood case with a mirror finish crafted by artisans using carefully selected virgin wood
  • 12 mm thick machined aluminum bottom plate
  • Advanced high-carbon cast iron insulators
  • Supplied with HS-LINK cable AHDL-15

The DP-1000 is the culmination of Accuphase's 50-year pursuit of creating the ideal transporter. This high-rigidity, high-precision drive is equipped with a silent and elegant disc loading mechanism. The outer rotor brushless DC motor smoothly rotates the disc, while the newly developed dampers protect the pickup from vibrations.
The DP-1000 is the culmination of Accuphase’s 50-year pursuit of creating the ideal transporter. This high-rigidity, high-precision drive is equipped with a silent and elegant disc loading mechanism. The outer rotor brushless DC motor smoothly rotates the disc, while the newly developed dampers protect the pickup from vibrations. Incorporating a number of technological improvements like a low center of gravity and fortified frame alongside features like programmable playlists, the DP-1000 is the ideal transport to quietly and accurately read data.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Accuphase's AAVA volume control technology is a key differentiator, adjusting volume by altering the amplifier's gain, thus avoiding the sound degradation associated with traditional variable resistors.
  • They are known for their meticulous construction, utilizing carefully selected components and hand-crafted mirror-finished solid wood panels, resulting in exceptional operational feel and aesthetics.
  • Employs a dual-monaural design with sophisticated electromagnetic shielding to minimize interference and ensure optimal signal purity.
  • Retains a consistent design aesthetic, characterized by a champagne gold faceplate, VU meters, and a hidden control panel, providing a refined and elegant appearance.

A-48S

  • Positioning: The entry-level Class A stereo power amplifier in Accuphase's lineup.
  • Description: Offers excellent sound quality with its 6-parallel push-pull MOS-FETs, providing 50 W into 8 ohms. Compared to the A-80, it has a slightly lower power output but maintains a high damping factor of 1,000, making it suitable for small to medium-sized rooms and those with a moderate budget.

A-80

  • Positioning: A mid-range Class A stereo power amplifier, developed as a stereo version of the A-300.
  • Description: Delivers a refined sound with its 10-parallel push-pull MOS-FETs, offering 65 W into 8 ohms. It provides more power than the A-48S.

P-4600

  • Positioning: A mid-range Class AB stereo power amplifier in Accuphase's lineup.
  • Description: Features 6-parallel push-pull power transistors, delivering 150 W into 8 ohms. It offers a higher power output than the A-80, with a damping factor of 800.

A-300

  • Positioning: A high-end Class A monophonic power amplifier, marking Accuphase's 50th anniversary.
  • Description: Features 20-parallel push-pull power MOS-FETs, providing 125 W into 8 ohms. It offers superior performance compared to the A-80.

P-7500

  • Positioning: The flagship Class AB stereo power amplifier in Accuphase's lineup.
  • Description: Uses a 10-parallel push-pull power transistor architecture, delivering 300 W into 8 ohms. It surpasses the P-4600 in power and performance, with a damping factor of 1,000.
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Avg. Product Price
$20,001-$30,000
Used For Sale
192
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
37
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
21
Founding Year
1972

Our take on the brand

Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.

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Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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What if you spend more?

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Metronome
t|AQWO 2
34000
34000
/
3
Reviews

t|AQWO 2 continues the tradition of high-end Transports from Métronome. Unlike its predecessors, it plays both CDs and SACDs, with additional features allowing it to up-sample and down-sample tracks during playback.A As an option, your t|AQWO 2 can be upgraded to become a leading network player and streamer. To achieve the highest quality reproduction, it will be paired with the c|AQWO 2 converter, which was developed in conjunction. A large 6 1/2 inch color screen makes it easy to follow the current reading from a good distance. The t|AQWO 2 is available in silver or black finishes.

Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
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Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Solid build quality, with the front panel finished in a classy gold color and the logo machined into the metal
  • Versatile digital source solution, functioning as a CD/SACD player, DAC, and streamer
  • Uses a modified transport mechanism developed by the D&M Group (now Sound United)
  • Excellent, musical, dynamic and tuneful performance that made listening to music a pleasure

Product Considerations

  • Optional tube output may not be preferred, with some listeners finding that it reduces focus and clarity compared to the solid-state option
  • Adjusting the digital filters may prove frustrating, as the differences are slight

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Benchmark, the t|AQWO made things sound slow and stodgy by comparison

Takeaway: The t|AQWO is a beautifully made and finished digital source that makes music enjoyable with its excellent performance. It is versatile and easy to use.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
CEC
TL 3N
35000
35000
/
2
Reviews

A CD transport combining unique belt-drive engineering with advanced digital technology. A double belt-drive mechanism, separate motors for laser and turntable, combined with CEC Superlink.

The CEC Superlink is our innovative signal interconnect solution. It requires four discrete interconnect cables. The left/right-clock data, bit-clock data and digital audio music data are all transmitted from the CD-transport to the DAC while the master-clock is generated inside the DAC and sent to the CD-transport. The transmission is done with 4 x 75-Ohm BNC cables with impedance matching.

The TL 3N follows the same design philosophy as the TL 1N at a more affordable price. The TL 3N mechanism with two motors driving the laser and turntable, as well as the double suspension, eliminate internal and external vibrations. This is an evolutionary integration of analogue and digital technology. The top-loading design allows the use of a stabilizer for maximum disc stability.

Last, but not least, there is an input for a single, universal, master clock signal from an external clocksignal generator. This can ensure that you only have one master clock, and that all slave units reference a single clean clocking signal. This word-clock maintains a perfectly-timed and constant bitrate to avoid data errors.

CEC pioneered the world's first belt-driven CD transport in 1991, using this unique design across their product line to reduce vibration and create an analog-like sound quality that's rare among CD players. Their Superlink system uses four separate cables to improve digital signal quality, while their belt-driven approach and high-mass disc clamps are specifically designed to mimic the stability of analog turntables.
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Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Natural, easy flowing way of delivering music without etch and tonal bleaching
  • Wonderful sense of flow and timing, plus a far more dynamic, lively presentation with great grip and control
  • Rooted and purposeful quality to music, coupled to a clearly defined and stable soundstage
  • Uncomplicated directness to musical communication, making it easier to appreciate the music
  • Belt-drive transport brings separation and broad tonal palette, so that things keep spacious, textured and moving forward

Product Considerations

  • The remote is of the cheap plastic variety
  • S/PDIF is on RCA rather than BNC
  • Casework and manual operation hardly reek of high-end niceties
  • A slight electronic pop may be heard through speakers when loading a disc and pushing play

Takeaway: The TL3N allows the compact disc to deliver an immersive musical experience. It is a capable machine for playing back CD collections, especially for users who prefer not to rip them or use a computer.

Video review

Our take on the brand

CEC pioneered the world's first belt-driven CD transport in 1991, using this unique design across their product line to reduce vibration and create an analog-like sound quality that's rare among CD players. Their Superlink system uses four separate cables to improve digital signal quality, while their belt-driven approach and high-mass disc clamps are specifically designed to mimic the stability of analog turntables.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
ESOTERIC
Grandioso K1X SE
38000
38000
/
1
Reviews

Since its inception in 1987, Esoteric has been at the forefront of innovation as a high-end audio brand from Japan, continually pushing the boundaries of high quality sound reproduction. The Esoteric brand is known for its outstanding acoustic engineering that has sustained its reputation and prestige, its massive investment without regard to cost, its "museum quality" craftsmanship, and its beautiful designs worthy of music reproduction.

Grandioso has brought a number of highly original innovations to the world of high-end audio, including the legendary VRDS-ATLAS Super Audio CD transport mechanism, the Master Sound Discrete DAC and the Master Sound Discrete Clock, which consist of unique discrete circuits. Finally, three SE models are now available with new discrete clock technology and improved analog circuitry in the DAC. We are proud of our brand and always strive for the best sound. The SE model we are releasing this time reflects every conceivable technological accumulation from the time the original model was launched to the present. Enjoy the enhanced presence, dynamics, and beautifully organic and musical textures of the three new SE models.

Esoteric is a Japanese hifi brand that manufactures CD and SACD players with their unique VRDS technology, which provides superior stability in disc playback through a rigid disc-clamping system. Their products are built in Tokyo with proprietary technologies like the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and their Grandioso series is considered among the world's best for sonic capabilities.
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Our summary

Product Strengths

  • The Grandioso K1X preserves and improves on the exciting sound of previous Esoteric digital components, with more harmonic density and refinement than the K1
  • The VRDS-Atlas transport betters the VRDS-Neo in build quality
  • The Grandioso K1X excels at reducing noise and distortion, resulting in an extremely elegant and refined sound
  • The Grandioso K1X's new FPGA converters signal that Esoteric is still on the cutting edge of digital audio technology

Product Considerations

  • The warranty of three years parts and labor may be considered too short given the product's high build quality and price
  • Setting up the Grandioso PS1 requires two power cords, which is not clearly disclosed in the manuals

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Esoteric Grandioso K1: The K1X offers more transparency and detail, with longer decays, harmonically fuller notes, and reduced coarseness—the K1X sounds substantially more polished
  • Vs Esoteric Grandioso D1 DAC: The K1X has more harmonic richness and refinement

Takeaway: The Grandioso K1X is a great way to experience ultra-high-end sound with improved transparency, detail, and refinement compared to previous models. Adding the PS1 power supply enhances transients, bass definition, soundstage, and noise rejection.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Esoteric is a Japanese hifi brand that manufactures CD and SACD players with their unique VRDS technology, which provides superior stability in disc playback through a rigid disc-clamping system. Their products are built in Tokyo with proprietary technologies like the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and their Grandioso series is considered among the world's best for sonic capabilities.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Accuphase
DP-770
26575
/
Released
2023
The DP-770 features a high-rigidity, high-precision drive traverse mechanism equipped with an outer rotor brushless DC motor drive that rotates discs smoothly and delivers accurate data reading, while the 8MDSD (DSD signal) / 8MDS++ (PCM signal) type D/A converter driving the ES9028 PRO (ESS Technologies) processor in 8 parallel channels converts the inputs into highly precise analog signals. The DP-770 also incorporates numerous noise suppression technologies like ANCC to create an unparalleled musical experience.
Check Amazon
Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Exceptionally well-made and accurately constructed
  • Versatile player that professionally handles all types of media and files
  • Excellent resolution and dynamics
  • Super-quiet background with zero electric hash
  • Bass performance is well-controlled, firm, and finely articulated

Product Considerations

  • New buttons have a low stroke, and it is hard to feel when they are pushed
  • Front panel print looks a bit like a cheap screen print with too much paint used
  • Sensitive to power cables

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The DP-770's bass is better controlled, firmer, and more finely articulated; it moves the soundstage a bit further behind the speakers, creating a deeper soundstage, while the Accuphase DP-720 presents vocals more upfront
  • The DP-770 provides punchier transients, grippier and tighter kicks, better textures, and lower noise

Takeaway: The DP-770 is a digital player masterpiece that provides better sound from CDs and SACDs. It is resolving, dynamic, differentiating, and versatile in playing all types of media and files.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Metronome
AQWO 2
22000
/
Released
2023
Métronome give more to Audiophiles with AQWO 2 : the famous Métronome analog sound with your CDs and SACDs, a highend converter and now a network player. Its new 7-inch 21:9 screen allows for easy monitoring of the current reading at a comfortable distance.
Check Amazon
Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Combines CD/SACD player, DAC, and streaming client into one unit offering versatility for digital content
  • Excellent build quality, featuring a solid, elegant design and high-quality materials, such as the smooth sliding CD top plate
  • Has a large, clear, and intuitive touchscreen interface for easy control and access to settings
  • Delivers excellent sound quality with detail, dynamics, and a touch of warmth, making music enjoyable
  • Offers a modified SACD D&M transport mechanism ensuring high-quality playback

Product Considerations

  • The included remote control might not match the luxurious feel of the rest of the unit
  • The Delrin puck is small and could be easily lost
  • Streaming updates via firmware, and the DAC cannot be upgraded

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The AQWO 2 offers SACD functionality and streaming, while the MBL is limited to CD playback

Takeaway: The Metronome AQWO 2 is a beautifully made, versatile digital source that combines multiple functions into one high-performing unit, offering flexibility and excellent sound for audiophiles who want the best from CDs, SACDs, and streaming. It is a great choice to enjoy a wide range of digital music at a very high level.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
dCS
Rossini Apex CD/SACD Transport
26500
/
Released
Designed to deliver excellent performance in rigidity, vibration resistance and resonant-free operation, the Rossini Transport offers a stable and near-silent performance that extracts astonishing levels of detail from silver discs
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dCS Audio is distinguished by its proprietary Ring DAC technology, which uses a custom mapping algorithm to reduce distortion, and its dCS Expanse headphone processing platform that enhances spatial sound. The brand's products, particularly the Bartók Streaming DAC, are favored by professional recordists and mastering engineers, while their Vivaldi and Rossini APEX systems have earned recognition for setting new standards in digital playback.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • The dCS Rossini Transport can handle both SACD and CD silver discs
  • The Rossini DAC doubles as a network audio machine, with the ability to play from local storage and online streaming services
  • The Rossini DAC can be used as a preamplifier, connected directly to a power amp or active loudspeakers
  • The Rossini DAC is compatible with Spotify Connect, Deezer, Tidal, and is Roon-ready

Product Considerations

  • The Rossini Transport is a purely digital device, with no onboard DACs
  • The Rossini Transport relies on the DAC for its upsampling capabilities
  • The various pictograms on both units take some familiarization
  • When using the Rossini Transport with the DAC to play SACDs, the transmission is carried in an encrypted DSD format

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Rossini Player is a one-box CD-only player, while the Rossini Transport/DAC v2 is a two-box CD/SACD-playing package

Takeaway: The dCS Rossini (Transport and DAC) offers flexibility with disc playback and network audio capabilities. It is a high-end system that provides a range of features for those invested in both physical media and digital audio sources.

Video review

Our take on the brand

dCS Audio is distinguished by its proprietary Ring DAC technology, which uses a custom mapping algorithm to reduce distortion, and its dCS Expanse headphone processing platform that enhances spatial sound. The brand's products, particularly the Bartók Streaming DAC, are favored by professional recordists and mastering engineers, while their Vivaldi and Rossini APEX systems have earned recognition for setting new standards in digital playback.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
TAD
TAD-D1000TX
20990
/
Released
2021
The TAD-D1000TX is our new generation SACD/CD player coming in a stylish form and retaining the concept, design, and technique incorporated into TAD disc players that came before it.
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Technical Audio Devices is a hifi Japanese spinoff of Pioneer that focuses on highly accurate speakers, which reviewers widely regard as best-in-class. They're known for their unique vapor deposition technique for beryllium diaphragms, which provides superior strength and smooth performance up to 100 kHz. Their proprietary technologies include CST (Coherent Source Transducer) for controlled directivity from a single point.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Precise, clean, and articulate sound
  • Excellent as a digital preamp
  • Superb build and finish
  • Connectivity options

Product Considerations

  • Some may find the presentation a little too cultured
  • Rhythmic drive doesn't quite capture the energy of the music, sacrificing some fun in the process
  • Prefers to err on the side of politeness, which can be a loss on more aggressive forms of music

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Chord DAVE: Chord DAVE captures more of the verve and drive of the track

Takeaway: The TAD DA1000TX is a capable and beautifully engineered unit, providing precise and clean audio. It's a great choice if sophistication and refinement are valued in a listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Technical Audio Devices is a hifi Japanese spinoff of Pioneer that focuses on highly accurate speakers, which reviewers widely regard as best-in-class. They're known for their unique vapor deposition technique for beryllium diaphragms, which provides superior strength and smooth performance up to 100 kHz. Their proprietary technologies include CST (Coherent Source Transducer) for controlled directivity from a single point.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
ESOTERIC
K-01XD SE
25000
/
Released
2024
Esoteric's most iconic digital player, the K-01XD, has evolved into the latest SE model.
Check Amazon
Esoteric is a Japanese hifi brand that manufactures CD and SACD players with their unique VRDS technology, which provides superior stability in disc playback through a rigid disc-clamping system. Their products are built in Tokyo with proprietary technologies like the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and their Grandioso series is considered among the world's best for sonic capabilities.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Glorious sound
  • VRDS-ATLAS mechanism is used for reducing vibration and improving sound quality
  • Master Sound Discrete DAC is designed in-house
  • Four high-capacity toroidal power transformers

Product Considerations

  • High price

Takeaway: The Esoteric K-01XDSE is a CD player that offers excellent sound quality and advanced features. It's built with high-quality components for a great listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Esoteric is a Japanese hifi brand that manufactures CD and SACD players with their unique VRDS technology, which provides superior stability in disc playback through a rigid disc-clamping system. Their products are built in Tokyo with proprietary technologies like the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and their Grandioso series is considered among the world's best for sonic capabilities.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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