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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.
All
CDT-100
reviews
Manufacturer details
The CDT 100 is a stand-alone product of high performance. It carries a Spdif out put so it can be linked to any outboard DAC. But for ultimate performance, which will astonish all who encounter the combination, then via the 5 pin output to the Ypsilon DAC-100.
CDT-100 contains a non oversampling DAC , with multi bit Burr Brown dac chips.Power supply regulation for the dac is only with shunt regulators. The current output of the DAC chips is level shifted in the current domain and through an in house manufactured c-core transformer becomes a voltage signal directly at the nextgen output connectors. No feedback is used and only one low noise S-E class A jfet is involved in the signal path. Purity and transparency is...
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:
- A core tenet of Ypsilon's design approach is the utilization of custom-wound, in-house manufactured transformers for critical functions like signal attenuation, inter-stage coupling, and power supplies, allowing for precise control over the sonic characteristics.
- Ypsilon often employs hybrid circuit topologies, blending tubes in input and driver stages with MOSFETs in the output stage, aiming to achieve a balance of sonic purity and power.
- A distinguishing feature of Ypsilon preamplifiers is their transformer-based volume control, eschewing traditional resistor-based attenuators in favor of a custom-designed transformer attenuator with multiple taps for precise and transparent volume adjustment.
Select products
Phaethon
- Positioning: A high-end integrated amplifier combining features from monoblock and preamplifier designs.
- Description: Offers a hybrid design with a "bridged single-ended" output stage, providing the warmth of single-ended designs with the power of push-pull configurations. It is ideal for users seeking a compact solution with high-end sound quality, suitable for medium-sized rooms and those who value remote control functionality. Compared to the Hyperion and Aelius, it is more compact and integrates preamplifier features, making it a versatile choice for those with moderate budgets.
Aelius II Monoblock
- Positioning: A high-power monoblock amplifier designed for transparency and musical involvement.
- Description: Features a push-pull hybrid design with a wide bandwidth transformer, ensuring excellent transparency and control over speakers. Compared to the Hyperion, it offers a more refined sound with a focus on musical involvement.
SET 100 Ultimate
- Positioning: A flagship single-ended class A hybrid amplifier with exceptional detail and natural sound.
- Description: Combines the midrange qualities of small S.E.T amplifiers with exceptional detail and scale, using a unique s-e mosfet output stage. Compared to the Aelius and Hyperion, it offers a more direct and three-dimensional sound.
Hyperion
- Positioning: A high-power hybrid monoblock amplifier with a focus on dynamics and transparency.
- Description: Delivers over 370W of power with a "balanced-single-ended" output stage, offering effortless drive and dynamics. Compared to the Aelius and SET 100, it provides a more powerful output.
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Used
Ypsilon
What if you spend more?
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.
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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
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.
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
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.
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
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
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
Our Summary
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
Our Summary
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
Our Summary
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
Our Summary
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
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