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TASCAM CD-200BT

73.229.163.4

In Reply to: RE: CD transport needed - maybe posted by psgary on February 27, 2025 at 19:52:00

The Tascam CD-200BT is the current model. Click the link at the bottom of this page. It uses the same Teac CD-5020A transport mechanism as found in the pricey Teac PD-505T. The transport is the main mechanical assembly found in a CD transport. Makes sense. Of course it also houses the motor, tray, and laser pickup. The Tascam is not marketed as an audiophile product so there's no audiophile tax associated with it. But it also lacks audiophile cred if that's important to you. For the price, I say it's low risk and worth a try at $420 USD.
Teac CD-5020A Transport Assembly as found in the $1400 Teac PD-505T and the $420 Tascam CD-200BT. Hmm?

From the Tascam website: "All models in the CD-200 series accommodate the same highly-regarded and reliable TEAC
designed CD drive mechanism, the CD-5020A. By undertaking development ourselves and including our drives in the player,
we have achieved higher dependability, quality and reputation."
The main difference between the Tascam CD-200 and CD-200BT is that the newer "BT" version has Bluetooth capability which you don't have to use. Just use it as a CD player (RCA outs) or as a transport using the Optical and Coaxial digital outputs. The remote control includes number keys for quick access to a specific track.
TASCAM CD-200BT. $420 at Crutchfield. Download the Tascam CD-200BT Manual PDF file.
P.S. TASCAM is owned by TEAC Corporation. TASCAM is the professional audio division of TEAC.

Tascam CD-200BT CD Player / Transport at Crutchfield (Open in New Window)

Edits: 03/01/25 03/01/25 03/01/25 03/01/25 03/01/25

Follow Ups:

Do you have one in your system? - Leo loves music 03:32:19 03/03/25 (5)
I have one. As a CD player, it is OK. However as a transport, it is poorly. They don't even bother to use an isolation output transformer.
- I haven't ownd a CDP or Transport in years! - AbeCollins 16:44:57 03/03/25 (4)
  I only mentioned the Tascam CD-200BT because someone else mentioned the $1400 TEAC PD-505T transport. They both share the exact same Teac transport assembly and the Tascam is nearly $1000 less.
  Personally, I don't believe that the transport contributes much at all to overall SQ as the DAC makes a much much bigger difference. But audiophiles will be audiophiles.
  Got rid of my Accuphase CD a few years back along with my CD's. I couldn't be happier with the music server and streaming services.
  P.S.
  How is that a schematic for the Tascam CD-200BT ? It shows an old iPod interface that the Tascam doesn't have. And why would it require an output isolation transformer when the schematic shows isolation via capacitor coupling for the SPDIF output? If for some reason you don't like it there's Optical TOSLINK out as well.
  
  Edits: 03/03/25 03/03/25
  - Isolation means isolating the ground connection - Leo loves music 17:35:40 03/03/25 (3)
    You don't want to pass digital signal through the dirty ground connection. A capacitor won't work.
    - RE: Isolation means isolating the ground connection - AbeCollins 19:42:24 03/03/25 (2)
      " You don't want to pass digital signal through the dirty ground connection. A capacitor won't work."
      
      One man's opinion. If it didn't work I'm sure everyone would be up in arms about it getting a refund. Besides, as I already mentioned there's the Optical TOSLINK output if the Coax output is 'broken' and doesn't work.
      - Of course TOSLINK because you can't tell the difference - Leo loves music 19:57:22 03/03/25 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Isolation means isolating the ground connection posted by AbeCollins on March 03, 2025 at 19:42:24
        
        Or your amp can't tell. My goodness.
        Never heard about "pulse transformer"?
        Because I know how important they are. When I found them on ebay, I bought them all. Sorry, not for sale.
        
        Edits: 03/03/25 03/03/25 03/03/25 03/03/25
        
        RE: Of course TOSLINK because you can't tell the difference - AbeCollins 13:15:51 03/04/25 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Of course TOSLINK because you can't tell the difference posted by Leo loves music on March 03, 2025 at 19:57:22
        
        RE: ePay pulse transformers: "Sorry, not for sale."
        
        No worries, I retired anything to do with ancient SPDIF and Toslink over a decade ago.
TASCAM CD-200BT - psgary 11:06:57 03/02/25 (0)
Wow! Great information, Abe. Thanks.
"Audiophile cred" means little to me, although I do have biases. I pride myself in finding low-cost gems that contribute to great sound. As long as the Bluetooth can be disconnected, it looks as if the Tascam could be a low-cost gem.
But am I being an audiopile snob regarding the power cord? The CD-200BT doesn't use an IEC cable. How much does limit the sound? Swapping IEC cables has made a difference with the CD11, albeit not a dramatic one.
My CD11 came from Crutchfield, which means the Tascam could be returned if it offers less than stellar performance. Some serious thought will be given to your suggestion. The Tascam may have jumped to the top of the transport list.

Edits: 03/02/25
RE: TASCAM CD-200BT - sleeper 19:52:39 03/01/25 (0)
Good call! You can buy 5 of those for the price of TEAC's top line transport, the 701T.

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