Accuphase make some of the most beautiful CD players
Accuphase DP90
Retail price unknown
Sony KSS-272A transport
The KSS-272A transport is one of the best that Sony made, with linear magnet drive rather than plastic gears.
Accuphase DP400
Retail price approximately 5500 euro
Sony KSS-213C transport
A fine player, but not one of the best ever made. However, Accuphase still makes sure that their drawers are smooth operators, even if the transport mechanisms inside all their players these days are lightweight affairs. Even their most affordable model, the 5500 euro DP400 player, has a silent drawer mechanism.
Although Accuphase claims to make their own transport for this player, this is only true with respect to the loader mechanism and perhaps the servo control. The turntable/laser assembly is an OEM product from Sony, type KSS-213C, as shown above. Still, in spite of this basic transport, the DP400 sounds very good. Perhaps we don’t need over-engineered transports for good sound, but it seems that they sure help for longevity.
DP800
Retail price approximately 12.990 euro
Sony KHM-230AAA transport
Transport-only, designed to work best with the matching 801 DAC, using the proprietary HS link for separate transfer of clock- and music signals. Beautifully made with a massive real wood cabinet.
DP-800 Transport and DP-801 DAC combination, connected with HS link.
Although working absolutely flawlessly and in spite of its hefty price tag, the DP800 employs a very basic mass-produced Sony KHM-230AAA transport, presumably because there are simply no others available. The plus side of this is that if needed, a replacement is easily found.
The DP400 already has a very smoothly running drawer but the DP800 goes a few steps further with its even more luxurious drawer that opens and closes whisper quietly. For me, this is what creates the feeling of luxurity, not necessarily what’s inside. That is, as long as the transport is also reliable, and on that note I have not yet heard any negative stories.
DP900
Retail price approximately 20.000 euro
Sony KHM-230AAA transport
Successor to the DP800. Transport-only, designed to work best with the matching 901 DAC, using the proprietary HS link for separate transfer of clock- and music signals. Beautifully made with a massive real wood cabinet.
More CD Mechanism Masterpieces
Burmester
Krell
Linn
Meridian
Marantz
Mark Levinson
Pioneer
Sony
Teac/Esoteric
Wadia
Read Also
The almost Complete CDM range of CD Mechanisms
Inside Pics of classic Philips and Marantz CD players
Classic Philips and Marantz CD players compared
Marantz DAC and Transport List
Philips DAC and Transport List
Marantz timeline
Philips timeline
Wadia Digital Company Special
Thanks again Christiaan for your high-end classy website
How these accuphase players sound compared to Jay’s Audio?
Kind regards
Hi Mohammed, this is not easy to comment on in a blanket statement, because not all Jay’s players sound the same, and neither do all Accuphase players. The classic Accuphase models and the current highest-end Accuphase models tend to sound smooth, sweet, and a little polite. The more “affordable” Accuphase DP430 player, however, sounds super crisp, tight, articulate and direct, and not sweet at all. And this remains the case whether it is used as a transport or as an integrated player. Jay’s finally, differs in sound depending on the transport mechanism. The older CDM-4 Swing Arm mechs sound more organic and lush while the later linear mechs sound more direct. Beyond this, both Jay’s players I heard, have a distinctive boldness and eartiness in their presentation. This is different from Accuphase’s overall more delicate and airy approach.
Thanks again Christiaan
So I can say the older mechanisms have less glare and noise floor than the newer mechanisms , since the old versions are more delicate and lush?
Kind regards
Hi Mohammed, I don’t think the classic Swing-Arm mechs actually introduce less glare or have a lower noise floor. Rather, the SAA and other chipsets (the combination of the various stages of data handling that is associated with these mechs to convert the laser diode output into usable digital sound) produce a different sound signature than those of modern drives. Think of the influence of servo control, HF processing, decoding, error correction, clocking, S/PDIF muxing, etc. Additionally, old mechs can also run off spec which does not break them but makes them sound rounder and more relaxed. Ultimately, of course, this, too, is a relative matter. I recommend choosing to use what you like, whether it is a more classic or more modern sound.
Thanks again
Your help is very much appreciated
I will go for Jay’s audio cd2 mk3
I hope it is an upgrade to Marantz cd60.
Kind regards
Hi Mohammed, there’s definitely something special (you could call it a certain magic) about the classic Swing-Arm mechanisms, and the Jay’s I reviewed also has this, in married to a remarkably robust delivery.
Thanks Christiaan
I’m sure it has magic and more.
Kind regards and best wishes