TADL Introduces the Reference Series
TAD-D700 CD/SACD Player
Top-to-bottom refining culminate in the ultimate of audio performance
| Model | Description | Available |
|---|---|---|
| TAD-D700 | CD/SACD player | January 2023 |
Technical Audio Devices Laboratories, Inc. (TADL) today announced the TAD-D700 CD/SACD player as the newest addition to its top-of-the-line Reference Series of hi-fi audio components. The TAD-D700 incorporates the third-generation Ultra-High-Precision Crystal Generator (UPCG) and other performance enhancements to replace its predecessor, the commercially and critically acclaimed TAD-D600, introduced in 2010.
Main Features
1) Ultra-High C/N1 Master Clock and third-generation UPCG
The TAD-D700 is equipped with our proprietary Ultra-High C/N Master Clock Circuit. To develop this circuitry, our engineers have refined the physical characteristics of the technology originally developed for high-speed digital communication base stations for achieving high C/N performance. A further tweaking has been made to the circuitry through a series of real-world listening evaluations with a discerning ear. The result is an unprecedented level of accuracy in reproducing signals read out from a CD or SACD, as well as signals fed from external sources. In the third-generation UPCG, the oscillator has been upgraded to one with SC-cut crystal to reduce phase noise and achieve even greater audio and C/N performance.
1. C/N: Carrier-to-noise ratio
2) Outboard power supply unit
The D700’s power supply unit is physically separated from the main unit. This ingenuous design prevents vibrations and leakage magnetic flux from the transformer from affecting the disc-drive unit and audio circuit inside the main unit. To increase the purity of power supply, the internal coil of the transformer is directly connected to the power supply circuit, minimizing the contact points with lead wires. In addition, terminals for directly connected coils, mounting terminals for motherboards, and clamping screws are all made of oxygen-free copper coated with nonmagnetic materials to eliminate even the slightest magnetic distortions. A powerful toroidal transformer with a 400 VA power rating—non uncommon in power amplifiers but unheard-of in disc players—powers the audio circuit to achieve greater signal transition performance. The entire power supply is housed in a rigid cast-aluminum monocoque chassis to suppress unwanted vibrations.
3) Simplified analog audio circuit
TAD’s relentless pursuit of simplicity has culminated in a newly developed current-feedback amplifier that is incorporated into an I/V converter with FET devices—hand-selected and paired by our certified artisans—in its input stage. This design enables a ultra-wide-range signal transmission, resulting in an unprecedented level of accuracy in signal conversion. Our attempt to eliminate magnetic distortion has taken a step further. The nonmagnetic, highly reliable carbon resistors used for feedback resistance contribute to a nonmagnetic signal path.
4) Parallel-connected twin differential D/A converters
Parallel-connected twin Burr-Brown 192-kHz, 24-bit D/A converters help dramatically improve audio performance characteristics, including greater signal-to-noise ratio, linearity, and dynamic range, as well as lower distortion. Audio signals are passed on in their purest form to the analog audio circuit, making it possible to reproduce even minute music signals, which results in finely detailed and densely textured audio reproduction.
5) Silent CD/SACD transport mechanism with high-precision disc loading
The D700 boasts an upgraded CD/SACD transport mechanism to achieve even greater accuracy in signal reading. The sturdy disc transport mechanism comes with a high-precision loading mechanism that opens and closes the disc tray with little vibration, thanks to built-in metal bearings. The pickup employs an infinite conjugate optics system that ensures both stable operation and high-precision signal readout. The rigid disc tray is made of meticulously machined aluminum to suppress vibration and has a vibration-dampening black coating to prevent the diffusion of a laser beam and achieve greater accuracy in signal readout.
6) Robust low-center-of-gravity construction
The main unit is housed on a sturdy double-layered chassis made of an extra-thick cast-aluminum base with three-point support spikes and a 6 mm-thick copper-plated steel chassis to achieve a low-center-of-gravity construction. This design suppresses vibrations to minimize their effect on the mechanism and audio circuit sitting on the chassis.
7) Doubling as a stand-alone D/A converter unit
The D700 is equipped with a high-precision sampling-rate converter that works with the Ultra-High C/N Master Clock Circuit to reclock digital inputs. This makes the D700 double as a high-performance stand-alone D/A converter capable of processing digital signals up to 192 kHz and 24 bit.
Specifications
| Digital Audio Input | Balanced input: XLR connector x 1 Coaxial input: RCA connector x 1 |
|---|---|
| Input Sampling Frequency (XLR and coaxial) |
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz |
| Digital Audio Output | Balanced output: XLR connector x 1 Coaxial output: RCA connector x 1 |
| Analog Audio Output | Balanced output: XLR stereo x 1 Unbalanced output: RCA stereo x 1 |
| Analog Audio Output Voltage | Balanced output: 4 V at 1 kHz, 0 dB Unbalanced output: 2 V at 1 kHz, 0 dB |
| S/N Ratio | 115 dB |
| Frequency Response | CD: 4 Hz to 20 kHz SACD: 4 Hz to 40 kHz |
| Playable Discs | SACD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW |
| Power Source | AC120V, 60Hz (USA), AC230V, 50Hz/60Hz (Europe) |
| Power Consumption | 43 W (Power consumption during standby: 0.5W) |
| External Dimensions | Main unit: 450mm (17-23/32 in.) (W) x 185mm (7-9/32 in.) (H) x 440mm (17-11/32 in.) (D) Power supply unit: 220mm (8-11/16 in.) (W) x 185mm (7-9/32 in.) (H) x 430mm (16-15/16 in.) (D) |
| Weight | Main unit: 26.5 kg (58 lb 7 oz) Power supply unit: 13 kg (28 lb 11 oz) |
