John Darko
“Got any interesting CD transport suggestions, John?” — a mastering engineer pal from the UK was checking in. You know what, Dave, I just might…
SMSL’s T2 VMV CD transport, formally announced a couple of months back but sailing under my radar until now, is a top loader that, unlike the similar-looking Shanling ET3 (review here), can spin discs without its oven lid locking down the silver disc. A small puck keeps the CD in place.
This is a CD transport and therefore has no internal DAC circuit. We gotta go BYO. Like the aforementioned Shanling, the APOS unit offers coaxial, TOSLINK, 2 x AES/EBU, and I2S digital outputs (but not the Shanling’s USB output). Turning the SMSL into a DDC are a range of digital inputs: 32-bit/768kHz / DSD512 USB, MQA decoding AES/EBU and AAC / aptX HD / LDAC Bluetooth.
The SMSL CD transport then one-ups the Shanling ET3 with an external clock input that auto-adapts to 50 Ohm or 75 Ohm connections. It even offers a 75 Ohm clock output! (The Shanling counters with AirPlay streaming).
However, not losing sight of the T2 VMV’s primary purpose (to spin CDs!), SMSL also wants us to pay close attention to its servo assembly:
“P.A.S.S., or Precision Access Servo System, is the SMSL T2 VMV’s secret weapon against jittery CD playback. Developed over two years, it’s a finely tuned servo system that ensures your CDs are read quickly and accurately, dodging the common pitfalls of disc errors and vibrations. With SMSL’s custom vibration-damping technology, your music stays uninterrupted, delivering a smooth and stable performance every time.”
“Dual toroidal power transformers and multiple sets of linear power supplies”, an internal digital processor and an aluminium remote control round out the feature set.
How much? Just over one thousand US dollars or €949. Any colour you like as long as it’s black.
Further information: SMSL
