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
