TAD D1000MK2 Disc Player
A brilliant and flexible disc spinner and digital media hub
"The Artistic Intent, Intact"
This TAD strap line says everything you need to know about the listening experience. Masses of detail and precision for sure, but with passion and emotion in equal measure too, creating a truly rewarding sound.
About the D1000MK2
This is the latest generation SACD/CD player form TAD. Changes to the design from earlier players has been focussed on the disc drive itself, which the Company says is at a whole new level of refinement that results in a significant uptick in the quality of data coming off the disc (see Tech Insight below). The whole case design contributes to the reduction of vibration – isolating all the sensitive processing electronics too.
But this unit is also a very comprehensive digital hub too. So as well as CD and SACD disc playing, the unit can receive all the major formats you would ever need through coaxial, AESEBU, oprical and USB 2.0 inputs. The core of the machine is it's high-performance, parallel-connected, dual differential D/A converter. And to achieve the best channel separation, one DAC core is employed for each channel. In addition, the Ultra-High C/N (carrier-to-noise ratio) Master Clock UPCG (ultra-high-precision crystal generator) brings the signal-to-noise ratio to an all time low.
About the D1000MK2
This is the latest generation SACD/CD player form TAD. Changes to the design from earlier players has been focussed on the disc drive itself, which the Company says is at a whole new level of refinement that results in a significant uptick in the quality of data coming off the disc (see Tech Insight below). The whole case design contributes to the reduction of vibration – isolating all the sensitive processing electronics too.
But this unit is also a very comprehensive digital hub too. So as well as CD and SACD disc playing, the unit can receive all the major formats you would ever need through coaxial, AESEBU, oprical and USB 2.0 inputs. The core of the machine is it's high-performance, parallel-connected, dual differential D/A converter. And to achieve the best channel separation, one DAC core is employed for each channel. In addition, the Ultra-High C/N (carrier-to-noise ratio) Master Clock UPCG (ultra-high-precision crystal generator) brings the signal-to-noise ratio to an all time low.
Tech Insight
TAD's latest work has culminated in a disc-loading mechanism that keeps external vibration from affecting the servo system, a laser pickup with an infinite-conjugate optics system that boasts highly reliable operation and accurate readout of digital signals, a machined aluminum disc tray, and a low-noise brushless DC servo motor. The entire disc-drive mechanism unit is solidly mounted on an 8-mm-thick aluminum chassis to eliminate the effects of external vibration.
Specifications
Digital audio inputs
1 XLR, 2 coaxial, 1 optical, 1 USB (Type B)
Compatible sampling frequencies: XLR and coaxial inputs: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Optical input: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz
USB input*: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz, DSD64 (2.8 MHz), DSD128 (5.6 MHz), DSD256 (11.2 MHz)
USB operating environment
USB 2.0 high-speed
Digital audio output
1 XLR, 1 coaxial
Analog audio output
1 balanced output
1 unbalanced output
Output voltage rated value
4 V balanced, 2 V unbalanced (1 kHz 0 dB)
S/N ratio
115 dB
Power consumption
43 W
Power consumption during standby
0.5 W or less
Dimensions
440mm (W) x 150mm (H) x 406mm (D)
(17-11/32 in. (W) x 5-29/32 in. (H) x 16 in. (D))
Weight
18.5 kg
Matching & Setup
There are two main elements to this product. Firstly, it's a disc spinner and so to get the best out of that it should be setup in an appropriate manner on a proper hifi rack or stand, and be properly levelled. And good quality cabling should be used. Secondly, it's a digital hub so take care to ensure that other digital sources such as NAS are also treated to proper setup considerations – the D1000 will certainly respond to high quality data streams, and show up poor data with equal alacrity!
This is a machine with incredible resolving power and dynamic range. If you are upgrading from a less capable machine you should ensure your downstream components and setup are able to keep up. Amplification and speakers need to have ample performance headroom to ensure they are not pushed beyond their capabilities. But equally, if your components are of great quality, then the D1000 is going to unleash previously unheard depth, drama, insight and emotion. Fireworks and tears in equal measure (can you guess that this is one of our absolute favorites!).