TAD D700 SACD Disc Player / DAC

Description

Overview

The D700 is the reference disc player and digital-to-analogue converter from TAD, successor to the acclaimed D600. It plays SACD and CD and accepts external digital sources, and it was designed to refine an already accomplished player by removing anything that might compromise the purity of the sound. It sits at the top of TAD’s digital source range.

Design & build

The D700 uses a robust die-cast aluminium chassis with a 6mm copper-plated steel base plate for rigidity and resonance control, finished with a restrained Japanese elegance. The design is split for isolation, with a separate power supply unit: the main unit measures 450 × 185 × 440 mm at 26.5kg, and the power supply 220 × 185 × 430 mm at 14.0kg.

Sound & performance

The D700 is built to reproduce every detail of a recording without adding or subtracting anything. Clock accuracy is central to that goal, and the player’s third-generation master clock significantly reduces jitter in the frequency bands around the clock centre — the region most audible in digital replay — for smooth, dynamic reproduction with fine spatial characteristics.

Key features

Digital conversion uses parallel-connected twin differential Burr-Brown PCM1794A DACs, one per channel, capable of processing digital signals up to 192kHz and 24-bit. The current-feedback I/V converter feeds the current from the DACs forward without altering it, for low impedance and high noise immunity, with a hand-selected, matched FET input stage.

Technology

The third-generation UPCG (Ultra-High C/N master clock) adds an SC-cut crystal oscillator to reduce phase noise still further, developed with a crystal maker for minimal temperature drift at room temperature. TAD’s quest to eliminate magnetic distortion extends to non-magnetic carbon feedback resistors, giving a non-magnetic signal path and improved linearity from very low to very high levels.

Specifications

Type: SACD/CD player and DAC. DAC: twin differential Burr-Brown PCM1794A (one per channel), up to 192kHz/24-bit. Digital inputs: XLR, coaxial (44.1–192kHz). Digital outputs: XLR, coaxial. Analogue outputs: balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA. Master clock: third-generation UPCG with SC-cut crystal. Chassis: die-cast aluminium with 6mm copper-plated steel base. Main unit: 450 × 185 × 440 mm, 26.5kg. Power supply: 220 × 185 × 430 mm, 14.0kg.

Who it’s for

The D700 suits the listener with a substantial SACD and CD collection who wants reference-grade replay and the flexibility to serve as a high-quality DAC for other digital sources. It is a source component to be partnered with an equally capable amplifier and loudspeakers in a resolving system.

Why buy from Hidden Home Technology

A source component of this standard rewards careful system matching. We can demonstrate the D700, advise on partnering electronics, and arrange delivery and setup across the South. Speak to our team to arrange a listen or to discuss where it fits in your system.