Why is everyone assuming this piece of equipment does not have it's own DAC?
I do realize it says "transport" in the title, but this is in fact a CD player with analog outputs hence the Tube/FET option. It has a coaxial and optical SPDIF output if you wish to use it as a transport, and so does my Pioneer 100 disc changer. Using this CD player as a transport would indeed be worthless from all perspectives save one, matching gear.
You are right on target with this Seth.
Just look at the garbage on the importers site.
If you thought Vincent's V-60 vacuum tube integrated amplifier couldn't sound any better, wait until you hear the V-60 when it's partnered with the brand new C-60 hybrid design CD player from Vincent. If you're in the mood for rich, romantic audio performance that brings analog complexity to compact discs, then bask in the vacuum tube output stage. But if you want a bit more edge to your music, you can simply switch to transistor output instead by clicking the C-60's front panel switch – or by using the included solid aluminum wireless remote.
A CD player is only as good as its disc reading system, and excellence in the C-60 gets off to a running start with its top-of-the-range Philips transport. This proven mechanism offers highly accurate 'no-bits-left-behind' data retrieval. The Vincent's state-of-the-art DAC uses the highly regarded 24-bit, 192 kHz PCM1792 IC with 8-times oversampling for excellent dynamic performance and extremely low jitter.
The vacuum tube circuitry is as well considered as the digital components, starting with a 6Z4 rectifier tube for the output stage supply voltage. Vincent didn't stint when it came to strategies for keeping the noise floor vanishingly low. The power supply, drive stage, and output stage are isolated from one another in physically separated and shielded housings. This no-compromise approach helps to isolate each section from all possible sources of interference, keeping the signal path free of external noise and leaving you with nothing but beautiful music to hear.
The coupling capacitors are isolated from the signal chain to keep the musical signal pristine. The capacitors are indicative of the high quality parts used throughout the construction. You'll find very low-noise components such as BB2804 operational amplifiers in the amplification section, and these contribute to the ultra-quiet operation.
Unlike most CD players, the C-60 has been designed with fully balanced circuitry from top to bottom. Premium XLR balanced outputs let you take maximum advantage of this design. Other connections include RCA unbalanced outputs, along with a coaxial digital output and an optical digital output. And speaking of output flexibility, you can switch between either the advanced transistor output or a cathode follower line 6922EH tube output stage.
The massive chassis provides a stable platform for the C-60's circuitry and helps protect the transport mechanism from room vibration. Solid aluminum plates in the chassis construction contribute to its hefty 26.4 lb weight. The top-loading transport makes disc loading a pleasure, and it allows the use of a puck-style CD stabilizer. A row of function buttons just below the transport door adds an elegant ergonomic touch to the design. Or use the solid aluminum wireless remote, which is a joy to touch and hold.
So its a Philips CD player, and that's fine. They all leave bits behind, lots of them! That is what the Solomon Code error correction is all about.
It impresses me not one iota that it has 24 bit 192 kHz when CD is 16 bit 44.1 kHz!
Any rig that needs to switch between tube and a FET output, has a lot more problems than changing a CD player can solve.
I think anyone who would purchase this would definitely fit into my category of "Too stupid to own equipment."
