C.E.C. TL-1X

Pre owned. In good conditions. Shows signs of wear. Come wyth remote control, without original packaging.

Plays standard Audio CDs only; does not support CD-R or CD-RW formats.

The C.E.C. TL-1X is a CD transport that embodies the engineering and sonic philosophy of the Japanese brand C.E.C., renowned for its use of belt-drive mechanisms in digital audio transport systems. This model stands out specifically for its adoption of Belt Drive technology—an unusual choice in the CD player world—drawing inspiration from analog turntables to ensure smoother and more stable disc rotation, while minimizing vibrations, jitter, and mechanical interference.

The TL-1X features a solid and imposing build, crafted from high-quality materials designed to isolate internal components from any external disturbance. Its heavy aluminum chassis rests on damping feet, creating a stable and acoustically neutral platform. At the center of the front panel is the top-loading disc tray, where the CD is secured by a magnetic metal clamp, ensuring precise and direct mechanical contact with the disc.

At the heart of the TL-1X is its patented transport mechanism, engineered to minimize noise and micro-jitter during playback. The drive motor and the laser pickup motor are separated and mounted on isolated structures to prevent micro-vibrations from affecting data reading accuracy. Every component is conceived with near-obsessive precision to deliver playback as faithfully as possible to the original master.

In terms of connectivity, the TL-1X is not an integrated CD player but a high-end digital transport, designed to be paired with an external high-quality D/A converter. Digital outputs include AES/EBU (XLR), coaxial (RCA), and optical Toslink, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of DACs and high-end audio systems.

Sonically, the C.E.C. TL-1X is admired for its smooth, analog-like musicality, offering refined detail without ever sounding artificial. Vocals are rendered naturally and with texture, instruments are clearly separated, and the soundstage is expansive and airy. This is a device that avoids coloration or emphasis, allowing the recording to speak for itself with elegance and neutrality—true to C.E.C.’s philosophy of absolute transparency.

Technical Specifications:

• Type: CD transport
• Drive system: Belt drive
• Digital output (coaxial): 0.5 Vp-p; 75 Ω (RCA)
• Digital output (optical): -16 to -12.2 dBm (ST link)
• Digital output (XLR): 3 Vp-p; 110 Ω (AES/EBU)
• Wow & Flutter: Below measurable limit (crystal oscillator precision)
• Power supply: 220 V
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 360 x 140 x 420 mm
• Weight: 17 kg