Not the best from a build quality point of view. Also no proper UK distribution.
A local dealer friend suggested that more recent (i.e., maybe last 5 + years) Lectors were not up to the earlier ones in build quality or reliability. Certainly my previous CDT7 (2 box), already 7 years old 4 years ago, never missed a beat; am quite sure its north London buyer is as knocked out by it as he was then.
My current 4 box one is getting on a bit, and apart from a slight Italian connection idiosyncrasy, has been both reliable and sonically compelling. I really don't know if anything else, Rega Isis included, could best its organic yet dynamic and thoroughly involving presentation. Only caveat would be the very high output (from both machines), which necessitated a low value attenuator into my pre.
Emporium (Norfolk, Kent and Wales) were suppliers, and still advertise Lector stuff, so I hope there still is a maintenance base in the U.K.
I am interested in a high end musical sound over forensic detail as I have a Chord DAC already and I was considering a high end transport to use with it but anything decent is 1-2k, I have never had the pleasure of hearing the Rega Isis or even rarer Lector.
My interest stems from a review of the 4 box unit you mentioned and the potential of one locally to me becoming available as I don't trust couriers....
Both models are rare second hand and with the better Lector units (the older units now) it is hard to justify spending thousands on an oldie but goody. On the other hand I believe Rega service is up there with the best and spare lasers available for every unit.
How old is the 4 box unit now; 10 years old? The high output voltage would also be an issue I was not aware of; does this limit the volume control of the pre. / headphone amp i need to use with it or would it need separate individual attenuators?
I do remember some reviews stating that there was minimal improvement between the CDT7 and the more expensive 4 box unit. Would you concur with this, having had the pleasure of both units?
Hi Greygoose. I think I know where you're coming from musically, and if so, you're on the right lines, i.m.o. Sorry about the paragraphing above, but it makes it easier for me to address your queries (my aged optical focussing problem with block texts).
Firstly, you mention transport but the CDT7 and others are complete transport and DAC units. Only the 4 box can be separated, though whether it can be purchased that way (i.e. transport and supply), I doubt. Anyway, it's the combination and the DAC specifically, not the transport alone, which is important to presentation. Again, the Isis is a complete unit, I believe, so I guess you're thinking of ditching the Chord DAC.
The uplift from 2 box to 4 box is, indeed, subtle but the 4 box is superior, of course (and with marginally less output than the 2 box according to spec's). Yes, my 4 box must be about a decade old now, but is only used once/twice a week (3 other sources to listen to). Rega are indeed known for their service, and I believe the C.E.O. is an occasional poster on this forum.
I researched attenuators thoroughly (putting a thread on here as well), as I didn't like the idea from a purist p.o.v. and tried 3 different values before settling on a -6 dB one, which does the trick with no discernible drawbacks. I was aware of this output situation when I had the Nac 552 (restricted volume control range) but it wasn't really a problem except with compressed CDs. With my E.A.R. 912, the meters tell me everything and made matching much simpler to effect.
My CDP history is limited, as I was dragged reluctantly into this format only in 2001 with a 2 box Meridian. I eventually upgraded to the Mer. G08 (?) one box, which was lovely, but the Lector just added life and more holography. Good as the Meridian was, I don't think I'd revert to a s/s CDP. I've always been a believer of the synergy between valves and the CD format, though this thinking was around even in the late eighties.
The final issue them is am I crazy looking at a high end 2-3k player that is 10 years old !!
I used a Lector 0.5? for a year or two and imo very good CDP, sound is very nice.
I really liked using it with no problems whatsoever.
looked and sound fab with the side-cheek wood panelling and a leather-like finish on the case.
Seemed very well made to me, so yes, If the price was right I’d seriously
consider another(among quite a few other CD players tbf)
Tony
Musical Fidelity Nu Vista or Tri Vista. Ten years late to cd's, had a Teac Vrds 7. When it died I bought a Nu Vista, 17/18 maybe more years ago, never missed a beat and never heard anything that I'd replace it with.. well a plug ugly two box affair that cost 32K impressed me, might spend that on a car but a cd player?