Infamous Optimus CD-3400 = Akai PD-X73 = Grundig CDP100

Description

Optimus CD-3400, produced for Radio Shack by Mitsumi Electric Co., has more reviews from Stereophile than D-555, DCP-150, and SL-XP5 combined. In February of 1994 Mitsumi introduced 2xCD-ROM drive and for the lack of any other distinguishable features, the 'magic' of CD-3400 was attributed to its laser mechanism
In Sam Tellig words:
"Joe Grado (of gradolabs.com) was the first to discover it. He told Dick Sequerra (of Sequerra speakers), who told Jerry Gladstein (founder of Fi mag). When Jerry heard it, his jaw dropped."
eBay does not allow direct links, but if you Google 'Stereophile + Optimus CD-3400' you will find all you have to know about this Discman
To get the best out of CD-3400, Sam Tellig recommended antivibration plate, Koss car stand is included in this set, it also provides 6V DC for the Discman
Richard Sequerra also recommended using batteries instead of a wall-wart, he even manufactured "Dick Sequerra Power Station - PS1" designed specifically for CD-3400.  Player itself
accepts 4xAA batteries, but for the all-night critical listening sessions battery holder is included. Pack accepts one or two sets of 4xAA batteries, wired in parallel
Player itself was completely disassembled, mainboard fully recapped and modded as recommended by John Atkinson (Stereophile, editor-in-chief), volume control upgraded to ALPS pot, new spindle motor installed, laser was recalibrated
Plays Red-Book CDs, dual-layer SACD/CD and 80+ min CD-R beautifully. Tracks Skip-Test CD without any problems
Please consider photos as part of description, ask questions BEFORE placing a bid
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