Model3 CD

About the Model3 CD

The Softone Model3 CD is a compact top-loading CD player and CD transport from Japanese manufacturer Softone. It uses the Philips VAU1254 CD-PRO2/PRO2M professional-grade optical mechanism, a magnetic disc clamp, and a robust 5 mm steel mounting platform. Its integrated Philips PREMIUM 10501 digital playback system is based on the SAA7324 CD10 decoder and Philips TDA1305 digital-to-analogue conversion circuitry; some secondary sources also identify an AK4384 DAC in the Model 3. In addition to its unbalanced RCA analogue output, the unit provides coaxial and optical digital outputs, allowing it to function either as a complete CD player or as a transport for an external DAC. The published manufacturer information describes support for 8 cm and 12 cm discs, including recordable media in the English specification.