D10 Reference Transport
A Transport Without Compromise
The D10 Reference Transport sets a new standard in optical disc playback, establishing itself as the most advanced transport ever created. Its design draws directly from the D1.5's critical insights and proven architecture. Expanding on the foundation of its sibling, the D10 Reference Transport redefines every aspect of disc data retrieval, setting a new standard for precision and fidelity.
At the heart of the D10 Reference Transport is CH Precision’s innovative MORSE (Mechanically Optimized Reading & Stability Enhancement) laser mechanism. Entirely designed and engineered by CH Precision, MORSE sets unparalleled benchmarks in mechanical precision, stability, and data extraction accuracy. Improving upon the single-material design of the D1.5, the D10 Reference Transport’s suspended transport platform employs a sophisticated composite construction—an aluminum skin encasing a dense brass core—that significantly enhances vibration-damping properties and overall mechanical robustness. Supported by alpha-gel isolators and weighing an impressive 13 kilograms, over ten times heavier than its predecessor’s mechanism, the MORSE mechanism effectively suppresses vibrations to below 20 Hz, significantly reducing mechanical noise and preserving the integrity of the digital signal.
Silence. Stability. Sonic Truth.
Among the many innovations that distinguish the D10 Reference Transport, one of the most quietly transformative is the inclusion of a precision circular level mounted directly on the transport mechanism itself. Unlike conventional designs, which rely on the external chassis for leveling, this internal calibration tool allows for the optical pickup to be aligned with exceptional accuracy, completely independent of the chassis position. This seemingly simple addition has profound implications: by optimizing the rotational plane of the disc with exacting precision, the D10’s transport mechanism ensures uniform tracking, minimizes mechanical stress, and dramatically reduces reliance on error correction mechanisms. The result is superior rotational stability, improved data retrieval, and a noticeable reduction in timing smearing and jitter.
This meticulous approach continues with the D10’s motorized top-loading design. The vertical access Disc Vault is not only mechanically elegant but functionally essential, eliminating the disc wobble and axial instability often associated with traditional drawer mechanisms. A hybrid-action sealing door completes the motion with controlled precision, reflecting the same commitment to mechanical integrity found throughout the design. Every detail—from mass damping to movement control—has been chosen in direct service of sonic performance.
Taken together, these mechanical innovations enable the D10 to reveal the subtleties of tone, spatial layering, and rhythmic coherence that conventional transports often overlook. By addressing the physical interface with the disc at a level few manufacturers consider, CH Precision has redefined the limits of what optical playback can achieve, unlocking a level of musical expression that approaches the master recording.
Mechanical Silence, Digital Precision
Most manufacturers—out of necessity—rely on OEM transports originally designed for mid-fi products, even in components that sell for five- and six-figure prices. CH Precision categorically rejects this compromise. Rather than adapting an off-the-shelf mechanism, CH set out to design and build the most heroic CD transport in the history of audio—fully engineered and manufactured in-house.
At the heart of the D10 Reference Transport lies CH Precision’s MORSE mechanism—Mechanically Optimized Reading & Stability Enhancement—a laser transport system conceived, designed, and engineered entirely within our facility. MORSE represents the culmination of CH’s pursuit of mechanical silence and digital precision, setting new benchmarks for stability and data integrity. Building on the principles established in the D1.5 Transport, the D10’s suspended platform employs a sophisticated composite structure: a dense brass core encased within a precision-machined aluminium shell. This multi-material construction combines mass, stiffness, and damping in ideal proportion, dramatically reducing self-resonance and improving mechanical grounding.
Supported by four tuned Alpha Gel isolators, the 13-kilogram assembly—more than ten times heavier than the mechanism in the D1.5—achieves a suspension resonance below 20 Hz, well beneath the frequencies at which the disc operates. This isolates the laser assembly from both internal and external vibrations, allowing it to operate with exceptional precision and temporal stability, free from mechanical interference that could compromise data retrieval.
MORSE exemplifies CH Precision’s design philosophy: engineering that serves musical truth. By addressing the mechanical domain with the same rigour applied to digital processing, the D10 achieves data extraction of remarkable purity—transforming physical stability into audible serenity.
Power, Purity, and Precision:
The D10 External PSU
Like all 10-Series reference components, the D10 Reference Transport utilizes a dedicated external power supply (PSU). Engineered with exceptional current and voltage reserves comparable to many power amplifiers, the PSU delivers stable, ultra-clean power to the transport mechanism, minimizing noise and preserving digital signal integrity.
Four galvanically isolated domains independently supply the transport motor, control, DSP, and master clock, eliminating crosstalk and ensuring pristine electrical conditions. Cascaded regulation throughout guarantees consistently clean, stable current to every subsystem. With a total mass of 66 kg (145 lbs) including the power supply, the D10 firmly establishes itself as the ultimate heavyweight in digital reproduction.
CH Precision’s unwavering dedication to engineering integrity guarantees precise, flawless data retrieval from SACD, CD, and MQA CD optical discs. Laser tracking accuracy is maximized, read errors are minimized, and time-domain integrity is preserved. The sonic result is profound musicality: enhanced transparency, expanded soundstage depth, greater low-level detail, and authentic timing and flow, revealing the emotional depth and nuance of every recording.
The D10 Reference Transport:
Ultimate Precision Meets the Disc
For listeners seeking the finest in disc playback, the D10 Reference Transport is the natural companion to the C10 Reference DAC, while remaining fully compatible with third-party DACs. Designed to extract the maximum performance from SACD, CD, and MQA-CD media, the D10 delivers exceptional temporal accuracy, tonal integrity, and musical refinement. A low-noise transport mechanism, galvanically isolated digital outputs, and a precision-engineered mechanical platform ensure that the signal presented to the downstream DAC—whether CH or otherwise—is exceptionally pure, stable, and free from jitter, timing smear, or electrical contamination.
Yet the D10 is not only for CH systems. As a standalone component, it offers a state-of-the-art upgrade for any high-performance digital front end. Whether paired with CH’s proprietary digital architecture or a third-party reference converter, the D10 restores optical playback to its rightful place among the most revealing and emotionally compelling listening formats.
Together or apart, the components of the 10-Series embody CH Precision’s core values: modularity, engineering depth, and an unshakable focus on musical truth. In a world defined by streaming convenience, the D10 brings renewed meaning—and unmatched performance—to the physical medium.
Document and Firmware Downloads
A resource built with the same precision and care that define our instruments, the CH Precision Downloads area provides access to the most recent manuals, firmware updates, spike installation guides, and product brochures. Each document reflects our engineering culture—meticulous in detail, exact in purpose, and designed to ensure that every component performs precisely as intended.
These materials are intended to support owners and partners in configuring, maintaining, and optimising their CH systems. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, we encourage you to contact your authorised CH Precision dealer or reach out directly through our Technical Support form. Our teams are committed to providing the same standard of excellence in service that we apply to our engineering—so that every listening experience remains true to the performance we envisioned.
The Final Word in Disc Playback
The D10 Reference Transport stands as a testament to CH Precision’s commitment to absolute fidelity, even in a format many had long written off. By applying uncompromising mechanical design, meticulous isolation strategies, and proprietary digital control technologies, the D10 elevates disc playback to a level that rivals the finest file-based sources. Whether unlocking the full potential of SACD, CD, or MQA-CD, it delivers music with astonishing clarity, nuance, and temporal precision. Paired with the C10 Master DAC, it forms a digital front end capable of revealing the soul of every recording, proving that, in the right hands, the silver disc remains not just relevant, but revelatory.
Specifications
General
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Type: Dual chassis optical disc transport
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Options:
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Additional digital ouput board
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Clock sync board
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Upgrade path: Reference clock (T10)
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Color: Silver (standard), Anthracite or Champagne (option)
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Dimensions: 440 x 440 x 133 mm (W D x H), both units (Transport + Power Supply)
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Weight: 42kg (transport) + 23kg (power supply)
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Operating conditions: 5°C<T<35°C, 5%<humidity<85% no condensation
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Power supply: Selectable 100V, 115V or 230V AC, 47Hz to 63Hz
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Power consumption: <0.5W standby, 100W max in operation
User interface
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Display: 800 x 480 pixels, 24 bit RGB AMOLED
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Control: 10-button interface, Infrared remote control, Android app (iOS app to be released)
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Firmware update: via USB flash drive or the Internet
Supported disc formats
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CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MQA-CD: stereo PCM 16 bit / 44.1kHz (redbook)
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SACD: single layer and hybrid stereo, DSD 1 bit / 2.8224MHz (scarletbook)
Digital Output
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Type: 1x CH Link HD, 1x AES/EBU (XLR), 1x S/PDIF (RCA), 1x S/PDIF (TOSLINK) per Digital output board (1x standard)
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Sampling rate:
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CH Link HD: PCM 44.1kHz to 88.2kHz, DSD 2.8224MHz
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S/PDIF, AES/EBU: PCM 44.1kHz to 88.2kHz, DSD 2.8224MHz (DoP format)
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Bit depth: PCM 16 bit to 24 bit, DSD 1 bit
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MQA: Raw MQA or unfolding to 24 bit / 88.2kHz OFS stream
Clocking options
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Clock master or synchronization to reference clock or DAC