PS Audio and Naim Halt CD Player Production as Drive Supply Ends

PS Audio and Naim have halted production of their high-end CD players after the optical drive suppliers behind those models stopped making the drives, according to tomshardware.com.

PS Audio ended production of its PMG Super Audio CD Transport after D&M Holdings, the parent company of Marantz, stopped taking external orders for its optical drives. PS Audio bought all of D&M's remaining drive stock, but the company said the quantity was not enough to keep the line running.

Naim halted its Uniti Star after its optical drive supplier, which the company did not name, ceased production. A second manufacturer that was considered as an alternative also stopped making components Naim needed. Both companies are holding their remaining drives for repairs and replacements only.

PS Audio CEO Paul McGowan said building its own optical disc reader is beyond the company's capabilities.

New players still arriving

The shutdowns come as new CD players continue to reach the market. Eight new models have launched, according to a count by Headphonesty: four from Musical Fidelity, two from Marantz, and one each from Arcam and NAD. Three of Musical Fidelity's models use SUOS disc mechanisms, while a fourth pairs a SUOS servo with a tray-loading mechanism from an unnamed manufacturer. Marantz develops its drives in-house, though it is unclear whether production is outsourced.