● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 negative
Mainstream optical drive supply issues halt production of high-end CD players from PS Audio and Naim
Key points
- PS Audio and Naim halted production of specific CD players.
- Lack of mainstream optical drives caused component scarcity.
- D&M Holdings stopped supplying SACD/CD mechanisms to third parties.
- Replacing optical drives requires significant engineering changes.
Production Halted Due to Component Shortage
PS Audio's PMG Super Audio CD Transport and Naim's Uniti Star Streaming Amplifier have ceased production. This decision stems from a critical shortage of optical drive components, which are no longer readily available from mainstream suppliers. Both companies have stated that finding suitable replacements for these specialized parts is not feasible.
Supply Chain Disruption
The issue for PS Audio began in June 2024 when D&M Holdings, owner of Denon and Marantz, announced it would stop taking orders for its SACD/CD mechanisms. This forced PS Audio to place a final order before the deadline, with component costs doubling as other brands also sought to secure remaining stock. PS Audio has since bought out Marantz's last remaining inventory of these drives.
Challenges in Sourcing Replacements
Both PS Audio and Naim face significant challenges in replacing the discontinued optical drives. PS Audio CEO Paul McGowan stated that building an in-house optical disc reader is beyond the company's expertise. Naim also considered an alternative supplier, but that alternative ceased production before Naim could integrate it, highlighting the difficulty of adapting new components due to the need for new control codes and mechanical adjustments.
Impact on Audiophile Market
The discontinuation of these high-end CD players affects audiophiles who prefer physical media over streaming for their music collections. While new units from PS Audio and Naim are out of stock, both companies maintain some components for repair services. This situation reflects a broader trend where the decline of mainstream optical drive manufacturing impacts niche markets reliant on these components.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
PS Audio and Naim have ceased production of their high-end CD players, the PMG Super Audio CD Transport and Uniti Star, respectively, due to the unavailability of optical drive components. The discontinuation of mainstream optical drive manufacturing has led to a supply shortage and increased costs for specialized audio equipment manufacturers. This impacts audiophiles who prefer physical media and rely on these brands for high-fidelity playback.