C.E.C.

CEC was founded in 1954 in Tokyo. That same year, the company developed a precision motor for turntables. Thanks to this design, the company earned an excellent reputation in the audio world. CEC’s first CD player was introduced in 1983. Thanks to the designers’ experience in turntable design, it was possible to incorporate belt-drive solutions into CD player systems. The first-ever belt-drive system was the CEC TL 1 model. CEC received worldwide patent rights for this design.
     The design of the TL1, the world’s first belt-driven CD drive, was based on the principle that, in terms of fundamental design aspects, analog and digital turntable drives are similar. Although the rotational speed in CD drives varies, these changes occur smoothly. In other words, the speed remains constant over a certain period. Based on these findings, CEC developed a completely new drive transmission system, free from acoustic coupling, with a higher signal-to-noise ratio, and one that eliminates jitter. CEC employed a low-torque motor that drives a heavy stabilizer via a precision-manufactured belt. The stabilizer is not only designed to protect the CD but, above all, increases the system’s inertia 26-fold. The very heavy drive mechanism floats on a dual-stage damping system.

    All CEC belt-driven drives feature a dual-chassis design. The drive and the mechanism are electronically, magnetically, and mechanically isolated from the laser reader. The two systems are connected solely by a precision belt. A ceramic stabilizer centers the platter and provides excellent absorption of vibrations and shocks by acting as a flywheel. The top-quality drive shaft with self-lubricating bearings is the result of CEC’s extensive experience in manufacturing analog turntables.
At the end of 2000, CEC ceased to be part of the SANYO Group, once again becoming an independent company.