TDK DA5700 CD Player Recorder

Description

The TDK DA‑5700 is a vintage dual‑tray digital audio CD recorder and player introduced in the early 2000s. It was designed as an affordable consumer‑level unit that allows users to record, copy, dub, and play audio CDs—including CD‑R and CD‑RW media—with simplicity and versatility. At a time when rewriting and archiving CDs was still relatively uncommon in mainstream home audio, the DA‑5700 offered users an accessible way to make backups of music collections or create custom mix discs without a computer.

One of the DA‑5700’s defining features is its dual disc trays, which allow direct disc‑to‑disc copying. This setup makes it easy to transfer music from one CD to another using either manual or automatic dubbing. Users could select from multiple dubbing speeds—0.5× to 4× high‑speed dubbing—so that a 60‑minute CD could be copied in roughly 15 minutes at the fastest rate. The ability to easily create mix CDs, compile favorite tracks, or archive older discs made the unit popular among hobbyists who wanted a standalone recorder without needing a full stereo computer setup.

The DA‑5700’s front panel is straightforward, with two separate disc trays, play/record controls, and an easy‑to‑read display showing track number and status information. A full‑function infrared remote control is typically included with the unit, allowing users to operate both recording and playback functions from a distance.

For source flexibility, the recorder includes analog line‑in inputs, as well as digital optical and coaxial inputs/outputs. This means recordings can be made from external sources such as cassette decks, tuners, minidisc players, or other digital sources connected either through stereo analog inputs or a digital connection. The outputs also let the DA‑5700 feed audio into a home stereo receiver or amplifier for better sound quality.

Owners and reviewers from resale and collector communities generally praise the DA‑5700 for “good features” and “ease of use”, with many noting that “very easy to operate” and “good recordings” are typical impressions when the unit is functioning properly. Some second‑hand reviewers specifically mention that it “works great” as a CD recorder and is a simple solution for copying older CDs or generating archived copies.

However, being a consumer‑level product from the early 2000s, the DA‑5700 lacks some of the modern conveniences found in later digital audio recorders. It requires finalized CDs for full playback compatibility with other players, and older mechanical parts like the trays and laser can require maintenance or repair on long‑used units. Nonetheless, for enthusiasts of vintage audio gear or users wanting a standalone CD dubbing solution, the DA‑5700 remains a functional and nostalgic piece of audio hardware.

Example Review Quotes

• One user wrote that the DA‑5700 “works great and records well,” highlighting straightforward functionality.

• Another reviewer called it “easy to operate with good recording quality.”

• Several owners noted that the unit was “well designed and easy to use,” even as a pre‑owned component.

Product Specifications

• Component type: Dual‑tray digital audio CD recorder and player

• Manufacturer: TDK

• Model: DA‑5700

• Media supported: Audio CD, CD‑R, CD‑RW

• Dubbing speeds: 1×, 2×, 4× high‑speed dubbing

• Disc trays: 2 separate trays for source and destination discs

• Inputs: Line‑in L/R (analog), optical digital input, coaxial digital input

• Outputs: Line‑out L/R (analog), optical digital output, coaxial digital output

• Front controls: Disc tray buttons, record/playback controls, display indicators

• Remote control: Full‑function included

• Recording features: Finalize discs, track programming, shuffle/random playback

• Playback features: Standard CD and CD‑RW playback with repeat/play program modes