It's funny, but some of these cheaper transports seem to last forever. I just met an old friend that I helped put together a system 20 years ago and he still has his Arcam DVD/CD player I recommended and it still works! As to your Audiolab, there are tons of those out in the field and I don't see many (if any) threads about bad sound or bad reliability, cheap transport not withstanding.
audiolab 6000 CDT transport
I've been on a quest for better sound for the last few years and finally got a dedicated transport. Years ago, I used to think it was all about speakers, and maybe the amp, but as I've moved up the SQ ladder, I realize it all matters to one extent or another. The thing I notice about the 6000CDT is everything sounds more refined, with less haze. Bass is cleaner and clearer, the soundstage is more solid with the different instruments and vocals more firmly established in their respective spaces. Vocals most notably sound more realistic, symphonic violins less shrill, more woody. I hear less sibilance. Dry recordings sound dry, reverb sounds smooth and lush. Definitely a notch up the ladder.
PrimaLuna Prologue 2 or
Musical Fidelity m3si
Tekton Enzo 2.7
Mogami coax speaker cable
Denfrips Ares2
PrimaLuna Prologue 2 or
Musical Fidelity m3si
Tekton Enzo 2.7
Mogami coax speaker cable
Denfrips Ares2