Best CD Transport in 1K Ball Park

Some transports you might consider buying used are the Theta Pearl and Theta Data Basic I and II. The Theta Data Basics use the discontinued Phillips CDM-9 mechanism, so if you ever need to have it serviced it might be a problem. On the other hand, the Pearl uses the still available Pioneer mechanism. Also, look into the Sonic Frontiers SFT-1 and Audio Alchemy DDS Pro.

These have all been discontinued, but seem to have quite a following. All units can be found used for between $400 and $1100.

Sean and Glreno, I'm glad that you feel so highly about the Theta Pearl as I am currently in the process of buying a used one here on Audiogon. It'll be mated to my Bel Canto DAC 1.1, Sim Audio Moon I-5 and ProAc Tablette 50 Signatures. I'm excited to hear the results.

Hbrandt, I had no idea that a Wadia could be had for that price. Something I should have considered too.

Subaruguru, it sounds like your local dealers might be trying to get you to buy what they're selling. But I guess the worse you could do is to audition those pieces just for the heck of it.