Best sounding CD player

I’d recommend separate DAC and a transport. If you ever feel the need to upgrade either, easy enough. You didn’t mention budget, but the Audiolab 6000CDT is a great transport, and a helluva deal at $600.

I prefer R2R ladder DACs, as Soix suggested there are great units for all prices from Denafrips, Musician, Holo Audio, Gustard……I prefer the Denafrips and Holo Audio DACs

Arthur1954,

I have had zero issues with the slot loader on the Audiolab. I like it much better than any tray loader I've owned, takes discs smoothly, isn't noisy, and reads discs pretty quickly.....all good there

I was initially impressed when I found that the slot loader mech is the exact same one they use in the flagship 8300CD player....but the sound is where the 6000CDT excels.....but use nice cables on the DIG out to your DAC

Facten,

You are correct that a Jay’s CDT-2 (at a cost of $2,500) or a CDT-3 (at a cost of $5,000), are better than the Audiolab 6000CDT. But where does it stop? The Audiolab is a really really good transport for the money, and punches way above it’s price…..as do Denafrips DACs

Charles1dad,

Good point, and that's where we all come in recommending products across a whole landscape of price points. Maybe what we don't ask frequently enough is "what's your price range or budget?" to an OP. Take care