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CD Player used as transport

Does anyone have experience trying different CDPs as a transport for a DAC? I've tried a few and the results were all over the map in performance from terrible to OK, I suspect problems from the balance of the unit creep into the performance of the transport. Some could be poorly made or the designed is a 2nd thought from a transport perspective. There seem to be a lot of new or used options in the $500 range from manufactures like Oppo, Marantz, Sony, CA etc. but do any of them get the design and integration of the transport right so the unit can stand alone as a quality transport? I'm a vinyl and CD spinner, tried the computer route didn't like it. Looking to improve the transport side of CD playback before I consider upgrading my DAC.
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Showing 2 responses by 1graber2

1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
Interesting about the synchro-mesh ....

But, yes, I agree, "transports are not created equal".
My eyes were opened comparing the transport of a Simaudio CDP Equinox SE from about2008 to the new Oppo 95 I have purchased when the Oppo 95 came out with all the hype and hyperbole of neon signs. 

I compared the transports of each. The Sim made the Oppo blush with humiliation. That is when I realized the Oppo does many things good, but nothing really great. You get what you pay for. I think the biggest differences are from the circuitry and power supplies within the CDP. Now, I will say, the Sim was about $2500 new, and the Oppo $1000 new. Again, you get what you pay for, but Sim is well-known for clean power with micro and macro dynamics .... after my transport test, I sold the Oppo and never looked back ... 
1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
I just remembered, I compared the transport of my Simaudio CDP Equinox SE to a stand-alone, dedicated transport:
the Bel Canto CD transport. new for $1500, used for $1000.
I have had a Bel Canto DAC for 5 years, they make quality products.

I felt the Bel Canto transport was about as good as the Sim, and the Sim transport is exceptional, it was a "Special Edition" CD player with beefed up internal circuitry and power supplies.

I could only keep the Sim CDP or the BC Transport, so I kept the Sim b/c it also plays CDs too and has a great DAC. But if I only needed a dedicated transport, i would definitely go back to the Bel Canto for price to performance considerations. 
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