CD Transport to pair with Audio Note DAC 5 - suggestions?


Here's the question: Is there anyone out there with experience with an Audio Note DAC who can recommend a CD Transport that would go well with it? The budget is $3-$4K. There are many fine CDT's out there - I'm looking specifically for one that would complement an Audio Note DAC5. For more background, read on...

I recently bought a used AN DAC5 and in my system and to my ears, it's been nothing short of transformative.
For streaming I paired it with a DCS Network Bridge and I'm very happy with the combo.

For CD's I've been using a TRI CDP as a transport through the DAC5. It sounds really nice - better than expected - but I'm thinking about upgrading to a dedicated transport. The DAC5 just processes Redbook files, so I don't need a CDT that spins SACD or anything else. I'm trying to keep the price under $3-4000 and I'm ok with buying used. 

The Audio Note CDT 3 or even the CDT 2/ii would be a no-brainer for complementing the DAC5 but the price new is way out of budget, and I rarely see them used. 
Jay's Audio CDT2-MK2 - I've read all the positive reviews out there and at under $2500, I'm intrigued. But also have no idea how it would play with the AN DAC.

Any ideas, suggestions?
mpsharkie

Showing 4 responses by mpsharkie

My search is over! 

After narrowing the list down to the Jay's and CEC transports, I came across a gently used Audio Note CDT2/II in great condition at the same price as the CEC, and bought it on the spot.

So, a happy ending for me: I ended up with the AN transport I wanted from the start, well within budget.

Thanks again for all the great advice and suggestions!


roxy54 - have to agree about the DAC 5 - it is amazing. The chance came up to buy it so I didn't hesitate, even though I hadn't heard it before. The first time I played it in my system I think my jaw actually dropped.
Great ideas here, thanks.

I'm really liking what I'm reading about the CEC belt drive transports. The reviews echo what Jond and Letch said about the sound being natural, fluid, analogue-like. Could go very nicely with the DAC5!

I must admit I never heard about Lector or Denafrips transports. I can't find much by way of reviews for either, but given its reputation for their DACs,, the Denafrips Avatar could be the value of the year!

Larryi - thinking about your point about the downside of buying a used transport, that's really good advice. Thanks, I decided to go with new!
Hey teajay - I read that Six Moons review a couple months ago - my first introduction to the Jay's transport. I reread it, carefully, after seeing your post this a.m. Great article: a thorough review of the CDT2-mk2, an informative Enco/Phillips history and an interesting discussion of file formats and sample rates. Hard to ask for more!

Great to hear you were the person Srajan quoted - your comparison of the Jay's with the CEC is incredibly helpful, since at this point those are my two leading candidates. Decisions, decisions...