To my mind the Cambridge and Audiolab are little more than traditional CD-players with the DAC left out, whose design is based on older players that both companies made. To get a truly dedicated transport, I think you need to step up a little further. To Denafrips or Jays or something in that bracket.
Dedicated transport or CD player as transport?
My system is simple, Marantz 6006 as a transport to Denefrips Ares 2 DAC then on to a PrimaLuna integrated. I've been toying with the idea of a dedicated transport, but I'm not sure if there would be a SQ improvement worth the investment. The Marantz sounds pretty good by itself, but when I added the Ares 2, I like the sound better, its smoother/less digital/less bright. I've read some posts and reviews of dedicated transports, and some claim a noticeable improvement-better bass, more detail. The 2 transports I've been eyeing are these: Audiolab 6000CDT Dedicated CD Transport or the Cambridge CXC. Thanks for your input.