I own both, bought them used here on Audiogon and am very, very happy with the sound. They replaced a Marantz 63se used as a transport and a Parasound DAC. The improvement was amazing, particularly considering that the cost of both used was only about $300 more than what I had paid for the Marantz bought new and the Parasound used.
I replaced the DAC first and heard an improvement but the real difference came with the SST, a much sweeter, more open sound. I like the top-loading design of the transport and the remote control that comes with it is very nicely designed, particularly since it provides a volume control for the transport and there is no remote for my preamp.
The only problem I've had is that the transport sometimes doesn't properly sense the closing of the sliding door over the CD and doesn't give me the read-out of the track numbers. It's not a big deal since everything works perfectly when I select play. I'm sure it's a simple adjustment to a sensor but considering that it happens only occasionally it's never even been worth taking it in for a fix.
Both units are very, very well built, like all McCormack stuff. I recommend them highly. I'm using mine with a McCormack TLC-1 preamp and DNA 0.5 Deluxe amp, Proac Studio 150 speakers and HSU sub. There are, of course, lots of other options, including some very nice single box CD players that take up less space in the rack, but, as you can tell, I'm a real fan of McCormack equpment and the four pieces I've got create a sound that makes me happy every time I listen.
I replaced the DAC first and heard an improvement but the real difference came with the SST, a much sweeter, more open sound. I like the top-loading design of the transport and the remote control that comes with it is very nicely designed, particularly since it provides a volume control for the transport and there is no remote for my preamp.
The only problem I've had is that the transport sometimes doesn't properly sense the closing of the sliding door over the CD and doesn't give me the read-out of the track numbers. It's not a big deal since everything works perfectly when I select play. I'm sure it's a simple adjustment to a sensor but considering that it happens only occasionally it's never even been worth taking it in for a fix.
Both units are very, very well built, like all McCormack stuff. I recommend them highly. I'm using mine with a McCormack TLC-1 preamp and DNA 0.5 Deluxe amp, Proac Studio 150 speakers and HSU sub. There are, of course, lots of other options, including some very nice single box CD players that take up less space in the rack, but, as you can tell, I'm a real fan of McCormack equpment and the four pieces I've got create a sound that makes me happy every time I listen.