I have a PS Audio PWT I bought preowned for $1200 a few years ago and it is solid and performs perfectly. It is a memory player and with the I2S interface through a Wyred 4 Sound DAC, I couldn't be happier.
HIghly recommended.
HIghly recommended.
Need recommendation for CD transport (not Cambridge)
I’m trying out the Cambridge CXC transport, and so far, have not been happy with it.
It mistracks (skips) at the end of CDs (which I assume is just my unit, maybe it’s not a design flaw).
But, also, it’s not programmable and it interacts noisily with my Gungnir Multibit (Yes, I understand the Gungy is noisy by itself, but the pause control on the Cambridge exacerbates the problem.)
So, I’ll probably return the Cambridge if I can find another one, not too expensive with better features.
Any recommendations?
It mistracks (skips) at the end of CDs (which I assume is just my unit, maybe it’s not a design flaw).
But, also, it’s not programmable and it interacts noisily with my Gungnir Multibit (Yes, I understand the Gungy is noisy by itself, but the pause control on the Cambridge exacerbates the problem.)
So, I’ll probably return the Cambridge if I can find another one, not too expensive with better features.
Any recommendations?
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I had a CXC transport for a few months and never had a problem with it. It never skipped or mistracked, even on some badly scratched cd's and the transport was dead silent. I only sold it because my McIntosh integrated didn't have a built in dac, so I bought a McIntosh SACD player and sold the transport. |
I have the exact same combination. The lack of direct track access irritates me. The lack of different displays of time (overall, remaining) irritates me. And the crazy clicking on pause certainly irritates me. Not a hint of mistracking though. The Gungnir will click with various transports, not just the Cambridge, depending on how they handle the digital signal when they are set on pause. At the price point, there are precious few alternatives. Audio Advisor steered me away from the Pro-ject model. A more expensive used/discontinued model is probably the way to go. |
Twoleftears: Since I’m still in the trial period, I’m seriously considering returning the Cambridge and going with the Cyrus. The Cambridge does produce excellent results, but the flaws you mention are hard to live with on a longtime basis. I don’t know if I want to spend three times the price for the Cyrus, though. How much better will it sound on my system? And, it still might caterwaul on pause, one of my main concerns. The mistracking on the Cambridge is very aggravating, even though I can probably get a new, properly functioning unit. Still pondering! |
Here is an Esoteric DV-50S that is worth consideration for $1,500: http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649396527-esoteric-dv50s-with-david-schulte-ugrade-performed-in-2... This unit has been professionally upgraded by the Upgrade Company (David Schulte). |
I didn’t realize it was a “ slot machine” until a couple of days ago. Probably wouldn’t have influenced my decision to buy anyway. The deal was too good. I’ve read some very good reviews of ithe Cyrus on British sites. Hopefully it plays at least as good as the Cambridge, which has great sound, but too many drawbacks.e |
Just got the Cyrus transport. At first hearing, it’s more detailed than the Cambridge and has better bass. It’s a pleasure to be able to program a selection instead of creeping up to it. And, blessedly, there is no noise in the pause position, and no mistracking. So far, a happy result. Thanks, Itzhak, for the tip! |
Don’t waste your money on an expensive transport. Instead buy a used or new OPPO blu-ray transport, any model, and reclock it with a $599 Synchro-Mesh reclocker. This will save you a bundle and give you the performance of a $10K transport: 20 psec jitter and galvanic isolation: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154408.0 Jitter is the only thing that sets transports apart, and most don’t provide galvanic isolation of grounds to eliminate ground-loops. Independent power supply on the Master Clock of the Synchro-Mesh too, so you can improve on it even more with a LPS. Steve N. Empirical Audio |