A good tube DAC should not act as a filter or smooth things up. It should be fast open detailed but not hard sounding. Midrange to cry for. The transport is every bit as important as the DAC. I wouldn't look for either one to be a filter of any kind. If they are good they should be musical without any hardness without one to tame the other.
Transport under 1500 new or used
I have started similar threads in the past, but now I am down to the wire and need Agoners help!
I need a new transport, just sold my Meridian 500, and am looking for an upgrade. I have narrowed it down to the following and am looking for a smooth, warm CD transport, but have actually considered tube cd players. Question is, should I just get the most transparent and detailed transport and then warm it up with a tubed DAC and not worry about the transport as much?
I am leaning toward the new Northstar 192 transport as it seems like it will fit the bill, but cannot find anyone who has heard it, except dealers. Please help. Thanks
The list:
Northstar 192 Transport
CEC TL2
Vecteur D2
Audio Note CDT1
Audio Note CDT2 (although out of my price range)
I need a new transport, just sold my Meridian 500, and am looking for an upgrade. I have narrowed it down to the following and am looking for a smooth, warm CD transport, but have actually considered tube cd players. Question is, should I just get the most transparent and detailed transport and then warm it up with a tubed DAC and not worry about the transport as much?
I am leaning toward the new Northstar 192 transport as it seems like it will fit the bill, but cannot find anyone who has heard it, except dealers. Please help. Thanks
The list:
Northstar 192 Transport
CEC TL2
Vecteur D2
Audio Note CDT1
Audio Note CDT2 (although out of my price range)