2. digital
  3. 125115-525

CD players that make for a great transport

For those who have an extensive CD collection, own a quality DAC used for streaming, and occasionally enjoy spinning disks, what current model or recent vintage CD players within a budget of $500-$1000 are noted for having a good transport and quality coax digital output?  
mesch
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
My old Meridan, I had both the 200 and the 600 series [602?] the 200 was better. If any of you are still back in the Neolithic as I am  they are still good. Use it with my Metrum Octave.

stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
LP better but CD can be very good and cheaper and easier. Modified LP 12 and VPI.

mjmch2003
243 posts
 
I'm using a Teac CDP with UBS input on the front to steam Tidal from my ipod and play the occasional disc. It's running via Valhalla into a Bel Canto DAC 2.5. Super versatile and it sounds fantastic (using a Shunyata Copperhead on it too - great dynamics as a result). 
naimfan
166 posts
 
Briefly: PIoneer DV09 works very well as a CD only transport.  I bought one inexpensively and it is feeding into a Meridian 563 DAC via an AQ Cinnamon coax digital cable. 

There are two striking differences.  The first is clarity - you can quite literally hear things you don't through the other 2 transports I have (a Rotel 975 and a Sony DVP-N50S).  It's MUCH easier to follow a musical line, and to understand how they tie together.  For example, with the Pioneer you can hear a number of percussive effects on Ulrich Schnauss's album Far Away Trains that are inaudible through the Rotel or Sony. 

The second is authority.  The Pioneer simply has a much tighter grip musically.  Sonically, this means the upper frequencies are much cleaner and real sounding and bass extension, speed, and grip are significantly improved.  That authority also gives it a sense of ease, and provides for improved macro and micro dynamics.

Minorl - thanks for the suggestion.  Curious now to try a much newer transport, like an Oppo 103 or Cambridge CXC. 
minorl
1,014 posts
 

Glad you like the DV-09.  I know it doesn't play certain disc.  Like SACD, but most others it is fine.

Don't forget the BDP-09.  Better DACS. beat the Theta gen Va dac and was very close to the Audio Research DAC8 that I own.

and don't let anyone fool you.  The AR DAC8 is a very nice DAC.

Most people were using the BDP-09 as a DVD or Blue ray player and didn't like the fact that it took awhile to boot up.  I couldn't care less because 1) I'm not in a hurry and 2) I'm using it as a CD player or Transport for music only.  I bought it after I owned the DV-09 for a while and it plays more CD's than the DV-09 and sounds great. I believe it is based on the same platform as the DV-09 so it is built like a tank also, but has four internal DACS.

I love the look of the Pioneer Elite equipment with the wood grain panels.  So, unless I have a reason, it is difficult to sell the DV-09.  It looks great.  Same with my Pioneer Elite PD65 in my office.  It still sounds great.  Love those wood side panels.

enjoy

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