Looking to get the best out of Redbook Cd listening with Dac a d Transport under 5K?

I recommend the Cambridge Audio CXC cd transport.  This transport does one thing only.  It reads CDs, nothing else and it does a fantastic job.  I think you can still find version 1 on Amazon. for $399.  The new version is little bit more expensive.  I tried this unit with a Rega Dac, a Micromega MyDac, an old Cambridge Audio Dac and a Musical Fidelity V90 Dac,  I was never disappointed on how well this unit read all my CD's

Best of luck. 

I am very happy with my Oppo 105, which I moded the incoming IEC with silver wire loom and Furutech IEC to the power supply board. That alone was amazing improvement,I then upgraded the OEM power supply to a Linear Power Module (both from Ebay) ~ $300 for both. You will be amazed. It is long know the 105s weakest link is the power supply


I also treated the tray with Machina Dynamica New DARK Matter, which I highly recommend to anyone spinning  CDs ($39!)

Since the 105 has XLR outs AND VVC, you can connect it direct to your amp/s, which is how I do it
IMHO, try these and you will be hard pressed to get significantly better sound without spending a ton


You can find used 105s ~ $800 + the mods

hth

Agree with dbautista about the Cambridge CXC. IMO the newer model might be a better choice.

Prior to getting the BCD-3 spinner, I used the Cambridge CXC with a Cambridge DAC. Not disappointed; however, the current BCD-3 provides better resolution, bass control, upper midrange, and better trebles, particularly in the female voice. Also, using one highly accurate master clock for both the transport and DAC input reduces jitter.
The BCD-3 spinner also has the capability to be used as a transport-only, to feed the digital output to a DAC of your choice.
Both the CXC and BCD-3 have transports specifically made for RedBook 16/44 CDs. The transport for the BCD-3 is made in Austria, and is made from steel, rather than having plastic parts. It is also used in ultra-high performance (and ultra high $$$$$$$) spinners.

I have The CXC on the shelf for a "standby." I do not intend to sell it.

Thank you again for all these options! My Oppo didn't get Ballanced when Moddified many years ago! It was done by a company in San Francisco! Just Moddified with RCA out! I run custom Silver cable  directly to older Usher Amp! Sounded good but always wondering where improvement has been in Digital! Had Blue Circle top DAC and Levinson 31.5 and that was my best sound ever! Sold to have money for bills etc. That's when friend brought over Oppo and Usher! Sounded good but like he said about 90 percent of what I had! So now looking for that inner details that the DAC and Transport gave me! I like the tube sound and wondering about something like an Ayon CD player! Not sure the Bryston is my cup of tea! So I read and hopefully am learning! So please keep up the effort on sending me your thoughts! I am thankful to you all!

Moon Neo 260D CD Transport with a 10-year warranty. Redbook only, no SACD - I use it with their 780D DAC via AES/EBU.