Dedicated transport or CD player as transport?

I have a CXC.  It's reasonably good, particularly for the money. 

However - I think it's in over its head in my main system, where it feeds a Naim nDAC/Pardo XPS.  My Exposure 3010S2 CD player, used just as a transport, is noticeably better - more extended, tighter, clearer, and yet richer at the same time.  Of course, the CXC was something like $400-500 new; the Exposure player was something like $2395. 

I've had the chance to hear a Levinson 31.5 in my system (thanks Allen!), and even though it is a lot older than the Exposure it was better, as was a CEC TL2 (which was the best sounding of all). 

So if you listen to a lot of CDs, as I do, I'd suggest not skimping too much on the transport.  I'd love to do a comparison between the CXC and the Audiolab - have not had them in the system at the same time.  Given that you have a Denafrips DAC, it might well be worth stretching to the matching transport. 

Good luck!

I’ve read full thread and I was wondering if anyone has experience using an Oppo 105 or 205 as a CD transport vs a dedicated CD transport—let’s say the Cambridge.  I use a 105 as a transport into a Bryston DAC3.  SACD is superb as the Oppo can output DSD into the Bryston over HDMI.  CD sounds good but I also wonder how much better a dedicated CD transport would sound, if I would notice a difference at the price point of the Cambridge or if I would have to go higher, such as the Denafrips.

@mesch 

where can you buy a Denafrips in the States?

@mesch 

where can you buy a Denafrips in the States?

Denafrips  has to be ordered directly, online, no current distributor