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Dedicated transport or CD player as transport?

My system is simple, Marantz 6006 as a transport to Denefrips Ares 2 DAC then on to a PrimaLuna integrated. I've been toying with the idea of a dedicated transport, but I'm not sure if there would be a SQ improvement worth the investment. The Marantz sounds pretty good by itself, but when I added the Ares 2, I like the sound better, its smoother/less digital/less bright. I've read some posts and reviews of dedicated transports, and some claim a noticeable improvement-better bass, more detail. The 2 transports I've been eyeing are these: Audiolab 6000CDT Dedicated CD Transport or the Cambridge CXC. Thanks for your input.
dtapo
mahler123
3,029 posts
 
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.
mahler123
3,029 posts
 
@mesch 

where can you buy a Denafrips in the States?
mahler123
3,029 posts
 
@mesch 

where can you buy a Denafrips in the States?
jl35
3,918 posts
 
Denafrips  has to be ordered directly, online, no current distributor
naimfan
166 posts
 
@mahler123 - "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 do, with a 105.  (Hey, what else is there to do during lockdown?)  It was . . . fine.  I'd say the 105 was, overall, slightly better (IMS, at least), but it's close enough I'd buy whichever was cheaper.  And in a different system I wouldn't be surprised at all if someone, including me, preferred the Cambridge.  FWIW, I think my Exposure was better still, and the people who got to hear the Levinson and CEC all agreed that the CEC was #1, the Levinson #2, and the Exposure #3, with a fairly large gap from the Exposure to the CXC, the Oppo, Sony, etc. 
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