CD or DVD player to use as a transport

The reason for using a CD or CD / DVD player is to keep the cost to a minimum. That said, I think I paid $130 for the Onkyo C-7030 a few years ago. But that was then and this is now.

(My money is invested in a vinyl front end, but there are a few thousand CDs in my collection.)  

I could drop $300 - $500 on a player if it has coax and optical audio outputs (to run to the DAC), and the transport will hold up.

Look for a factory refurbished Cambridge CXC transport on Ebay for ~$300 or so.  I have one and it's very good for the price.  I highly doubt anything in that price range would be better. 

Look for one of the earlier Oppo's if you want inexpensive

• DV-970HD
• DV-971H
• DV-980H
• DV-981HD
• DV-983H

The refurb CXC is on a different planet than a n old, used Oppo.
It is the best bet.

CXC