CD Transport Question


I've recently acquired a Naim NAC 272 which I'm using as a pre-amp, streamer and DAC. I really like the Naim sound.

I have hundreds of CDs and am contemplating purchasing a single CD Transport. The brick and mortar store where I purchased the used NAC 272 told me the Naim CD options do not have the appropriate connections to be used solely as a transport. He also sold Rega, but said that brand didn't "play well" with the NAC 272. His suggestions were the Marantz 6007 run in digital-out mode and/or the Cambridge Audio CXC v2 (or even the AXC35 or Yamaha CD-303). His thought was I only need to purchase for the transport itself as the DAC in the NAC 272 will be superior to any DACs found in CD players [otherwise] up to $2,000. 

In my research, other options I've seen of mention are the: Denon DCD-900NE; Audiolab 6000CDT; LEAK CDT; NAD C568; Roksan Attessa CD; Rotel CD14 MKII; CEC TL5; and the Yamaha CDS1000. 

Can you share your experiences or thoughts with any of these Transports [or Players with Digital-out to bypass the CD unit's internal DACs]? Do some of the lesser priced models have the same laser and other CD moving parts where the higher priced options from those manufacturers are simply being poured into the DAC? Are there others I should consider at or under $1,200? I've read sufficient comments suggesting I should not purchase a CD transport or player used. If there's a transport [used] that might be an exception, however, please do share that info as well.

Many thanks. 

northbeach

The Cambridge is a fine transport..  The Project seems to have had some reliability issues, and I am not a big fan of that company.  I am not sure what the issue is with Rega, but I am not sure they make dedicated transports, so I assume that you are talking about a full fat CDP with digital outs, which would be a bit of a waste since you intend to use the DAC of the Naim

I own the Cambridge and find no fault with it. I understand gains can be made at a much greater price point. 

Thought I heard a while back that Schiit was going to introduce a transport.  Am I just making this up in my own mind?

soix

5,485 posts

 

"Thought I heard a while back that Schiit was going to introduce a transport.  Am I just making this up in my own mind?"

 

No you're not. Someone posted about that a while ago.

Haven't heard anything since.