My CD-player stopped working. Does it make sense to invest in a new CD-transport?


My older CD-player stopped working, so I am considering whether I should go now for a new CD transport. Most of the time I stream audio (Qobuz) and I have a many €€€€ streamer and DAC. So no need for a CD transport?

However, though I haven't bought a CD for at least 10 years, some people say that a CD still sounds better than streaming. And I have a huge collection (classical, jazz, blues, pop). I was looking at the front loader Teac PD 505t or the newer model PD 507t (about €1000-1300). Does that make sense? Or just forget about CDs and CD-players, keep or rip some for the good memories when buying them, and donate or sell the rest? What do you think?

stievus

I agree with @ghdprentice . I stream 90% of the time. Older recordings on CD’s are constantly getting remastered at higher bit and sample rates, and they usually sound better on Quboz. Laser drives don’t last- most have plastic gearing that wears out and the lasers also seem to get misaligned. My Aurender N200 is the best audio investment I’ve made, next to my Yggdrasil.

I stream, do CDs and vinyl. Even so I stream over 90% of the time, I still enjoy spinning a CD or a record. Variety is the spice of life. With your CD collection I would definitely get a new CD transport. 

My 1st CD Player was awesome, loved it, collected over 4,000 cds over a lot of years.

https://www.hifi-classic.net/review/onkyo-dx-7500-430.html

Eventually the drawer gave me trouble, I fixed it myself half a dozen times. Next, I gave it away out of frustration, and ended up with mediocre players, then a highly respected Oppo,

then re-discovered Vinyl, didn't play CDs for a few years

then I wanted an SACD player, asked here, took advice and got a lightly used Sony XA-5400ES, 

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/sony-sacd-player-scd-xa5400es-yay-or-nay?highlight=sony%2Bxa5400%2Byay

It sounds so good I re-discovered my SACDs,, CDs, and have even bought some used ones.

Don't waste your time compromising, go for something a cut above, with low hours on the laser.

If you already own a lot of CDs and you like your DAC, then yes.  I bought a CDT this past summer and TBH I more often prefer to spin my old CDs rather than stream.  I collect some indie music that isn’t available on streaming services, so there’s that too.  Like someone said earlier in the chain, there are no absolutes, and it’s good to have options.  Get a good digital cable to connect your CDT to your DAC.