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?
OP... "Twenty years ago my CD-player was high end with a tube, but has a weak/cheap transport that has been fixed too many times (not a laser or belt problem). The player is also outdated now and I am done with the repairs..." Sounds exactly like my old Sonic Frontiers CD Player... tubed... warm, not detailed... repair once every year or 18 months. |
@ghdprentice What did you do? You kept it or threw it in the bin? |
Looks like you use the Euro, so you are not in North America. Totally different audio ecosystems! For well under EUR-300 (based on Australian pricing which is much less) you could buy a new Sony universal disk transport, which plays CD, SACD, DVD, Blu-ray and 4K. The UBP-X700. In addition to CD, you get its high-resolution successor SACD and more high-resolution audio via Pure Audio Blu-ray and Dolby Atmos. It only has two outputs, both HDMI (far superior to I2S, USB). One HDMI is dedicated to audio. |
I was in the same boat about a year ago. My long running CD player died. I researched, thought about how much/little I still listened to CD's vs Vinyl and streaming, and ended up buying a Cambridge Audio CXC Transport and Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100. Delivered to my house for less than $900. I have enjoyed my decision very much and didn't break the bank. |
