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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
kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
300 posts
 

I like getting up and browsing my CD collection. I enjoy handling the media and setting back with the liner notes while I listen. I tend to get more involved in the process, pay more attention to the music, and listen to the entire CD (as the artist intended).

I would get one of those inexpensive Chinese players.

Note: I'm 70% streaming, 20% records (I love listening to records and have a fun system with a changeable head and a number of carts along with a great phono pre), and 10% CDs.

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
354 posts
 

If I had a huge collection of CD's and a many Euro streamer and DAC I would replace the CD Transport and rip the collection to a music server in wav and sleep well at night knowing I had all the bases covered.

If you want the CD's to sound better than streaming count your pennies cuz you'll need a lot of them to better the gear you have.

stievus's avatar
stievus OP
123 posts
 

Thanks again for the comments. In the meantime I already found out that my dac has problems with vintage transports (e.g. Philips CDD882). So a recent or a new one will be the safest bet.

stievus's avatar
stievus OP
123 posts
 

@rikkipuu Yes, that is what I am starting to find out too. It will cost me a lot of money to get a transport at the same level. 

jasonnewell's avatar
jasonnewell
27 posts
 

@stievus 

To add to all the other commenters, I think having a player or even a changer that goes to a nice DAC is still worth it, ESPECIALLY because you stated you have a collection.  If your player doesn't play but still has a good DAC, you may even be able to route a new transport or changer through it.

Similarly, I have 4 cassette decks because of my tape collection, so I think it's worth having the equipment for the medium, but that's just me -- I love my mix tapes and concert bootlegs 🙂

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