Seeking a new CD Transport


Seeking a new CD Transport and have looked at the following: 

The approximate retail cost is listed next to each transport. Looking for the best transport I can purchase with a maximum budget of $2500.00

  1.  SMSL PL-200T              $500.00
  2.  Denafrips Avatar            $2699.00
  3. Jays Audio CDT3 MkIII   $5000.00
  4. Shanling ET-3                    900.00
  5. Shanling Onix-Zenith Sacd$2400.00
  6. Audiolab 9000 CDT            $1500.00
  7. Teac VRDS 701T                $3000.00

We all know that just because a unit is priced higher does not mean it  sound better or that it is the best value for the dollar.  Any recommendations would be helpful. My system is as follows: JBL 4349 horn loudspeakers, Weiss Dac 204 with Modwright power supply, Lumin u2-mini with LHY power supply, Conrad Johnson ET-7 line stage, 2 svs subs, and a Bryson 4B3 cubed power amp.

 

 

kjl1065

It better sound better if it cost more... or its going to get driven out of business. This is very much a specialty item at this time. And generally get many reviews so if it cost more and doesn’t sound good, it’s not gonna last long.

 

Here’s how an AI ranked them. Obviously the rest of your equipment is important. Your DAC must be up to the job. There is also the question of warmth versus analytical in its presentation. I'd recommend running it through an AI and looking at all the results. Typically the AI's do a pretty good job of this.

 

Overall ranking (SQ potential, same DAC assumed)

1️⃣ Jay’s Audio CDT3 MkIII — ~9.8/10
2️⃣ TEAC VRDS-701T — ~9.7/10
3️⃣ Denafrips Avatar — ~9.3/10
4️⃣ Shanling Onix Zenith SACD — ~9.2/10
5️⃣ Audiolab 9000CDT — ~8.8/10
6️⃣ Shanling ET-3 — ~8.7/10
7️⃣ SMSL PL-200T — ~8.3/10

 

I don't think the Avatar  is available anymore, and Jays also makes a CDT2 MkIII for $2500

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