1. Home
  2. digital
  3. 196585-112139

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
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,110 posts
 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650196560-bryston-bcd3-cd-player-excellent-silver/images/5568542/

bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,625 posts
 

@kjl1065 Many members, including myself have owned and liked the Audiolab 6000.  Not sure if that model is still available, but it is a very good transport for the price.  Cheers.

lanx0003
1,954 posts
 

Walmart still carries it for $599 but at that price point why not get a CA CXC V2.  Don't like slot loading machine that much.  It 'sucks' and scratches.

jerrytomb
11 posts
 

I suggest looking at the Sparkler S515t from Japan.  Stereophile did a review, and I went all- in.  Could not be happier.  It replaced a leak transport.  $1500.  No frills, solid performance.  

pinwa
340 posts
 

I bought a Shanling ET3 off Aliexpress in September.  I paid $512 including shipping and tariffs.  I use it connected to one of the I2S inputs on my Holo May KTE.  On most CD's it sounds better than streaming through an Innuos Pulsar.  Can't ask for much more than that.

More to discover