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Seeking to upgrade my CD transport

I often listen to CD's and SACD's. Seeking a cd transport that can handle CD's & SACD'S.  I  prefer to use my DAC, which is a Weiss 204, but am seeking to upgrade to either the Meitner Ma3i, which comes with a built in streamer, or the Berkely  Alpha Series 3 Dac.  The only transport that I have found does both CD & SACD is the Shanling XST 120 Zenith Onix which retails for $2400.00. My maximum budget for this proposed transport is $5000.00 new only.  Has anybody had any experience with the Shanling XST 120 transport? Any comments regarding the Shanling  or any product suggestions would be appreciated.   Thank you.   

 

kjl1065
walt8489
22 posts
 

You mentioned possibly upgrading to a Berkeley Alpha Series 3 DAC.  I have one and it's a great DAC.  Be aware, however, that it only supports up to PCM 192, so I don't think it would work with an SACD player, at least not to play the DSD layer of an SACD.  

mattsca's avatar
mattsca
70 posts
 

I have the Onix. I send SACD DSD to a Denafrips Pontus II 15th via IIS and the SQ is fantastic. Prior to that I had a McIntosh MCT500 to the DA2 of my C2800 via MCT (din) cable. The Onix/Pontus is a bit more musical and smooth, while the McIntosh had a bit bigger soundstage and was a little faster.  But overall SQ level is quite comparable. 
 

If I am reading that D.Bob thing correctly, it is sending the digital to the DAC via optical or coax. If that’s the case I don’t understand how DSD64 is preserved from the disc. 

mark200mph
854 posts
 

Marantz sacd 30 or marantz sc 10 are great usa service center,read the reviews to find specific. Accessories for less has the refurbished 10 for 4 k as I paid 8 k for mine new and have not had a problem. Enjoy the hunt

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
6,006 posts
 

Not sure of your price range, but both the new and older transports from PS Audio do both, but you’ll need I2s on your DAC.

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