Looking To Upgrade to a new CD Transport

I doubt you will have an improvement, maybe a subtle change. I tried a Jay’s audio cdt2 but there was no improvement over my oppo udp203. Usually the transport has to be good enough, then what matters is the DAC. IMHO, digital sounds mostly the same on all devices: for instance my MSB discrete DAC sounds very similar to my Oppo’s DAC, and I have reference system. If a streamer does not introduce too much jitter, than what matters is the DAC reclock and DAC power supply and its IV conversion more then the DAC chip or technique. Speeding the money on a better streamer? It depends on personal preference: I prefer to play digital discs, SACDs, cds, etc. I would buy a CDT2 or 3 because I like the and I like to use them, I love their top loading system, but I would not fool myself into thinking they are better than my ‘cheap’ Oppo, which can play any format and I can also use it in my home theatre. I also like the Magnetar, but I would use its internal DAC and sell my very expensive DAC. Luxman, Esoteric and Accuphase are the top, but you will have to find them used or avoid the reference models.

Regarding if your Internet connection goes does, you can still stream music from your Roon server if you have digital files. You could start converting your CDs, personally I find it very boring :-)

@jfrost27 

"I recently purchased a McIntosh MCT500 transport. It replaced my 17 year old MVP871 AV player. I went through Audio Classics as they offered a really good trade value for my old player against the price of the new player. I’m a McIntosh guy all the way so the new one was always going to be a McIntosh. I love the new player.  You should check it out. But my main point here is to check out the trade value of your old unit. It might surprise you."

+1

@brianbonf 

"Consider a Luxman CD player   The DAC is tuned to an analog sound that is a nice relief to streaming.  I listen 10 to 1 Streaming to cd and really enjoy the cd/sacd experience. Albert at Precision audio has a Luxman a little above your budget. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbi1fe-luxman-d-08u-cd-sacd-players

cheers and thanks for keeping CD alive."

+1

@kjl1065 

I have a McIntosh MCT80 transport and MDA200 DAC. I'll have this combo for the duration!

Dang.  That's a lot of scratch for a jewel encrusted shiny disc elevator. Does it come with a smoking jacket too?

@kjl1065  If you do decide to move to a separate pure transport I'd suggest that you find out if one of the transport's outputs has been optimized and then use that one to connect to your Weiss or whichever DAC you are using to ensure that you are maximizing the SQ.  I traditionally used SPDIF but after purchasing a Simaudio 260DT a couple of years back for my 2nd system I contacted them and was told the AES/EBU was optimized. The SQ improvement when I switched over was noticeable. 

@philjpetersen  Do you have some credible transport upgrade recommendation that you'd care to share?