@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.
Looking To Upgrade to a new CD Transport
I currently own a Cary 306/200 cd player which I have had for 15 years. For the last 5 years have been using the Cary as a transport only with a stand alone DAC, which were the Chord Qutest and then the Weiss 204. The retail cost of the Cary CD player was about $5000.00. It is a well built machine. My question is have the transports been improved over the last 15 years. I stream often, but I still listen to cd's. Would purchasing a new transport improve my sound. My maximum budget is $5000.00 new only. Is a move that I am contemplating, a move sideways or would a new transport make a discernable difference in sound improvement. Thank you.
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@philjpetersen Do you have some credible transport upgrade recommendation that you'd care to share? |
@tuberist +1 I recently purchased an SMSL PL200T transport to use with a second system which I use for both audio streaming as well as CD playback: Amazon Fire HD 8 plus, Schiit Modius AKM, Schiit Lokius, Naim Nait50 and KEF Reference Series Model 101 speakers. The PL200T is quite good and built like the proverbial tank. Its all aluminum chassis is beautifully finished and also offers a clock input for further accuracy. IMHO, spending more than the $500 for this CD transport will not get you better performance. 👍 |
I went from a thirty five year old Sony professional CDP that I used as a CDT. When it finally died, I bought an OPPO. It plays everything, but…. I then bought a Audiolab 6000CDT. Neither sounded as good as the thirty five year old Sony! Then I bought en Arunder N200 streamer. I still play as many as a dozen CD’s a week, but I’m finding that looking for new to me music with the streamer is bringing back some the excitement I had going to the record store and flipping through all the albums. |
Wish to clarify and update my original question. I already stream a great percentage of my music and am happy with my streaming sound. My Dac is currently a Weiss Dac 204 which I use with my Lumin streaming transport. I still listen to cd's on an occasion. The new cd transport that I am considering must have AES/EBU digital outputs to provide the best sound with my Dac or with any future dac upgrade. My research indicates an AES/EBU digital output would provide the best sound. Now, I may not be correct as I am sure there are many that might say there is no difference, or that SPDIF is just as good. In any case, do I need a cd transport with digital inputs as well? Don't think I do, and have not found a cd transport that has both AES/EBU outputs and inputs. I have read AES/EBU digital inputs would allow more clocking options. Thank you. |
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