Looking To Upgrade to a new CD Transport

@kjl1065 

"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."

Thanks for not creating another thread!

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

Turd!

Surprised Voodoofunk is the only disc spinner chiming in on behalf of the xst20.  I , too, am looking for a new transport. True DSD64 from SACD;s via I2S that WILL mate with my current dac, Laiv Harmony, is a big point for myself.  The xst20 also has what kjl1065 asked for...AES/EBU output.  Its, also, half kjl1065's stated budget.  But I'm still wary about the xst20 as there really aren't any good, solid, reviews, though its been on the market for well over a year.  Ive been looking for extensive sonic comparisons against other transports and even each of its digital output interfaces.

Tired of getting less than stellar results for jumping on the bandwagons of so called "giant killers" as paid reviewers gush about their attributes.  Polish POS comes to mind that has now been boxed and forgotten when it finally died after a couple years of frustration.  Currently using a Modwright modified Oppo bdp 105 where I don't believe the mods are in play since I'm bypassing the output and going coax to the Harmony dac. (possibly another rush to purchase)  Sounds wonderful but can't help but wonder if I2S might bring better sonics. Certainly should for SACD.   playback.  Will keep searching for more comments about the xst20

thanks

purchasing any of the recommended transports above will only give you a different flavor.  Funny thing is that we repair and upgrade components as well as manufacturer our own components.  I upgraded the Cary you own for a customer (100 power supply caps, etc.) and we were amazed how awesome the player became.  It came close to sounding like the DHT DAC we made.  I was so impressed, I bought one and modified one for my personal use.

The upgrade was not for the transport but I would imagine that we could upgrade that to make that unit sound better also.

Keep what you have until you can directly compare something ese.

Happy Listening.  

kjl1065 I firmly agree with all of the recommendations for the Jay's Audio transports. They sound amazing, and are built like tanks with the highest quality components. They are sold by Vinshine Audio and their teriffic leader Alvin Chee, and they have a US based repair center.....and clearly state they've stockpiled a decades worth of the transport mechanism. I directly compared the CDT-2 MkIII ($2,650) with the CDT-3 MkIII ($5,300) over 3 months, and I personally could not consistently differentiate between the 2 units. After I upgrade my streamer and DAC later this year, I'll be adding a CDT-2 MkIII. That said, the Teac VRDS-701T gets a lot of love as well; and seems to be well made.....I've just never tested one. Best of luck to you