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Advice on CD transport

Here’s the situation:

Am purchasing two channel integrated amp with built in DAC shortly (likely Hegel H390. Love the DAC section).  Big CD enthusiast and I’m looking for a great transport under the $1k range (used is more than acceptable).  My issue is buying a standalone transport is too rich for my blood so looking for a CD player with awesome transport. I hate paying for the DAC in it I won’t be using but such is being audio poor. 
I’ve always liked the Rega line but am wondering what anyone has found/used.  If you’ve got any helpful input without getting into DIY, please feel free to chime in. 
CJ
cjlundberg
richtruss
163 posts
 
I’ve found the Lyngdorf CD2 to be a first class transport, though at your budget you’d need a used one. The other thing of great significance is the Coax cable. In my system all that I’ve tried sound dull, that’s why we made our own, the Network Acoustics ENO Digital Cable Cu is as good as you’ll get.
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scotttubenut
14 posts
 
+1 on the Rega Apollo. I use mine with a Bryston BDA-1, an older but excellent DAC. Honestly, the DAC built-in to the Apollo is very good, nearly as good to my ears as the Bryston. 
richdirector's avatar
richdirector
269 posts
 
I see there is a company in Germany that sells a modified audiolab 6000 cdt.... Power supply and clock if I remember.... Doubles the price but if my modded bluesound node 2i is anything to go buy these non stock items can be radical improvements... Might be a US company doing the same. 
tednep
33 posts
 
Try to find a Used Moon Neo 260d cd transport. It was better than the Audiolab, Cambridge and lyngdorf in My setup. The older Bryston is worth a listening too. 
hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello,
I am not sure where you live. If it is in the US, my local audio store is a Hegel dealer and has the 390 in stock.  Also, the owner just brought in a used balanced Ayre SACD player that retails for $3000 on sale for $1500 from his own personal collection. He has the big brother $6,000 SACD player at his house now. This player makes all those other models that were mentioned, which are good choices pail in comparison. I am thinking the owner, Mike Holm would give you a deal on the two pieces. They can ship it to you if you do not live near the Chicagoland area. The website is -
holmaudio.com. If I did not own a Oppo 205 I would buy it. I need my Oppo 205 for movies. I know this sounds like a plug, but the end goal is to get you some gear that people can only dream about very close to your budget. I just bought two matching T9 REL subs that were meant to go into the owners house. He helped me out and let me have them instead. I hope you did not pull the trigger on the Hegel yet because that is what’s going to make this deal work.  Good luck, GOD speed, and welcome back to the game. 


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