For the people who recommended the PS Audio SACD Transport - any concerns about the reliability of the transport mechanism? I read in another thread that it uses a Denon & Marantz drive which is supposed to be more reliable than the cheap drive used in the older PS Audio transport.
I’m looking to replace my 20 year old Accustic Arts CDP which does have a top loading drive. I’m considering the PS Audio transport and their new DirectStream MKII. It would be an easier choice if PS Audio used a top loading drive. |
I came across this new CDT that uses the CD-PRO-8 transport from Audio Phonique, from Poland.
The sad thing is I don't think most here can afford it but it's nice to see what can be obtained. It's not on their website yet. All the best, |
Thanks @nonoise That is an impressive looking transport. Another High End European CD transport utilizing the Stream Unlimited CD Pro-8 drive . This is why I've viewed the RS2T as a "" relative " bargain. The other European brands with this drive unit are 10K USD and higher. I am not suggesting that just this top load Stream Unlimited drive unit is all that matters, But it is a fundamentally important aspect contributing to a high quality CD transport. It is well thought out in addressing vibration and resonance issues. Charles |
Bought a Teac VRDS-701T CD transport on a whim to get back into my CD collection in storage; it has a version of Teac's VRDS mechanism - for what that's worth, I don’t know really. What I DO know is that its sound is better than what I get streaming from a Lumin P1, and on par mostly with what I get from my Linn LP12 Selekt TT with a $2K Grado cart. Who knew? Lol not me that's for sure! |
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The two players I currently use as CD Transports are REALLY not bad as CD Players either... (1) Sony BDP-S2000ES A true ES unit, no SACD, coax opt. digital outputs Great transport AND standalone CD player, Slow loading gen 1.5 Blu Ray player, but worth the wait.
(2) Harman Kardon CD-990 Coax/opt outs, also RCA / XLR analog outputs w twin internal AKM dacs. Suggest sound deadening of (under) top cover with Dyna-mat or Kilmat. Refined rendition of the classic HK sound signature (as a transport) after mod. Also capable of being used as a DAC (has digital inputs). I won’t say these are giant killers, but they ARE a bit surprising as CD transports. They have replaced an OPPO UDP-203 AND a Sony UBP-X1000ES used as transports in my rack; into a Schiit Gungnir Multibit A2 DAC.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recently added a Sony SCD-XA5400 player to these (large rack). Now using native DACs (analog outs) of the HD 990 to clear both coax digital inputs for the Sonys. The HK player with it's dual dac's has an excellent analog output btw, and also has digital inputs so it can be used as a standalone dac. Through the Gungnir into a Freya+ in tube mode the 2 Sonys are surprisingly close (and excellent) sounding to each other. Next step will be a Gungnir 2 DAC. Should be interesting!
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https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2570169 Post regarding Esoteric. I think their reputation/perception is better than reality. My K-07X transport has failed twice. When working or using its DAC, it sounds superb. |
