Ruminations On CD Players


After multiple factory rebuilds, I'm ready to replace my twenty year old Arcam CD-73 CD player.  I've looked through lists of recommended CD players in the $2000 range, and have noticed that some are all-inclusive while others have separate transports and DACs.  Other than ease of replacement, what are the benefits of having the transport and DAC separate?  Any recommendations on CD players in this price range?  I only have music CDs so don't need anything that can do more than that.

 

Thanks,

John Cotner

New Ulm, MN

jrcotner

@facten 

 

Best of luck with whatever decision you make. And, no need to be swayed from staying with CDs by the streamer crowd. Enjoy spinning! I do in 2 systems

Indeed! 

The obligatory streaming audio recommendations are endemic (These days) despite the stated desires of the O.P.  Alas, well intended I recognize.🙂

 

@jrcotner

If you can stretch your budget, take the path of separate DAC and CD Transport. Not only this path would provide much superior Sound Quality, upgrade flexibility, it keeps a door open for Streaming in the future. 

For starters, consider Jay’s Audio Transport and one of many DAC’s offering from Denafrips.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256123132662?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=t_bi82K9SLC&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=LfCp7wcARee&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY


https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=denafrips+dac

+1 @lalitk 

I use Jay's cdt2-mk3 CD transport with Gustard x26 pro dac which is also running my innuos zenith mk3 streamer. It all sounds equally great. Build for the future!

Pair a Denafrips DAC with a good Rotel or an Oppo 105 (if you can find one) and call it a day.