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What's the best non-DAC CD player?

Seems to me that the combination of a DAC and a CD transport in a single box is um, so "yesterday." Like buying an LP turntable where you're stuck with a particular tone-arm and cartridge.
DACs seem to be emerging on their own, and something you you want to experiment with. Whereas the transport is a mechanical device. Yet the "market" wants you to buy both in a single box to take advantage of one improvement or another in either, actually, separate device.
So, say, I've go the DAC I think I'll will to the grandkids. So what's the best transport (within reason) that will permit a swap-out to some DAC I believe sounds better, transport, without buying another whole box containing both?
Thank-you for your sage advice, or could you direct me to another, more relevant thread.
128x128deepee99
deepee99's avatar
deepee99 OP
86 posts
 
@reubent
Actually, the Oppo BDP-103 has a dedicated "pure audio" circuit, whatever that means, selectable from the remote. However, I am learning towards the Cambridge as a stand-alone.
The Aqua La Scala is a true work of art, as it ought to be, given the $5k-plus price. The 12AT7s in it aren't mere buffers; they're actually the voltage amps, so good tube quality is essential of course. But the workmanship is nonpariel and could make even the lamest of transports sound fantastic. Plus I like the variety of inputs.
At any rate, thanks for the info.

schubert
7,386 posts
 
CXC is by FAR best buy on market.
Just got one, with my Rein Audio X-DAC noise level is non-existent.
Now i know what Jitter is, or rather was .
reubent
7,041 posts
 
@schubert - quick questions. My local dealer carries the Cambridge CXC, but I haven't sat down to play with it. How is the load time? Super fast? What do you think of the build quality? I know it's only $450, so I'm not expecting audio jewelry. But having a nice look/feel is of secondary importance to me.

I'm not in the market for a CD Transport at the moment. However, I may be in the near future. 
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Build quality seems good, heavier than it looks. Close time is average but very smooth .
I like the way it looks in my rack, does not look cheap at all . 
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 
Can't believe no one has mentioned MSB. Here's a link....

http://www.msbtechnology.com/transports/cdv-features/
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