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 .
I like the way it looks in my rack, does not look cheap at all .
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.
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.
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Can't believe no one has mentioned MSB. Here's a link.... http://www.msbtechnology.com/transports/cdv-features/ |
I have enjoyed a PS Audio DirectStream DAC, and the PerfectWave transport (interconnected with an I2S cable)...and took a "leap of faith" and ordered a DirectStream transport. From what I read, my new combination will be impressive. Can't wait for the new machine to arrive! Will update this forum after it's done so, been broken in and I have something to share. |
The Innuous ZENith Mk II will be here in a few weeks. With 1 terrabyte (expandable to 4) SSD it should have plenty of room for all my CDs; built-in Teac slot drive, and controllable with any wireless MS, iOS or Linux/Droid tablet/phone, I’ll continue to use the Oppo BDP-103 for single-play. I returned the UDP 203 as unnecessary. All plugged into the LaScala DAC - the Oppo via RCA-type S/PDIF and the storage unit by a high-quality (probably Kimber silver) USB 2.0. Both the Oppo and Innuous optical drives are easily and inexpensively replaceable. The Innuous can accommodate up to 4 TB external SSD but with prices coming down I’ll wait on that. At least it already has a USB 3.0 receptacle ready when the time comes.The Aquos La Scala requires hard-wiring from your DSL/cable modem for streaming and album artwork, but terminated Cat 6a ethernet cable (I like Blue Jeans just fine for this application) is only about $1/foot for a 50-foot run around all the obstacles in the basement. I toyed going the J-River route but am tired of spending weeks writing Linux hacks and would have to upgrade my existing drives on 10-year-old computers, anyway. I realise I started this thread in search of a stripped-down, high quality DAC-less CD-only xport. The MSB was a real temptation but they use the Oppo optical drive as well, so turns out what I was looking for was sitting here on the shelf all along. Thanks for all the input and allowing me to think through this tube guy’s introduction to solid-state playback and storage. Any other thoughts duly appreciated and again, thanks for the ideas. Dave |
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