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CD player or CD transport ??

Hey All.... I'm looking to upgrade my CD playback by moving the duties from my Oppo player to a stand alone CD player.. It'll be connected to a pre-amp/processor before it hits the amplifier.. So my question is am I better off using the money to get an upper tier transport and relying on the DSP/DAC in the processor (currently Cary Audio Cinema12) or better to get a CD player because of the synergy that might occur in the design the maker made in the assembly/design of the unit ? I'm assuming the transport does no processing and only delivers the signal picked up from the CD... I have about the $2000 range...  Any suggestions on which model in the budget ?  I prefer it can do SACD too... Thanks
oem-wheels
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,402 posts
 
Totally agree with mattmiller. There are many variables in a transport to DAC setup.
A dedicated CDP in the $2000 range would be designed with a high quality DAC, transport, isolation, and master clock. The clock plays such an important role, since it is responsible for jitter reduction.

A used Ayre should be at the top of your list. Folks around here seem to like Marantz for SACD/CD.
There is a Marantz Reference for sale currently...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/cd-sacd-players-marantz-sa-11s2-sacd-player-2016-02-22-digital-037...
adg101
1,060 posts
 
Just noticed you want SACD. The Cambridge doesn't offer that. 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,238 posts
 
There have been numerous posts on this site that suggest a used Marantz is  an excellent CD/SACD choice.
Charles,
jafant
19,009 posts
 

Marantz , Esoteric or Sony ES should be considered.

Happy Listening!

oem-wheels OP
196 posts
 
thanks guys... and thanks lowrider57 for that link.. i checked it out but that unit is in Europe.. USA only for me.. looks like CD player is the way to go so far.. I'd never thought I'd consider a Marantz again but seems like it might be a very good choice.. I used to own a Marantz AV7005 for my surround sound set up.. I liked it but when I had to down size to a 2-channel set up the sound became thin.. Long story short, Marantz customer service blows.. Bought the Cary and it sounds great..
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