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Considering buying a CD transport

My current disc spinner is a Cambridge Audio 751BD which I'm now mostly (except for SACDs) using as a transport, as I vastly prefer the sound of my Bryston BDA1 DAC to what comes through the CA. Even through the Bryston DAC, CDs can sound shrill. The CA works extremely well for DVDs, Blu-ray discs and SACDs, but I don't think I'm enjoying my rather extensive CD collection as I should. Would a separate transport make enough difference to be worth considering? I've been reading reviews of the Cyrus CDt which are tempting, but I'd like to hear some real-world opinions first. Unfortunately, there are budgetary constraints, so I would like not to exceed about $2K.

The rest of the system: Hegel H200 integrated, Proac Response D2s, REL S2 sub, Clarus Aqua analog interconnects & speaker cables, Nordost coax.
cooper52
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,922 posts
 
If all you want to do is play CDs, this, from Sparkler Audio comes under your budget. I listened to it through headphones at the Newport show and it sounded rather nice.

The designer used to work with 47 Labs and you can see it in his model.
It comes with the 16 bit NOS DAC but you might be able to get just the spinner if that is all you need.

All the best,
Nonoise
cooper52 OP
187 posts
 
Thanks again for the opinions and advice. I'm actually pretty fond of my Bryston DAC with its pure class A output circuits.  It's a huge step up from the  DACs I've had (including a PS Audio DL III with mods). (I may even someday consider a BDA3, as it also has HDMI inputs and DSD capability). The CA universal player is a really good for video, especially with Bryston doing the heavy lifting for sound. That's why I'm thinking transport rather than a CD player--just to lift the sound of CDs that one step higher. The weight of opinion seems to favor PS Audio's PWT, and I'll certainly keep my eyes open for that, but I'm still interested in any opinions about Cyrus (the availability of which seems pretty limited in the US), if anybody's actually experienced one. The reviews are very positive.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,901 posts
 
cooper52-

You have a nice system. I liked the original 651BD spinner and thinking about picking it up for Blu-Ray and SACD duty.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,901 posts
 
Happy Listening!
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
621 posts
 
cooper52,
For a great cd transport the 47 Labs Flatfish is a good choice. I have mine modified with a super clock and custom battery power supply. I have yet to hear anything better including computer audio. Unfortunately mine is in a box since I lost my listening room. At your limit of 2k you could find one used. 
Ask around on other forums like Audio Circle about the Cyrus your considering.
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