2. digital
  3. 127508-88557

What transport should I get?

OK, so I have a very nice setup using a Simaudio 380D (DAC/Streamer) to listen to ripped music (NAIM Unitiserve backed up to NAS) with Supernait 2 or PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium Pre/Bel Canto Ref600m Monos) to PMC 20.26 is the rest of the system. So I should be set right?

Thing is, I am a classical collector and have tons of CDs that I have yet to rip and I keep buying more (so many cheap deals on albums I cannot find on Tidal!). I could obviously just rip everything I buy BUT it’s a pain in the neck and I don’t like the insecurity of losing all my music to a glitch or something (yes it’s backed up Raid 2 or whatever but still). And my collection keeps growing - I have over 200 in the mail right now. I know. It’s a problem :) Basically - do I want to rip 6 versions of the 32 Beethoven Sonatas - that’s like 60 discs right there! It gets tedious! Also I’m not Roon-whatever yet and classical comes with lots of cool liners and pamphlets and whatnot that I love to read while listening - which I am missing out on now.

So I’m thinking I would get a transport to feed the 380D and just listen to my CDs straight up. Maybe rip a few that I know for sure I want to listen to a lot.

Anyway - I’m going to get a transport. What should I get?

I’ve considered:

1) Marantz 8005 (adds SACD capability and looks solid and built to last but more than I need since already have great DAC/streamer etc)
2) Sony 5400ES or equiv (though I’m not loving the lack of aftermarket support)
3) Moon 260D (to match my DAC, would look cool, built like a tank and I love Sim but it’s 2k)
4) Bel Canto CD3t (looks cool, matches my monos, half size)
5)  Cambridge CXC transport (only $500 new)
6) Something else?

I do have an old Cambridge Audio 540 something CD player I have used in pinch - but it’s 8 years old I suspect technology and clocks and whatnot have improved to the point that using that to feed my quite excellent DAC/streamer would be dumb.

Thoughts?

Thanks

P





geekboy
geekboy OP
3 posts
 
Thanks all for your response!

I'm not sold on the synchro-mesh - one of the reviews (Darko) noted that he didn't notice any difference with a higher end DAC (Directstream) and since I have a great DAC I'm skeptical.  It already reclocks with very low jitter as is.

I may just use my CD player I have for now.  

Question:  I have a Nordost Blue Heaven digital cable.  Good enough?  Other suggestions?



reubent
7,039 posts
 
Yes, the Nordost cable is good enough. You're overthinking this. Just connect the Cambridge CD player and enjoy. If you don't enjoy it, try something else.
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
620 posts
 
I have had the pleasure of listening to the Sparkler Audio s303 ($1300.00) as a player and transport to a very highly modified dac. As a transport it sounds fantastic since it runs off a battery power supply. For about $400.00 more the S503 is a world class player and transport. I have a very highly modified 47 Labs Flatfish and the S503 knocks on its door.

http://sparkler-audio.com/pdf/S303_catalogE.pdf

http://sparkler-audio.com/portfolio/S503_en.html

Can be purchased here:

http://charneyaudio.com/

 


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