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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
 
Answer to budget question is I'd like to say in the < US$5k region, US-made. Not because of screaming patriotism, but to avoid European VAT and other hidden fees and taxes.
I've actually got my mind thinking of a used Levinson Madrigal I hear good things about that I could throw away on Fleabay if I didn't like it. Just want the basics, and finesse with the DAC end of things. Either way, I don't want to take out a second mortgage on the house. I had that little Rega top-loading player but there was no way to tweak it. I want the best engine around which I can build a car, if that makes any sense. Thanks.
reubent
6,978 posts
 
For Super high-end, US Made, Optical Disk Playback, the PS Audio Direct Stream Player would seem to be the likely suspect. PS Audio designs and manufactures in Boulder, CO, although the disk transport mechanism is most likely sourced from the Asia. The Direct Stream is the current model, so you could buy a new one, with warranty. It is $6000 retail.

If you don't plan to use I2S interface, you could try a Cambridge Audio CXC for less than $500. It is not US made, but is available from US vendors, so no VAT, etc.
deepee99's avatar
deepee99 OP
86 posts
 
@reubent , and to the others ( guess you can do only one @pmotz )who have weighed into this.
This has been very helpful. Than-you. Again, a complex subject.
Here is what I am about to start with, being a tube guy:
Bought the Mark Levinson Madrigal player off flreabay. $600 all in.
Considerably more for the DAC:
https://audiorevelation.com/products/aqua-la-scala-mkii-optologic-dac/
from a dealer who is discontinuing them so a good deal.
I think/hope these will be good starting points, at least. The DAC comes with Telefunken volt-amp and buffer tubes and a few spares of lesser quality. Wish me luck. I will keep you posted. Again, many thanks for your help here.
Cheerio, deepee99 a/k/a/ Dave.




nordicnorm
313 posts
 
The Cambridge Audio CXC (~$450) is pretty highly regarded:
https://www.whathifi.com/cambridge-audio/cxc/review


Edit: Ooops! Just read your last post! Congrats on your find! Update us on your thoughts regarding your new system once it's all set up and burned in.
deepee99's avatar
deepee99 OP
86 posts
 
The Madrigal turned out to be flea-bit. Apparently they all were from the day they were new, on purpose. Long story but google Mark Levinson sometime for a sad history lesson on what Proceed did to him after they took over his company. Fortunately the seller took it back; he knew the history, I didn't. All the newer Oppos have an S/PDIF output and are very reliable. Spend your money on the external DAC.

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