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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
reubent
6,978 posts
 
@deepee99,

True, the Oppo's all have digital outputs that you can use with a DAC. The Oppo's are generally listed as being about best-in-class at their respective price points (and above). However, the Oppo's are all/multi-format players. Most of the cost in the unit is in support of all of those functions, formats, etc. Get one if you want a quality multi-format player that will also play nicely with an external DAC.

However, your original post was regarding a "non-DAC" CD player, which I take to mean a CD Transport. If it is a CD Transport you want/need, why pay for all of that additional functionality, formats, etc.? A dedicated CD transport, like the Cambridge CXC, will likely sound as good (or better), will likely load faster (since it doesn't have to spend the time figuring out what kind of disk you've inserted) and will cost less (new retail is now only $459).

Good Luck in your quest......
deepee99's avatar
deepee99 OP
86 posts
 
@reubent
Actually, the Oppo BDP-103 has a dedicated "pure audio" circuit, whatever that means, selectable from the remote. However, I am learning towards the Cambridge as a stand-alone.
The Aqua La Scala is a true work of art, as it ought to be, given the $5k-plus price. The 12AT7s in it aren't mere buffers; they're actually the voltage amps, so good tube quality is essential of course. But the workmanship is nonpariel and could make even the lamest of transports sound fantastic. Plus I like the variety of inputs.
At any rate, thanks for the info.

schubert
7,386 posts
 
CXC is by FAR best buy on market.
Just got one, with my Rein Audio X-DAC noise level is non-existent.
Now i know what Jitter is, or rather was .
reubent
6,978 posts
 
@schubert - quick questions. My local dealer carries the Cambridge CXC, but I haven't sat down to play with it. How is the load time? Super fast? What do you think of the build quality? I know it's only $450, so I'm not expecting audio jewelry. But having a nice look/feel is of secondary importance to me.

I'm not in the market for a CD Transport at the moment. However, I may be in the near future. 
schubert
7,386 posts
 
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 . 
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