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looking for the best cd transport only, without dac

I have a Hegel H160 with inbuilt DAC and I'm looking for cd transport recommendation for $1000 or so. I have Harbeth SHL5 + and like an open and transparent sound. I've considered PS Audio PWT and other used options. I'm currently using my $75 Sony bluray player for transport and surprised how good it sounds. I've auditioned transports like Marantz and Cambridge. Options like Primare and Audionote I have't been able to listen to, the latter ones used to get closer to price point. There is also the Oppo 203, but wonder about quality of sound sacrifices in jack of all trades box? When I have compared the few transports I've tried the sound quality differences were quite subtle. So have people here done some serious comparisons of sound quality of just transports and have any great recommendations? Thanks
ckharbeth
ckharbeth OP
8 posts
 
This is where my query came from. After comparing the Neo and CXC I wondered if there was something beyond the CXC that would sound much better, more transparent etc.? And not cost much more than $1000, new or used. The PWT seems the closest option I've seen mentioned in this thread that some feel sounds noticeably better than the CXC. All of this subject to interpretation of course. 
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
"it doesn’t read directly off the disc"

- are there any transports that lack a buffer??
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
To the folks saying a transport makes a difference, please show us the double-blinded listening tests and the sample size.

Manf.s will make things that sell - if audiophiles suddenly develop a fetish for bubinga wood, it will be added to components whether it matters for SQ or knot.

OTOH, there is no reason NOT to get a CXC, unlike wasting money on toxic liquid metal cables.
acman3
4,176 posts
 
I agree the PWD is the best transport I have had.  The cost is down due PS Audio bringing out a new model, and the market is currently flooded.  

Only small issue is the drawer freezes occasionally, but it is easy to free up.

I have not heard the CXC or Sim.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,516 posts
 
As a result of this discussion, I’ve ordered the Cambridge CXC transport to go with my Gungnir Multibit DAC.  The Gungy sounds quite good with an Oppo 105D Blu-ray player I use as a transport.
 But I’m hoping the CXC will make a significant improvement.
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