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CD Transports

Greetings. I am setting up a second system for the basement and am using a 1978 Sherwood receiver. At first I was going to just use the turntable with it and play the tuner occasionally but then thought I'd like to play some CDs. In my main system I have a Rega Apollo R hooked up to an Exogal Comet/Ion. Clearly I don't need the DAC in the Rega so I reasoned that it may be better to transfer the unit to the basement and get a transport, namely the Cambridge Audio CXC, for the upstairs primo set-up. Does that sound reasonable? The CD format is moribund so I don't see the point of getting a top dollar one--most of my CDs are ripped on the laptop and I just kept some rare European favorites. I was also tempted to buy a 1995 Marantz CC 45 5-CD player for the basement, but it is probably not such a great performer. Do I reason correctly that the CXC is my best option? I think the DAC in their Topaz player is not as good but that sounds like a decent player too. Thanks for advice. rt
128x128rtorchia
bobauch
28 posts
 
 I have had the Audiolab CDT for several months. Can't recommend it enough. One of the best audio purchases I've made.
    A friend of mine has the Cambridge CXC. He is considering replacing it with the Audiolab and moving the CXC to another setup.
No issues with it; mainly aesthetics are at play as much as anything .
 
rtorchia's avatar
rtorchia OP
138 posts
 
Audiolab CDT it is. The Marantz HD was tempting but why get the DAC when I'm fine with the Exogal Comet? The CXC is probably fine but too many issues for some. I like the idea that the CDT is simple, stripped down to basics and apparently sounds great.

For the record the Sherwood didn't work out for my second system so I ended up with Adcom GFA 545 II amp and GFP 565 preamp, for which I will use the Rega Apollo R. It wasn't worth having the tuner because I can't get the single jazz/classical station in my rural area without some big antenna. To me streaming kills FM but those old receivers are very cool.

Thanks all! rt
gavman's avatar
gavman
138 posts
 
Buy whichever Esoteric unit matches your budget.
I recently acquired the P03 - D03, and combined with Entreq grounding it is superb
krell_fan1's avatar
krell_fan1
100 posts
 
See if you can get your hands on a used PS Audio DMP transport on you’ll find yourself spinning discs again. It’s glorious as it reveals data and information you never knew was there. 
skiroe's avatar
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skiroe
131 posts
 
I have 3 vintage transports all with Philips mechanisms the CDM9 being arguably the end of the better quality built mechanisms.   PS Audio Lambda is in my main system w/CDM9 pro.   Museatex  CD-D/Philips CDM1mkii, in bd,   and a Rotel RDD 980/CDM9 .   The Rotel is available and is listed on US Audio Mart for 199 plus shipping.  It includes a essentially new remote .    Ive had this Rotel for at least 10 yrs as a back up.  Not used much at all.   Quiet running and made back in the 90's when these companies were out trying to outdo each other for entry level high end.      
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