2. digital
  3. 157500-120807

CD Transport to pair with Audio Note DAC 5 - suggestions?

Here's the question: Is there anyone out there with experience with an Audio Note DAC who can recommend a CD Transport that would go well with it? The budget is $3-$4K. There are many fine CDT's out there - I'm looking specifically for one that would complement an Audio Note DAC5. For more background, read on...

I recently bought a used AN DAC5 and in my system and to my ears, it's been nothing short of transformative.
For streaming I paired it with a DCS Network Bridge and I'm very happy with the combo.

For CD's I've been using a TRI CDP as a transport through the DAC5. It sounds really nice - better than expected - but I'm thinking about upgrading to a dedicated transport. The DAC5 just processes Redbook files, so I don't need a CDT that spins SACD or anything else. I'm trying to keep the price under $3-4000 and I'm ok with buying used. 

The Audio Note CDT 3 or even the CDT 2/ii would be a no-brainer for complementing the DAC5 but the price new is way out of budget, and I rarely see them used. 
Jay's Audio CDT2-MK2 - I've read all the positive reviews out there and at under $2500, I'm intrigued. But also have no idea how it would play with the AN DAC.

Any ideas, suggestions?
mpsharkie
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,939 posts
 
Denafrips, which makes highly regarded DACs has come out with a CDT for around $1200.00
https://www.denafrips.com/avatar

All the best,
Nonoise
larryi
4,108 posts
 
All transports have a rather limited life, particularly the lasers, but also the moving parts that have to spin the disc at high speeds.  When buying used, it is hard to determine what remaining life you are purchasing, so I would be a bit hesitant to buy a used transport for the kind of money you are looking to drop, unless there is some assurance that critical parts can be replaced.  Some of the best transport mechanisms, such as Philips CD Pro 2, are no longer made, so if your used machine runs one of those, you need to know if the manufacturer will still supply replacements (some have stocked up on them for servicing customers).

My local Audio Note dealer also sells Lector CD players.  I don't know if he uses the Lector as a transport for Audio Note DACs as well, but, the Lector player sounds quite good and Lector makes a stand-alone transport (it looks like they use the Philips CD Pro 2 transport).  
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

mpsharkie

Cambridge Audio's CXC best bang for buck you'll find. 
https://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/cambridge_cxc_e.html

Cheers George
Ag insider logo xs@2x
scratcha
164 posts
 
Simaudio Moon 260D(T),
Very nice! In your budget also.
letch
111 posts
 
I wish I could speak to your Audio Note DAC. FWIW, I recently I decided to upgrade out of a CDP and go transport and DAC. I bought a used CEC TL5 and bought the Mhdt Orchid. I was trying to elevate my CD's to something approaching my analog front end.  I bought these two components after extensive reading and because both were associated with the idea of an analog-like reproduction scheme. I've heard a lot of various digital attempts over the years but this is easily the most...natural sound I've heard from my CD's. So, seconding the CEC recommendation. 
More to discover