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Transport to replace my cd player

Hi Gang,I could use some advice on CD transports. I just bought a new audio-gd 7HE 2020 DAC and think the CD player I have been using as a transport may be a bottleneck in my 2 channel system. The CD player is a Cambridge Azur 851 with upgraded blue fuses and a Synchro-mesh reclocker which has been OK but I think I may get good improvement with a dedicated transport. What do you think? The rest of my system consists of a VPI Classic 4 TT, McIntosh452 amp, a McIntosh C2600 preamp and the new DAC. Admittedly I have no experience with a dedicated Transport but based on reviews only these are the transports I'm considering: Cambridge CXC, Audiolab 6000CDT, Primare DD15 and DD35, Denafrips Avatar, McIntosh MCT 450 and MCT500 and finally the JAY's audio current transport. Have you experienced any of these? Which if any would you recommend?Thanks in advance,Joe
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nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,012 posts
 
There's also the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 transport. It's made with input by some the of guys who developed the original Philips transports still being used.
https://www.stereonet.co.uk/news/pro-ject-cd-box-rs2-t-high-end-cd-transport-announced

Steve Guttenberg gave it a listen and preferred it over the Jays transport. It's not cheap but as long as this field of recommendations is widening, It thought I'd add this to the mix.

All the best,
Nonoise
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,288 posts
 
The transport in the azur 851c is the same transport used in the cxc.  The casework is more solid on the Azur 851c.


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donpepe OP
30 posts
 
@nonoise I couldn't find much in terms of reviews on the Pro-ject and it's more $ compared to Jay's, so I'm leaning towards Jay's. @b_limo My digital rig sounds way better with the new DAC and the Cambridge as a transport. I'm excited about what a good (better) transport might bring to the party.  Maybe I'll go to hell with myself and get a pair of REL's.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,638 posts
 
I'll give you a review on the Pro-Ject CDBox RS2 T.
I just unboxed it. Love at first play.
Can't compare since I sold my last CD player last week in a flash.
All I know for sure is that I got it for about the same $ as Jay's cheapest.
New Sota transport design instead of 20 year old tech.
AND it plays SACDs.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,012 posts
 
@fuzztone,
Great to hear. I didn't know it plays SACDs which is a big bonus.
Is the deal you got a one off or can anyone get it for a similar price?

I can't get one just yet but it's nice to know it's more affordable than when it first came out. 

All the best,
Nonoise
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