Bang For Your Buck Best Value CD Transport

I once owned the Audio Alchemy pro transport, I think the last one they made. It had a separate power supply and a Pioneer turntable. Sounded great with the DACs I paired it with. Only thing different was the CD was played shiney side up. If I were looking for a transport on a serious budget this would be my first choice. If you could fine in nice condition it would be a great value.

I've found the EAD cd players and dedicated transports to be very good. They are Pioneer-based transports.

I have an older Sony X55ES weights in at 33lbs. copper chassis. separate Power supply for digitial and analog. built like a tank, makes a great transport.

I have the answer, but it would take too long to get.

The Aiwa XC-37M or 35M as modded by STan Warren, but will take probably 6 months to get done.

The unmodded aiwa was compared favorably to an $8k Wadia, so the mod is excellent in the way it takes the LED optical sender out of the unit and lets you connect it to the optical in of the DAC.

I am familiar with the Aiwa. I've heard it is best for Delta/Sigma DACs like MSB and Bel Canto with a Toslink.