Audiolab 6000cdt or Simaudio Moon 260DT (transport only)

Interesting question.  There are so many opinions on transports ranging from "they're all the same- bits are bits" to "a better transport with a cheaper dac will outperform a poor transport and a better dac."  I've owned several excellent CD players in the 5k-10k range, but the Cambridge CXC is the first transport I've owned.  I bought it refurbished on Ebay for about $350 and I would highly recommend it if you can get it at that price.  I have no experience with other transports, but a number of people with ears I respect have touted the sonic superiority of the better transports, so I don't think you would be wasting your money if you bought a Moon or a Jay's or whatever.  That said, as you have no frame of reference, it might be more fun to go with the CXC or Audiolab in order to establish a sonic baseline and then later move up the chain.  I think either transport is capable of letting you enjoy your dac to a high degree and you can upgrade later. Just don't forget you also need a good digital cable.  

Splurge on the SimMoon.  The Audiolab sounds good but there have been some reports of problems with the slot loader.

Hi @grover30,
IMO a high quality transport is worth pursuing as they do matter sonically. In addition to the Sim Audio Moon I’d recommend considering a used PS Audio Perfect Wave Transport and the Jays Audio CDT2 new/used . A good transport will exploit the sonic potential of a good DAC such as your MDHT. I wouldn't cut corners when buying a CD transport.
Charles