Suggest Transports that can be Demo'd at home


I'm quite happy with my system (Silverline 17.5 monitors/Wells Majestic integrated/Aqua La Voce II/Jolida JD100 (as transport) but am wondering whether I ought to purchase another transport before they're no longer available.
$3000 would be my limit, budget-wise and longevity is a big concern. Used is OK, as long as unit is M. 

I have two caveats which make this tough-- 1) as a rule, I don't purchase any gear I can't first demo at home and 2)
I'd ideally prefer something made in N. America. Of these two qualifiers, the second is negotiable, but not the first.

I could demo a Bryston BCD-3 from Audio Advisor, but I'm not sure it makes sense to pay for a unit that includes a DAC I won't use. Also, I came across a comment in the Forums that the Bryston has fatiguing highs-- a flaw I particularly abhor. And, it's considerable over my budget. 

The Moon Neo 260D is not, as far as I can tell. possible to audition at home and I read on one of the AGon transport discussion threads that the drawer is flimsy. 

The Jay's Audio products look to be very good but I didn't see anything on their site about a trial period. 

A used PS Audio is a possibility, I guess, although I read that they used Oppo transports, which are no longer being made, so that's a concern from the longevity stand-point. 

 Any other units I should be aware of ??????????????

Thanks. 


stuartk
Wow-- this is an old thread -- I never imagined it would still be drawing suggestions. I guess I should've provided an update a long time ago!  here goes...

I eventually located a shop in Denver that was willing to ship me a Moon 260DT with a return policy and no restocking fee and I ended up keeping it. I had a problem early on with it not reading every CD and had to send it back to Quebec but SimAudio repaired it promptly and I haven't had any other issues. It strikes me as very neutral sounding and seems a very good match with my Aqua La Voce DAC.

If I had to buy a transport today, I might try the new Project or wait for the Schiit but really, I have absolutely no reason to complain about the Moon. 

Well, OK-- one complaint-- the CD drawer is very shallow which makes it harder than I'd prefer for me to remove discs withy my aging, stubby fingers... but that's not a big deal. 


Stuart, thanks for the update. I own the CXC and have considered the Moon 260.
mesch:

I'd heard mixed reviews of the CXC so I went with the Moon. . . and as I described, had an issue soon after purchase!  You just never know...
stuartk

I have enjoyed reading your thread. Good to see that the Moon260T is a fit.  Enjoy the Music!

Happy Listening!