CD transports


I recently started running my CD player ( Luxman D380) through my external DAC and have found a significant sonic improvement.  I wonder if I would achieve further improvement in sound quality if I traded in the Luxman and bought a dedicated CD transport ( price range 3-4 K ).

Has anyone gone down that rabbit hole?

mdrone

@mdrone:

In fact, this "rabbit hole" has been extensively discussed. Search the archives.

I compared the Pro-ject CD Box RS2T transport to my Simaudio 260DT transport and in my system (Wells Majestic integrated /Silverline SR 17.5 monitors/Aqua La Voce 2 DAC) the Pro-ject offered noticeably more detail.  

Only you can judge whether a separate transport is worth the investment and this can only be determined by you listening to transports in your system.  

Besides the Pro-ject, other brands to look into are: Jay's, CEC, Cambridge and, as mentioned, Simaudio. 

Good luck! 

Thanks for the tips.  One of the Pro-ject dealers warned me about quality issues with the Pro-ject transports.  He has had 4 defective units and is planning to drop them as a result.  Wonder if anyone else has heard similar complaints.

You might get better focus in the responses if you named your DAC.  

Nevertheless I'll give the answer you don't want to hear.  Rather than tie yourself to an outdated technology, perhaps it's time to rip your CD collection and stream your music to your DAC.  It can easily be less expensive and provide better, or comparable SQ.  You can then control your music from a phone or pad.

Sure, no problem.  Its a Bricasti M3.  My amplifier Leben CS600, and Speakers DeVore O93.

I think you should keep the Luxman. I have the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 Transport and it has added significantly to the enjoyment of my CD collection, however I would think your Luxman would sound just as good.