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CD transports; do they really matter

In my pursuit of total sonic harmony, I have been investigating whether a CD transport ( to replace my bulky and aged Luxman CD player ) would be a good option.  I had an interesting conversation with the manufacturers rep of a respected brand regarding his companies CD transport.  He basically said its all in the DAC, the transport, as long as its not a cheap component, does not make much or any difference. So, I ask does it really matter?

mdrone
noske
783 posts
 

@stuartk Yes, exactly, you got it. I’d encourage people to follow this advice.. Its just prudent and common sense.

My own CDP (Rega Saturn) has some DAC in it that was state of the art at the time - in 2008. It is very good, as it happens.

Chucked on a basic no frills Topping DAC and hello better everything.

Due to geography I can’t do a like with like comparison with a transport right now, but I certainly aim to do so before parting with over about USD$3,000 for a Pro-Ject transport.

mdrone OP
125 posts
 

Yes I've already run my CD player via my Bricasti DAC.  Sounds better but not that much impact which leads me to wonder if the issue is the transport in the Luxman ( or my digital cord).

mdrone OP
125 posts
 

BTW; has anyone tried the Bel Canto CD transport. Looks reasonably priced but few reviews on it.

tweak1
3,668 posts
 

Audiolab 6000CDT has a buffer which helps considerably MSRP ~ $700

noske
783 posts
 

Sounds better but not that much impact which leads me to wonder if the issue is the transport in the Luxman ( or my digital cord).

Issues with CDP are usually always mechanical, not electrical. Like, due to any number of reasons they fail which may manifest in skipping, getting stuck etc which you may find sometimes happens "normally" with a defective or dirty CD.

Yeah, so look elsewhere as you suggest like some robust cabling. I understand that 75 ohm coax should be at least 1.5 meters - about 5 feet. No, I don’t understand either when normally shorter is better.

Or perhaps some hardware aspects of your CDP have deteriorated with age which affect the digital signal.

The Technics CDP I mentioned is unlistenable probaly due to dodgy soldering or whatever with age and poor storage, and not just because of the antique internal DAC. Haven’t tried an external DAC with it, I didn’t look for digital out. I doubt it somehow, but I might be surprised.

Anyway, "better" is a good start - as I said with mine, better (lower noise floor, better filtering, any jitter figured out etc), as it was already pretty good. That’s all.. Not for one nano-second do I trust anyone who says the earth moves with a component change - something else must be fundamentally weak.

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