Small Form-Factor CD Player/Transport


I'm looking to see what's out there (and available in the US) as far as smaller CD units are concerned. Transport or Player, preferably front-loading, in that c.$1000USD range. Here's a short list of what I've stumbled across, thus far:

  • Pro-Ject CD Box DS*
  • Teac PD-301-X
  • Rega Apollo (but this is top-load, unfortunately)
brian_stabinger

@rogerstaton I am looking at Pro-Ject and Heed CD transports with I2S to connect to my new Holo Audio Spring 3 v2 DAC.

The problem as you noted is the lack of an industry standard protocol. For example my understanding is that Pro-Ject is proprietary and only seems compatible with its sibling DACs.

If true then regrettable. Such an excellent sounding CD transport should have as much universal utility with other brands as is possible. I use my Pro-Ject  RS2T via Spdif to my DAC and it’s splendid.

Charles

Thanks for that Charles. Do you know for a fact that the Pro-Ject RS2T CD transport's I2S output is incompatible with other manufacturer's DACs?

 

@rogerstaton 

Hi, I do not know this for a fact, just anecdotal reports from other Pro-Ject transport owners. No doubt that the U.S. distributor could provide guidance. 

Charles

@charles1dad     I thought I had read specifically in one of the threads on AG about this DAC that Project's I2S is only compatible with Project gear.

@acresverde 

Yes, that’s why I say my information is anecdotal and not officially sourced.

Charles