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CD Transport Question

I've recently acquired a Naim NAC 272 which I'm using as a pre-amp, streamer and DAC. I really like the Naim sound.

I have hundreds of CDs and am contemplating purchasing a single CD Transport. The brick and mortar store where I purchased the used NAC 272 told me the Naim CD options do not have the appropriate connections to be used solely as a transport. He also sold Rega, but said that brand didn't "play well" with the NAC 272. His suggestions were the Marantz 6007 run in digital-out mode and/or the Cambridge Audio CXC v2 (or even the AXC35 or Yamaha CD-303). His thought was I only need to purchase for the transport itself as the DAC in the NAC 272 will be superior to any DACs found in CD players [otherwise] up to $2,000. 

In my research, other options I've seen of mention are the: Denon DCD-900NE; Audiolab 6000CDT; LEAK CDT; NAD C568; Roksan Attessa CD; Rotel CD14 MKII; CEC TL5; and the Yamaha CDS1000. 

Can you share your experiences or thoughts with any of these Transports [or Players with Digital-out to bypass the CD unit's internal DACs]? Do some of the lesser priced models have the same laser and other CD moving parts where the higher priced options from those manufacturers are simply being poured into the DAC? Are there others I should consider at or under $1,200? I've read sufficient comments suggesting I should not purchase a CD transport or player used. If there's a transport [used] that might be an exception, however, please do share that info as well.

Many thanks. 

northbeach
soix
8,775 posts
 

I have hundreds of CDs and am contemplating purchasing a single CD Transport.

I wouldn’t do that. In this day and age IMHO you’re much better off buying a server where you can just load all your CDs into it, hook it up to your NAIM via its digital out and just don’t bother with spinning individual discs anymore, which really seems silly at this point especially when you’re used to streaming and there are excellent viable alternatives that’ll let you have access to all your music from your chair in any order (or playlists) you wish. An Innuos Zen Mini Mk3 is right near your price range (or less used) that you can just load all your CDs into via it’s own disc drive, hook it up to your NAIM via digital interconnect and you’re done — no more spinning individual discs.  And you can add their linear power supply later for a significant sonic upgrade for about $500 used. You might even find with the upgraded LPS and the Zen Mini you prefer it for streaming versus the NAIM and just use the NAIM for a DAC. So many options. FWIW, and best of luck.

https://www.tweekgeek.com/zen-mini-mk3/

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,203 posts
 

I have the 6000 CDT and it works great. Good remote to. The only thing I did was change the power cord.

All the best.

jl35
3,938 posts
 

Always liked the CXC, even with higher end DAC’s...CXC V1 and V2 are sonically identical, just different color to match newer Cambridge gear...I've bought these used and also factory refurb direct from Cambridge, never a problem

jkeitel's avatar
jkeitel
16 posts
 

+1 for the 6000 CDT and upgraded power cord

paul_lindemann's avatar
paul_lindemann
41 posts
 

Two recommendations -

1. The Cambridge CD Transport is very good - not super great, but at $700 very good and competitive with many transports and better than the Leak/Audio Lab (IMO)

2.  The Cyrus looks like junk - but it is wholly capable and then some.  Mario of Music Room will get you 15-20% off and ship for free.  I own both, and the Cyrus is the real deal.

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