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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
riccitone
219 posts
 

I’m in a similar situation. Have you taken a look at any of the Cayin cd player options? Great builds and designs with a comparably great value proposition.
Also, NuPrime has some great players and transports that can be found within the 1k-2k range.

Based on those I’ve heard before, would have to say +1 for the Pioneer Elite players. Those old PD and DV players are pretty exceptional.

 

Post removed 
tweak1
3,558 posts
 

The PD 65 is OLD and lasers no longer stocked by Pioneer. Better to get something much newer

I replaced it with a gently used Audiolab 6000 CDT, which I've owned for about a year. EXCELLENT! I see them for sale regularly, most likely because the owner failed to provide top coax, power cord, AND vibration devices.

decathlon1991
212 posts
 

tweak1

Not sure where you are looking for lasers. They are the same for most high end CD Players and Transport. Example, Esoteric to name one. Also, I’ve tried the Audiolab 6000. It’s okay at best. It doesn’t stack up to the PD-65 or even the DV-09. Not even close. You should do a real A-B comparison for yourself and see. Don’t take my word or most of the audiophiles out there. Age has nothing to do with the product if it is a good reliable one. On most CD/ Transport players, it’s not the laser that goes bad, it’s the laser cover that gets cloudy and can’t read the disc anymore. Some folks replace the laser instead of repairing the laser cover. Also if the unit is designed and built well, you shouldn’t have to add vibration devices. That was the biggest problem I had with the 6000. For me, the unit needs to disappear when it is playing the music. Imagine if I took someones negative advice about a not keeping or buying Krell KRS200 Monoblock because of its age, 1988 to be exact. I would’ve never kept it without hearing it first.  It can compete with my Boulder amplifier, actually my Boulder amplifier is trying to compete with my Krell. The proof is in the pudding. That Fixed Pure Class A Monster can compete with any modern expensive hi end  amplifier to date. I don’t mind dropping peoples jaw with a demo, lol. 

tweak1
3,558 posts
 

@decathlon1991 

 

the laser is part of the mechanism which was designed for specific products. The mechanism made a screeching sound. Besides that, it only had optical out, which is mediocre

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