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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
decathlon1991
220 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
3,655 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

decathlon1991
220 posts
 

@tweak1 

Are you sure you’re talking about the same units. Last I checked both the Pioneer Elite PD-65 and the DV-09 have the option of Coaxial as well as Optical Outputs. I use mine with my Chord Dave DAC. You may be talking about their other models that are Pioneer instead of the Pioneer Elite. See attached.

 

 

 

tweak1
3,655 posts
 

IM POSITIVE IT WAS A PD65

Ag insider logo xs@2x
luiluiag
6 posts
 

I’ve had many CD players in my system, Krell, Melody, Mark Levenson, Audio Research, DCS, etc, but for me, the best one I actually kept, and will keep, is the Esoteric X-01 D2. Granted, not everyone can afford a 20K player (the new model tops 30K), but I got this used for 4.3K (10 year old discontinued model) in excellent condition. I never thought digital could sound as good as my analog system (Gyrodec/SME 5/Atlas/BAT/Vendetta phono/home brew SE EL34 amp/ Focal, among others). The transport is unique, built like a tank, and is as good as it gets, and there are 2 pairs of DACs (fully balanced) one pair for PCM and one pair for DSD with options to convert between each other. Most original owners who spend the big bucks for equipment like this, take very good care of their prize possessions. So if you can find one at a reasonable price, It may very well have been babied. BTW if you are considering loading all your CDs onto a HD/server, for convenience,  you will probably have to deal with occasional drop outs, etc. while playing, even with top notch equipment.

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