New, Very Interesting CD Transport

I didn’t mean CDs don’t spin at differing rates - but a constant velocity as you mentioned. A different velocity from SACDs and Video disc playback. The drive is optimized for Redbook playback. The laser is optimized for Redbook playback. The power supply is optimized for the CLV of Redbook playback.

I didn’t say DSD wasn’t a plus as a format. Just that when you are working at Redbook optimization the multiple lasers, tracking angle, speeds and extra cost are not a plus to include a SACD dirve in a Redbook CD Transport.

@creativepart 

I heard other great reviews of the Audiolab CDT6000 in the same price range as the CXC. So, taking a bit of a risk I bought a used one of those, too. I really like the CXC but the CDT6000 is just that little bit better.

These two models are on the used market for between $300 and $400. You owe it to yourself to try one - don't be a bits is bits guy proud of his $16  purchase on eBay. Don't be someone with zero actual knowledge how good your CDs can sould and then tell others that it's crazy to spend more on something designed to do a much better job doing a single job as perfectly as possible.

Salient points. I know that some listeners report  hearing no difference between a very cheap player/transport and  higher end versions. If that is their  experience, who am I to argue with them ? They  have  saved themselves considerable money. This just has not been the case in my experience. Consistently  better built, better engineered and designed CD transports sound significantly better in my listening experience.

I have also observed (As cited above)  that the higher quality better sounding  transports are dedicated CD only rather than a jack of all trades multi format approach. So again, it depends on what someone is trying to accomplish.

Charles

Looks nice for the price compared to the competition by Cambridge, Audiolab and Pro-Ject.

In a interesting sort of way it reminds me of an ’upgraded’ portable CD player with much better chassis and internals.

I like it.

Bits are bits. Wires are wires. No difference in the sound of any turntable(s) because they all just spin an album. Someone stated a Sony Walkman portable CD player running on batteries is the best CD player for his audio system. All amps sound the same. What’s the truth, who knows?... we just take the ride.

JasonBourne71

I don't think you've been at this longer than me at all I've been doing this for over 40 years and if you think of $16 transport is going to be an esoteric transport you better get your head examined and get your ears checked cuz you're totally clueless if you think that every transport sounds the same so tell me what your system is and I'll tell you what mine is, mine is worth 72,000 and I guarantee you it'll kick the crap out of your system if you're using $16 transports lol give your head a shake buddy you know absolutely squat.