Alesis masterlink arrived

I go record out of my Ayre K1x preamp via Oritek X-2 interconnects into a Wadia 17 AD converter then XLR digital via Yammamura Millenium digital cable to the digital in on the Masterlink. This is far and away better than simply going analog in on the Masterlink. I get recordings from vinyl that are superiour sounding to most any commercially bought CDs.

Do any of you owners have a feel for how good the Masterlink would be as one's primary CD transport? I.e., is it a good transport sonically and in terms of the user experience (remote, ease of use, responsiveness, etc.)

I used a Masterlink as a transport for a while with great results. However, mine was modified by Paul Weitzel at TRL who uses a Masterlink for mix downs of recordings he makes. According to Paul the analog inputs and outputs are the weak links of this unit. Digital in and out is the way to go.

For $750 Paul will modify a Masterlink and take it to another level altogether.

I bought a modded unit from Balanced Power Technology. It makes phenomenal recordings. I have recorded some of the new very high resolution discs - XRCD24 and K2HD - and they dubs sound even better than the stunning original recordings.

The modded unit I have is a very nice CD player. The hard drive probably sounds a little better than the disc drive, but both sound excellent. I also have a Meridian G08 CD player. The Alesis unit does not have the air and delicacy of the Meridian though.

I purchased a Masterlink to use for LP archival. Currently my turntable is down, so I haven't had the opportunity to use it for that purpose. I compared the Masterlink, playing a CD to the same CD played on my Esoteric DV-50. No contest there. The Esoteric was better in every regard.

I sent my Masterlink to a modifier to be hotrodded. He sent it back and UPS destroyed it. It was shipped in the original manufacturer's double boxed carton, suspended inside in the original foam. The box came back crushed and torn. Upon inspecting the unit, there was no external damage at all but the player was dropped sooooo hard that the insides were shaken loose.

UPS refused to honor the claim, stating that the packaging did not meet UPS guidelines. I've never been offered any info by UPS regarding packaging guidelines. Additionally, as the player was not externally damaged, it is my contention that the packaging did its job perfectly. However, regardless of how well packed a player is, it can still be dropped hard enough to do internal damage regardless of guidelines.

I'm really wishing the claims person would send me his player packed to UPS specs so I could destroy it for him. I think it's only fair. I turned the player in to UPS claims and more than a month has gone by and I still don't have any word on when I will see it again.