BEST CD TRANSPORT

This is a very good thread. Lots of very good information on CD transports, without any of the usual snarky (a $16 eBay DVD player is just as good) comments from certain forum participants.

If someone is interested on a CD transport (digital output only), but, with additional added functionality, I would recommend the T+A MP 200. It is a streamer (and Roon Ready certified endpoint), and a radio (FM, HD, and more).

These questions get so boring and routine. But okay, from what I have actually heard and spent any time with, Esoteric P1X. Also heard it with the Rubidium Clock and that made improvements but is not made anymore. But Esoteric has an all new in house designed/ built PIX Clock that I have not heard, but will assume is an improvement. I don’t know exact prices but at these price levels improvements don’t come cheap and you have to decide value here. Personally, if I had the disposable cash I probably would buy it. Keep in mind also the technology in the P!X Clock was filtering down into all there SACD players b-4 the P!X was available. I think.  Not to mention I can't wait to hear the new turntable.  I have listened to the Limited edition Naim and for the price; table, tonearm, cartridge, preamp, and dual power supply is I guess a sort of bargain in this sector of the market.

I think equipment should be rated according to price ranges.  For those that cannot/will not spend top money on something, it could be most helpful to rate items according to price ranges — bang for bucks — rather than simply “best I ever heard”.  

The two players I currently use as CD Transports are REALLY not bad as CD Players either...

(1) Sony BDP-S2000ES

A true ES unit, no SACD, coax opt. digital outputs Great transport AND standalone CD player, Slow loading gen 1.5 Blu Ray player, but worth the wait.

(2) Harman Kardon CD-990

Coax/opt outs, also RCA / XLR analog outputs w twin internal AKM dacs. Suggest sound deadening of (under) top cover with Dyna-mat or Kilmat. Refined rendition of the classic HK sound signature (as a transport) after mod. Also capable of being used as a DAC (has digital inputs).

I won’t say these are giant killers, but they ARE a bit surprising as CD transports.

They have replaced an OPPO UDP-203 AND a Sony UBP-X1000ES used as transports in my rack; into a Schiit Gungnir Multibit A2 DAC.

thaluza

PM sent.  Happy Listening!