Resolving CD Transports Crowd Sourcing

After my Theta Data Basic burned out and Theta could not provided a replacement mechanism, I investigated a large number of transports. I was disappointed to find that most transport/player manufacturers rely on outsourced mechanisms (mostly from Philips and Sony) like Theta did and have the same issues with non-repairability in the future. I couldn’t find a manufacturer who was willing to retrofit new mechanisms into their older transport/players, so in my mind, they became disposable units. I bought a used Simaudio 260DT (transport only) in part because I was led to believe that they make their own mechanisms. My hope is that if they change their mechanism they would make them backward compatible (time will tell).

I have really enjoyed my Simaudio 260DT. No issues after 2 years. It is so much better than my old Theta that the burnout was a blessing in disguise.

I have a Jay's-Audio CD2-MK III transport.  It replaced a 47-Labs Flatfish/dumpty psu and it was certainly an upgrade sonically.  The CDT2 is a well-built and put together transport and after some break-in has been great.  I wanted one last product so that despite my having a great music-server, I do love on occasion to spin up some of my old favorite CD's, or if an audiophile friend brings over a CD that I don't have.  The CDT3 was not yet released and while I may have waited for it if I'd have known, I really couldn't see spending much more for occasional CD listening.  All this said, and after break-in and extensive listening, I prefer music played from my Innuos ZENith MK-III to the same DAC that I feed from the CDT2., and that includes streamed music from QoBuz from the ZENith server.  I have not heard CD's played from the Jay's CDT3 and I'm sure it would be better sounding than the CDT2, however I'm pleased with my digital system for my needs as is.  If I had to choose one digital source, I would definitely choose the ZENith music server over a CD transport.  Good luck in your hunt for a great CD transport !  

I ordered the Schiit Urd transport. Schiit will let me return up to 15 days, so it’s a good place to start auditioning. If decide to keep it, the unit has up to a 5 year warranty (2 years on the drive mechanism).

Like the Pro-Ject CD Box, the Urd uses the Stream Unlimited CD PRO-8 with the integrated Blue Tiger servo. Another thing/feature I like about the Urd is it is optimized for USB, which is what my DAC manufacturer recommends (Musetec Audio (LKS Audio) MH-DA005 ES9038). And yes, both the DAC and Urd are UAC2 compatible. Additionally, I currently have my Aurender N200 running to the DAC via USB, and the Urd has an additional networking feature (Unison USB Hub) that will let me keep this connection.

As others have said, it ships,"sometime in October."

David

@liquidsound 

Sounds like a winner. What DAC are you running?

David

@sealegs 

I am going to audition the Simaudio 260DT. The fit and finish looks fabulous. As mentioned previously, I am concerned about the transport mechanism failures that others have reported.

David