Looking for comparisons between CD transports
I'm still a disc-spinner, having a pretty large collection of CDs across a range of genres, though mostly classical. About 2 years ago I bought an Audiolab CDT6000 and lived with it for about a month before deciding it wasn't my cup of tea and selling it off. While its clarity and soundstage were impressive, there wasn't sufficient heft to the music, and it seemed to favor the music's component parts rather than portraying a cohesive whole.
I'm considering the Audiolab 9000, the Schiit Urd, and possibly the Primare DD15. That's the budget range I'm comfortable with. (Despite the glowing reviews, Jay's Audio is kind of out or range for me at this point). I'd be grateful to hear opinions on how these transports stack up against each other from those of you who have heard one or more of them. It will be running through a Sonnet Morpheus DAC, if that info is helpful. Thanks!
I thought that, at this point, it might be helpful to list the rest of my system in hopes that it may provide some insight into which player(s) would best complement it. Modwright KWI 200 integrated Ryan R610 standmount speakers, REL S/2 sub Sonnet Morpheus DAC Cambridge Audio CXU Power conditioning: Furman Elite 15 PFi, Core Power Technology Deep Core 1800 Audience AU24 SE speaker cables, Audience Studio 1 jumpers, Cerious Technology Graphene Matrix XLRs (DAC to amp). Hope this is useful. |
I took a look at your Sonnet Morpheus DAC and noticed it doesn’t have a HDMI i2s input so you don’t need a CDT that has one. Knowing that, I’d like to refer you to this Audiophiliac video from Steve Guttenberg,
He goes onto say that comparing Coax and Toslink of the TEAC to a Jay’s Audio CDT2 Mk3, it was a toss up and only when using the Jay’s HDMI input did the Jay’s pull way ahead. It does cost more than the SMSL I mentioned earlier but Steve feels it's a very well made CDT. Hope this helps and good luck with your search. All the best, |
Stating the obvious in such cases can’t hurt. The most reliable way to determine what you prefer in terms of sonics is to listen for yourself, in your room. There are a number of online vendors that offer home trials /return policies, such as: https://www.safeandsoundhq.com/products/teac-vrds-701t-70th-anniversary-cd-transport
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I bought a Jay's Audio transport around a year ago, second hand from The Music Room as a replacement for the CXC that I was happy with until the drawer began acting up.I did not expect the leap in sound quality that ensued.The hype turned out to be real. The company has the lasers and transport mechanisms in stock and they can be easily switched out at home if the need arises.I'm extremely happy with mine. Unless you're dead set against it, buying a used unit from a reputable seller is very affordable. |
@jtcf -Did you purchase a replacement CD Pro laser assembly? They are no longer being made, and that's the part of an excellent CD transport that will poop-out over time. David |
