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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!

 

 

cooper52
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,693 posts
 

https://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-88-teac-vrds-701t-cd-transport

I have had this a little over a week.  It is phenomenal. 

ghdprentice
6,807 posts
 

@oddiofyl

 

Congratulations, looks like a very good transport.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,693 posts
 

Thanks !  I am loving it.    Major step forward from a universal player as a transport.   Wish I did it a while back but life, kids, college, etc kept budget in check.   I did have one dedicated transport years ago, it was an Audio Alchemy based on a Sony CD drive.  It sounded good but didn't live very long.   

It's the closest I'll get to an Esoteric and there's a lot of trickle down technology in there.   Hopefully it'll be my last player for a long time.  

benzman's avatar
benzman
401 posts
 

I just installed a 701t to go with the T+A Dac 200. Kills my streaming setup which I thought was pretty good. Black background. Tone and definition. As oddiofyl mentioned this is a a leap from the Oppo 103 that I had “tried out” with the Dac 200.  
I really don’t have anything to compare it to in its price range but pretty damn happy. I do find myself listening to much more of the cd vs skipping around while streaming. Only on the 3rd day but it’s been on repeat for 48 hrs. Loving it so far!!

ghdprentice
6,807 posts
 

If your transport sounds better than streaming it is the fault of the streamer. 
 

Skipping around with streaming generally means a lack of musicality in your system somewhere… typically lack of mid-range bloom and PRaT. My system more than once edged over there. Now my streamers have me glued to music I never thought I would listen to. I accidentally play the wrong thing and will usually end up listen to it. 

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