Dedicated CD Transport vs DAC

I would have thought dac in the past. My vinyl rig limited to a rega rp8 so I guess an alright medium quality rig going into vertere stage.

a few years back I bought a project rs2 transport which suddenly took CD to a level on par with my vinyl. I swapped my chord dac for matching rs2 dac connected by IS2 (hdmi) which allows dac to reclock the transport. 
 

straight away it was a no need to mess anymore. The dac also has ability to have valves in the chain but my Luxman class an amp and tannoy speakers bring enough lushness to the game not to bother. I think the cd player top end from marantz/luxman might be simpler but efficient alternatives.

Don,

I bought from Alvin because he helped me along the way with all of my inquiry’s... and besides... I prefer going straight to the source. I’m sure Todd would be fine too.

I have used EAD and PS Audio transports in the past and my Luxman D10x as a transport just prior to purchasing the Jays.

Along the way I have owned Denon,Electrocompaniet,Wadia and the Luxman cd player as well. I think I have a good feel for transports and their contributions as a whole and the Jays is top notch in my book!

I really can’t assume what you may or may not like in your own system... so your choice can be yours only! But if I had to bet the farm on it... the Jays would be a much better transport than the Rotel without question.

I would also not advise you to spend any amount of money if you are not comfortable doing so.

Mark

Since you like vynil onother options is get new SACD player that you can afford. Marantz Ruby SACd player for the price it very good. Only problem they don’t have good tech support after warranty.

Hi Mark,

A big thank you again for your very detailed response!

Clearly, you have experienced a great many of digital’s finest gear. 
It’s great to hear you speak so highly the CDT3mk3 and it helps me feel that it would provide a solid foundation for whichever dac I would end up with now or in the future.  

I agree 100% in not spending more than what you’re comfortable with…hence the reason I’m not looking at $10k transports.  Very sage advice!

Thanks again, very much appreciated!

Best wishes,

Don

What I would think is if you already have a high quality external Dac, why pay for another Dac that is probably has some restrictions or at least design/ cost considerations built in with a new CD player.

Transports are very basic to me. Once you get a decent one in the $3000 range you should be all set. The rest of your sound is all in the DAC.