Transport Help

I agree the CDM-9 transport on the 970BX was excellent in its day, so the rumor your heard should be ignored. The Studio quality all metal transport on the Rotel RCD-990 was the same basic design, with aluminum instead of plastic tray, etc, etc.

The audio note dac zero could be considered. I have heard some very good things about it in it's price range. You should be able to get a used/demo for around $500

For $500 check out the Theta Data or the Monarchy DT40. These are universal transports (play various sizes of CD's and LD's) and work extremely well. Both are based on high end Japanese players (Sony and Phillips, Japan) that were re-worked by their respective "manufacturers". Note that both are large, heavy pieces.

Before you buy another transport, you might try using the monarchy DIP - you can buy it with a money back guarantee from audio advisor or pick up used ones here for about $125. It made a big difference in my digital front (marantz cd63 and theta processor)

I have used a Marantz CD94 as a transport for many years and have been very satisfied. However, I have always used an Audio Alchemy DTI or DTI pro with it. I believe the Marantz uses a Phillips cdm9 mechanism. I have not heard your Rotel but I did briefly own a Rotel RCD 990 and it was very inferior to the Marantz. THe Theta Data Basic is one of the best tranports I have heard at any price, however I would inquire about service before buying. I currently use an Aiwa xc37 changer in one system. The Aiwa is very close to the Marantz but it costs $89 and can be modified into something even better. I also have a Parasound CBT 2000 which is much better than Marantz or Rotel, but not quite as good as Theta Data Basic. My advice would be to try a jitter reduction device, unless you get the Theta.