CD Transport Suggestions
 

I know I’m running against the trend, but after ripping over 1000 CDs (and about 30 SACDs) and serving them through Roon, I miss the physical album-by-album experience I get with my vinyl. So I’m looking for a solid CD transport.

I have a Directstream JR DAC, so would like opinions on a good match. I’m thinking Cambridge CXC, NuPrime CDT8, or Marantz HD-CD1 (as a transport). Others that would be a good fit? I’d like to keep it around/under $1k.

With Oppo out of the picture, it’s hard to find something that does SACDs in that price range (Arcam, Denon, Panasonic?). It’d be a ‘nice-to-have’, but maybe not a deal breaker to go without SACD. It’d have to be great at RedBook and I’d probably run CDs through the Directstream and SACDs analog (The PS Audio Direct Memory Player is NOT in the budget right now!)

Thoughts?

Though it doesn't do SACD's the Nuprime is I2S compatible with the DS Jr. and works great. The upsampling engine is just a bonus. I also own an HD-CD1 and much prefer the Nuprime.

Jeffnesh.......You may want to look at the Simaudio MOON Neo 260D transport. I use mine with the Schitt Audio Yggdrasil Analog 2 DAC. It is a remarkable transport that sounds excellent.


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4721/...934337cf_b.jpg

PSAudio direct stream memory player? Listening to it as we speak, and it is superb. Out of the price range, but fantastic, and fantastic synergy with your DAC.

THAT is good to know, and after some searching today, bumps the NuPrime to the top of the list.

Thanks

I bet. But way out of the price range. Someday...

Another vote for the Moon 260.
A marvelous sounding and robust unit.

Before purchasing my 260, I purchased the Cambridge CXC as a “transition” unit.
Was not impressed with the performance + it died 14 months into service.
It was repaired (slowly) under warranty, but sold shortly upon return. Not in the same league as the 260, IMHO.

If I were to get a dedicated transport today, I would save up and go for the Simaudio MOON Neo 260D and not look back. I currently have the Cambridge CXC. It is a good unit for the price point, though by no means great. I have compared it A/B to TIDAL HiRes streaming in my system, and it clearly beats that. I agree with the characterization of it being a “transition” transport. It also has the major limitation of being a redbook only transport. Not a huge deal because most CDs are redbook in my collection. However I do have a few CD-Rs it cannot play, that I have not been able to enjoy with it. It is super affordable, but definitely not in the league of the others. Because of system configuration preferences, I will next upgrade to a CD player, and will hopefully offload my CXC in silver soon. It’s in good running shape. If you’re interested in it for a transition unit, just send me a PM. For me, it is an adequate “placeholder” for the price. From your initial requirements, it does not sound like the CXC would be your endgame player, with its limitations, though.

For that money, I would look at used Meridians and Thetas.