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Best transport for USD500

I am looking for a player to serve primarily as a transport (using the coax digital out) hooked to an external DAC (perhaps to a Bel Canto DAC 1.1/MSB Link DAC III). Within my budget, I have shortlisted the following from what is available to me:
- Arcam CD72T
- Marantz CD 6000 OSE LE
- Shanling CDS100 (aka Music Hall CD25)
- NAD C541i
- Cambridge Audio D500SE
Does any one have experience with any of these players+the BC/MSB? Would appreciate inputs based on experience. Any other suggestions are also very welcome.
Thanks and cheers
jitterbug

Showing 2 responses by joe_b

joe_b
421 posts
 
The Parasound would only be available used, as it has been discontinued. Probably best source would be here at A'gon. Sorry I was half asleep last night and forgot to mention that I have also gotten decent results using a Sony SCD-C555ES as a transport. This is available new for $600. However, there is a model C222ES that supposedly uses the same transport mechanism that sells for $400. You might even find you like the sound of the Sony's as well as your dac.
joe_b
421 posts
 
I would second the Parasound recommendation above. Haven't heard the Meridian, but have heard a bunch of other transports and the Parasound is among the best I've heard. I am currently auditioning a DVD player as a transport and it is too early to tell for sure, but I think the Parasound, on an absolute basis, is better. The DVD player is much cheaper, of course. In regards to dacs, I have heard the MSB Link I (not III) and the Bel Canto Dac 1. I thought the Bel Canto was much better (smoother, richer, deeper bass).
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