It’s not sighted bias. I had the Cambridge CXC, a decent transport, upgraded to a SimAudio 260DT and the SQ is significantly better, and even better still when using the AES/EBU output vs the SPDIF.
Cambridge CXC > Audiolab 6000CDT > Jay's Audio CDT2-MK2!
A short couple of months ago, I read a thread on using a CD Transport. At the time I had an Onkyo 7030 CD Player and plugging it into my Chord Qutest was OK, but not awesome. With some research I learned of the Cambridge CXC transport and then found one locally that I could buy for cheap and pick it up that day.
Wow, the CXC sounded great. I dug out my old CDs and just about stopped Qobuz streaming. I had to know more. I learned of the Audiolab CD Transports and found a used 6000CDT here on A’gon. Wow, the Audiolab sounded great.
But what about an even better transport? I had to know. So, I bought a Jay’s Audio CDT2-MK2 last week.
OK, what’s going on here? the CDT2-MK2 is much better than the 6000CDT. The Jay’s Audio transport is both hefty in weight (30+ lbs) and hefty in overall sound, too. Deep controlled bass, sizable mids and smooth highs. To say it’s better in every way than the CXC or the 6000CDT is not an exaggeration.
I know there are a couple of CD transports that are double and triple the cost of this one, but I’m done. My CDs have never sounded like this before... and neither has Qobuz or Tidal.
It’s been an unexpected journey with great results. Unbelievable results.