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CD Player or Transport

I previously owned a Sony SCD-1, but sold it because it was taking up too much space and the location I had it in was a pain for a player that loads from the top.  I own about 300 CDs and miss playing them.  I started to upload them to my computer, but it was taking too much time and I abandoned the project.  

I recently purchased a Sim Audio Moon ACE.  I am considering buying a CD player or a transport to play my CDs. I would like to keep the purchase under $1000.  My question is- am I better off putting all of my funds into a transport and using the DAC in the ACE or does it make sense to just buy a CD player?  I am pretty happy with the sound quality I get streaming through the ACE, so I am leaning towards a transport, but wanted to throw it out there to see if there are any pros to a CD player that I might be missing. Would also appreciate any suggestions within my price point.

Thanks
durangowill
11 responses Add your response
soix
9,456 posts
 

I find this kind of sad.  You bought the SIM with the goal of preserving space but still need a transport.  IMHO, you should’ve bought an Innuos Zen server/streamer you could’ve loaded all your CDs into and also had a top-level streamer, and you could add a DAC that best meets your sonic tastes and have all your own music at your fingertips in any order you like along with the worlds of other music.  If you’re not opposed to dealing with computer stuff, I’d add a solid state server and plug it into your SIM if that’s an option, but God Bless with that.  Best of luck. 

cdc
1,783 posts
 

Historically, it was said that a separate transport / DAC would generally give better sound than a standalone CDP. Separated components, two power supplies etc.

Nowadays, it seems a DAC is used if you want streaming, not for redbook playback only. Besides that, I question why Chord Q-test uses a wall-wort (is it even regulated?) That's the best they can do with a $1,995 DAC? When Musical Fidelity prices goes from M3 $1,599 to M6 $2,889 largely due to a better power supply. Some thinks it makes a difference, some thinks it doesn't.

The other question is: is CDP better because the transport and DAC are designed as one to be used together? Does mixing and matching transport and DAC deteriorate sound due to some incompatibility issues?

 

mdrone
125 posts
 

Has anyone had any experience with the Project RS2 T?  Also anyone have any listening experience with CEC, or Jays Audio transports?  

jl35
3,980 posts
 
I've enjoyed CXC both with Denafrips DAC and EVS Modified Oppo Sonica used as Streamer/DAC/Pre...Cambridge often sells them refurbished with warranty for around $300..also been told the Series 1 and 2 are functionally and sonically identical, just different color...
durangowill OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for all the replies.  The consensus seems to be to go with a transport.  I am going to pick up a Cambridge Audio CXC and look forward to adding it into my system. 

mesch
3,481 posts
 
I would buy a transport. Either the Cambridge CXC or the Audiolab 6000. Both new at $550-$600. I own the CXC and it serves me well. 
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
977 posts
 
That moon has a ES9010K2M ESS Sabre DAC. YOu might just read up the reviews on the Moon implementation if you can find... But it does support DSD. I would just get a good transport and give it a whirl. There is a CXC over on USAudiomart for like $300. Then save the rest of your coin and add to it over a bit of time and get yourself a good external DAC down the roads.
grinnell
1,095 posts
 
I went with a used MHDT DAC and a new CDP (bought first).  Should have just gone with a transport  but couldn't see that far ahead
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,758 posts
 
I owned two of Simaudio's external DACs, two of their amps and a CD player and every piece was a joy to use and to listen to. I would assume the DAC inside the ACE is a good one. If I had an ACE, adding a good transport like the Cambridge CXC for $600 would seem to be a reasonable way to go.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,598 posts
 
George means YOU, MIGHT get better sound direct. Obviously transport if you like your DAC, player if you find one you like better.
Either way keep an upgrade path open.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Many great R2R ladder discrete dacs around these days, just go a good CD transport, and get one of these dac's (make sure it's got volume control) as one day you'll find better sound by going direct dac to poweramp.

Cheers George 
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