CD Transports - Link

Consider getting a streamer instead. Then no mechanical concerns, and access to nearly infinite music for the cost of one CD per month.

 

CD player is a physical transport to read files, and a streamer to the DAC in one box.

 
In my system my streamer sounds exactly the same (on red book CDs) and better on the ubiquitous music available in high Rez files. So the question I cannot answer, is assuming your budget and you would prefer a one box solution is there a single box streamer that would sound as good or better than a CD player of the same cost? Or would say $3K be required?

 

 

the real question is in todays modern age with ripping and streaming

why would you want to spin a cd?

A better option would be to look at a server and ripping  your cds can often sound far superior to any optical reader. 

the key is the quality of the sever

over the last 10 years we have been on the hunt for the best sounding server

out there with each companys servers offering different sonic strengths and different features:

such as roon vs conductor

roon vs j river

upgradable vs non upgradable  hardware

different digital outputs

different price points

different sound quality

we have tested aurender, innous sotm, baetis laufer technik to name a few

 

in the end we decided to import a line of servers from Belgium 432EVO,that were being talked highly of on whats best forum.

we were intrigued by their combination of unique software coupled to a completely modular and upgradable platform:

this means you can start with the $3500 stadard and then upgrade it to a higher model.

 

 

we have found that when a server is setup correctly  and everything is maximized

the resulting sound quality will surpass most cd players and can even match or supass a good analog rig.

from positive feedbacks review:

432 EVO High End Reference Music Server - Soothing Vinyl Sound via 432 Hz Processing

 

conclusion

The 432 EVO High End Music Server is a remarkable player, making good on its promise to deliver a warmer, more pleasant listening experience via its 432 Hz tuning. It definitely takes the edge off digital files and, if you're jonesing for vinyl playback but don't have the bucks or inclination to purchase a good one (or a decent cartridge and phono stage preamplifier, for that matter), this might be the way to go; you get the convenience of digital with a lion's share of vinyl's warmth. Moreover, if you prefer your downloads, ripped files and streaming served straight up, you can do that, as well; with a click of a setting, you can listen in 440 Hz. But, wait, there's more! You can also rip CDs via its built-in ripper. There's also the upsampling options, but that does not appeal to me, so I didn't bother and, hence, cannot comment on that.

Either way, the 432 EVO High End Music Server is a great value; teamed-up with the likes of the Schiit Audio Yggdrasil OG DAC, Pass Labs amplification, Straight Wire cabling, Usher Audio Mini Dancer 2 tower speakers, and a good acoustical space, it delivers a musical experience that entreats you to listen to just one more song, again and again! Moreover, it is fully upgradable to their $7500 432 EVO Aeon model. Bottom line, it gets my thumbs up.

 

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect nj

US importer 432EVO music servers