Dedicated CD Transport vs DAC

Thanks for your thoughts on the LTA and not surprised it sounds great. I’ve also got a full loom of AZ cables so we’re definitely on the same page there. I also have an LTA MZ2 pre (with upgraded LPS) and know what you mean about their stuff not sounding overly “tubey.” The positive traits are there but just doesn’t scream tubes, which is what I really like about it and exactly why I bought it.

Anyway, I forgot to mention another cheaper option that would be to get DDC to improve the performance of your Rotel rather than buying a whole new transport. I bought a used DDC to try it out and kept it because it produced very significant improvements. Here’s a Denafrips Hermes that I believe you can return if it doesn’t transform the performance of your Rotel — my guess is it would with its excellent OCXO clock. Just another option again FWIW.

https://tmraudio.com/components/d-a-converters/denafrips-hermes-ddc-d-d-converter-4/

What are your impressions of the LTA DAC so far (I’m gonna guess it doesn’t suck)?  It’s clear a better transport can make a significant difference, and using a lesser one on a good DAC is like putting budget all-season tires on a Porsche.  Likewise, the digital cable also matters a lot, and at your level I wouldn’t spend less than $200 on one and up to $600 new.  Here’s a very good one (read reviews) at a nice discount if you’re in the market…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649210067-acoustic-zen-mc2-digital-cable/

Jay’s and Teac are obvious choices, but if your wallet’s still hurting from the LTA I’d definitely see if you can get a Shanling ET3 with a return policy as it’s getting very positive reviews and is much less expensive.  Either way, I wouldn’t cheap out on the transport (or digital cable) with a good DAC.  Just my $0.02 FWIW.