Is it worth upgrading a CD player?


I’ve had my Marantz CD6002 for around 14 years and it’s still going strong. I have it connected to an Audiolab M-DAC+ and play via my Rega amp. I’m mostly vinyl but have started to playvmy CD’s more recently and wondered whether upgrading the CD player would be worth it or not, given the fact it’s played via a dedicated DAC. Am I right in thinking there would be little noticeable improvement?

side22olto

Showing 3 responses by mitch2

As posted by @newbee,

"there is considerable difference between a CD transport (what you are using your Marantz as) and dedicated transports." 

I am hearing more lately about the quality of CDs played through a dedicated transport being sonically better than, or at least equal to, high level streaming equipment.  I have a couple of pretty good DACs here and the manufacturer of those DACs believes CDs played through a good quality transport sound better than streamed audio (and that manufacturer makes a streamer!).   

I have heard good things about the Audiolab CDT6000 transport discussed in this thread.  If you can afford another level up, the Jay's Audio CDT2-MK3 or their flagship CDT3-MK3 have a strong following. I haven't pulled the trigger on a transport because I have so far doubted that the delta between the sound quality from my streamer/server and that provided by a transport playing physical CDs would be large enough to outweigh the convenience of streaming, at least for me.

You guys are not helping with my goal to stop adding more boxes.

I am very happy with the versatility, convenience, and diversity of choices related to streaming. My CDs are located on my server’s SSD in FLAC and those sound at least as good as Tidal/Qobuz through Roon. However, I am very curious how much better a transport could sound, especially since that is the main source used by the designer of my DAC.

If I were to add a transport, is the CDT2-MK3 good enough to achieve the sonic benefit or should I consider spending double on the CDT3-MK3?

@charles1dad - Thanks for the recommendations and links to reviews.

My DAC situation has changed from what is posted on my system page. In fact, I just sold the EVO B4B21 but I added the EVO PRO, which is a subtle improvement in refinement and resolution, and everything else that improving those attributes brings. In addition, I just added Benjamin’s top Mystique X SE DAC and it is still breaking in, by playing music and Ayre’s frequency sweeps on repeat. The X SE is another level of resolution and I am hoping not too much for me. The detail it displays is extraordinary yet it does retain the musicality and tone that Benjamin’s DACs are known for. I plan to let it settle in before coming to any conclusions about which I like best. One thing is for sure, they are both excellent sounding DACs.