2. digital
  3. 190048-7564

Looking for comparisons between CD transports

I'm still a disc-spinner, having a pretty large collection of CDs across a range of genres, though mostly classical. About 2 years ago I bought an Audiolab CDT6000 and lived with it for about a month before deciding it wasn't my cup of tea and selling it off. While its clarity and soundstage were impressive, there wasn't sufficient heft to the music, and it seemed to favor the music's component parts rather than portraying a cohesive whole. 

I'm considering the Audiolab 9000, the Schiit Urd, and possibly the Primare DD15. That's the budget range I'm comfortable with. (Despite the glowing reviews, Jay's Audio is kind of out or range for me at this point).  I'd be grateful to hear opinions on how these transports stack up against each other from those of you who have heard one or more of them. It will be running through a Sonnet Morpheus DAC, if that info is helpful. Thanks!

 

 

cooper52

Showing 2 responses by nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,088 posts
 

I took a look at your Sonnet Morpheus DAC and noticed it doesn’t have a HDMI i2s input so you don’t need a CDT that has one. Knowing that, I’d like to refer you to this Audiophiliac video from Steve Guttenberg,

 

He goes onto say that comparing Coax and Toslink of the TEAC to a Jay’s Audio CDT2 Mk3, it was a toss up and only when using the Jay’s HDMI input did the Jay’s pull way ahead. It does cost more than the SMSL I mentioned earlier but Steve feels it's a very well made CDT.

Hope this helps and good luck with your search.

All the best,
Nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,088 posts
 

I was surprised to see this CDP get a Red Fingerprint Award from High Fidelity a little while ago. What impressed them was the heft it brought to the sound. It's the SMSL P200 CDP.

You can get it on Amazon for under $670 and return it if you don't like it. 

All the best,
Nonoise

More to discover