Resolving CD Transports Crowd Sourcing

FYI- I liked the Urd quite a bit, but decided to send it back to Schiit.

Why? This does not make any sense. Unless completely irrational, which I sympathize 

What are your deeper thoughts?

My DEEPER thoughts? What do you mean?

I just saw you said you like X equipment quite a bit, but decided to send it back nonetheless. It stroke me as odd, but hey…

@wharfy : 😂😂. That’s funny! Thanks for being sport

I second (or third?) Jay’s CDT3 MK3. Although it sounds like not in your budget. In that case, the CDT2 should do. Full disclosure: I have never heard the CDT2, but judging by the “house sound” of my CDT3, and the specs, it should be pretty close.

Let’s be serious, what is the number of albums in HDCD format? And what are the chances the music / artist you like is in that format? Unless you are the type of guy who use the music the listen to the gear. Which is exactly what ASR crowd blames the Audiophiles for doing.

Also:

I am interested hearing your comparisons and contrasts.

You got a lot of recommendations here to build a short lists. I am so sorry to say at this point you have to listen, compare and contrast by yourself. 

@wharfy :

Did you have an opportunity to audition it in your system before purchase?

I did not. Because I could not in the case of Jay's Audio CDTs. But I did my own research, I created a short list of possible candidates, some of which I was able to audition, some not. Then I took the leap of faith. 

And honesty, even you already have a shortlist, it will be practically impossible to audition everything in your list. Unless you wait a very long time. What I was trying to say is that whatever recommendation you get from other people (like myself included) here, it is helpful to the extent of helping you to build a list for considerations. We all hear differently, have different tastes in sound, so take it all with a grain of salt IMHO

I have to say as I'm doing research the CD Box still comes out on top wrt sound quality. 

So you are doing “research” on this, but never bothered to listen to other CDTs recommended on this thread? Whatever research you are doing I want to smoke some. What’s the point? I am terribly sorry for speaking my mind. I know bad idea.

As they say, fool me once, it’s on you. Fool me twice, it’s on me. Fool me three times… (yet to be explored)

I know it sounds crazy, the sound I'm after is what the CD Box delivers. I go back and forth.

You go back and forth how? By listening to other CD transports or by “research”?