Ruminations On CD Players

I’m using a Cambridge Audio CXC CD Transport @$599.00. It requires an external DAC. My DAC of choice is the Jolida Glass FX Tube DAC III @$750.00 and uses twin 12AX7 tubes in the input stage. The sound of this combination is miraculous in that the Cambridge is exact and sonically pure in its bit-perfect output. The DAC, with its 12AX7 dual-triode front end returns the audio character to a softer analog presence reminiscent of a vinyl format. The pair of components won’t break the bank either.

Project rs2 transport is amazing... A bit over budget in US maybe so next one down rs transport is under a grand and top loading like the Rs2 so no tray wobbles ever. I matched mine with rs2 DAC as perfect partner but a SH chord qutest is great value for money too. 

The Nuprime CDP-9 with LPS212 Linear power supply. The best CD playback

I've ever had-

pawsman

The OP didn’t mention SACD, but I think the Denon flagship CD/SACD is in his price range.  I had just pulled an earlier version out of storage after several years and was pleasantly reminded of how good it is

@vonhelmholtz

A bit over a year ago I decided to take the 4K I was going to spend on a top transport and upgrade my streamer/server and I’m very happy with the results. My music is on an internal Aurender SSD and backed up to a Synology Raid network drive. CDs are in storage. All is controlled by my iPad.

Glad you’re happy with your set-up. I have no doubt it sounds excellent.  

I spend enough time and experience more than enough frustration as it is with my PC, smart-phone and various other digital devices with screens. Having a similar interface with my audio system holds absolutely zero appeal for me.

Call me a "dinosaur", a "nostalgist" or even a "nostalgic dinosaur"; I enjoy searching shelves for a CD, pulling it off the shelf, removing it from it’s case and placing it into my Jay’s. Perhaps there’s a ritual aspect to it -- I haven’t psychoanalyzed myself in this particular regard but it’s physical media for me!