I’ve been recommending the combination of Melco N100, which is a 2TB NAS/Streamer, combined with Melco D100, their Optical Disc ripper that combined with the N100 can be used as a CD transport. That is two boxes, but they are each half sized so space wise its one box. Total cost around $3K, and no DAC included |
Forgive me if you’ve made a decision by now as this may be late. I "researched" for about 6 months and ended up with a QUAD ARTERA PLAY + Integrated Media Player. I only use it as a CD player while it does have a DAC. I connect to a McIntosh amp via balanced XLR. The menu is clunky but the transport is exceptional. It gives you some interesting options (for e.g., selecting only the tracks you want on a particular CD and it remember your settings the next time). The thing is built solid. Loading/unloading of a CD is almost silent and I can barely hear the transport when it’s spinning / playing a CD. I’ve "a-b" with a few others and at this price point, and have been extremely happy. I paid a bit north of $2500 but have seen it for $2000 since I purchased. https://www.atelier13-usa.com/quad-artera-solus-play (Note the Quad Artera Play+ not the Solus is on the same page) A review from What Hi-Fi?: https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/quad-artera-play "And whatever you do, enjoy the music", Hans Beekhuyzen |
Thank you all so very much. You have really educated me about the current approaches to having both CD and streaming. The Technics (thanks, M-DB) looks like the only deck so far that combines both in one box and the reviews seem good. OK, so that gives me lots of research to do. Thanks so much, this community is great. Jim |
