Suggest Transports that can be Demo'd at home


I'm quite happy with my system (Silverline 17.5 monitors/Wells Majestic integrated/Aqua La Voce II/Jolida JD100 (as transport) but am wondering whether I ought to purchase another transport before they're no longer available.
$3000 would be my limit, budget-wise and longevity is a big concern. Used is OK, as long as unit is M. 

I have two caveats which make this tough-- 1) as a rule, I don't purchase any gear I can't first demo at home and 2)
I'd ideally prefer something made in N. America. Of these two qualifiers, the second is negotiable, but not the first.

I could demo a Bryston BCD-3 from Audio Advisor, but I'm not sure it makes sense to pay for a unit that includes a DAC I won't use. Also, I came across a comment in the Forums that the Bryston has fatiguing highs-- a flaw I particularly abhor. And, it's considerable over my budget. 

The Moon Neo 260D is not, as far as I can tell. possible to audition at home and I read on one of the AGon transport discussion threads that the drawer is flimsy. 

The Jay's Audio products look to be very good but I didn't see anything on their site about a trial period. 

A used PS Audio is a possibility, I guess, although I read that they used Oppo transports, which are no longer being made, so that's a concern from the longevity stand-point. 

 Any other units I should be aware of ??????????????

Thanks. 


stuartk
garrard; you are undoubtedly correct. . . in fact; since I posted my last comments I haven't been able to stop thinking about getting a new transport!  

If there was an online Sim retailer that offered returns to customers residing in CA, I'd order the Neo 260T today. But I haven't had any success in locating one.   

I may eventually end up ordering the Sim and crossing my fingers. . . 








soix: I talked to Bel Canto today-- really nice people. The tech with whom I spoke uses a CD-2 himself and gave me url of company that still sells new drives ($700 w/laser) and said B.C. had plenty of other parts. Just not sure about buying a unit I've never heard. 
I have two high end DACs, COS Engineering D1v and D2v.  I tried various DVD and CD players from the 1980s to 2000s.  The Sony esd707 killed the CXC as did various Denons 2900, 2910, etc.  The CXC sounds accurate in my system, lacking in bass foundation, tonally thin.  This in an all tube system.  It also has a ridiculously poor remote design, small visible screen and laughable footers (two in the rear, none in the front-it rests on on it's chassis).  For the price, CXC is okay but I'd rather use an older, more engaging CD or DVD player using coax out.
Suggest Transports that can be Demo'd at home
When/if the new Schiit Urd get released, as with all their products they have a 15 day home trial period.

Cheers George  
You may have already acquired one but Audio Advisor caries the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 and they have a 30day return policy. Look for the new thread here about it. 
Wow-- this is an old thread -- I never imagined it would still be drawing suggestions. I guess I should've provided an update a long time ago!  here goes...

I eventually located a shop in Denver that was willing to ship me a Moon 260DT with a return policy and no restocking fee and I ended up keeping it. I had a problem early on with it not reading every CD and had to send it back to Quebec but SimAudio repaired it promptly and I haven't had any other issues. It strikes me as very neutral sounding and seems a very good match with my Aqua La Voce DAC.

If I had to buy a transport today, I might try the new Project or wait for the Schiit but really, I have absolutely no reason to complain about the Moon. 

Well, OK-- one complaint-- the CD drawer is very shallow which makes it harder than I'd prefer for me to remove discs withy my aging, stubby fingers... but that's not a big deal. 


Stuart, thanks for the update. I own the CXC and have considered the Moon 260.
mesch:

I'd heard mixed reviews of the CXC so I went with the Moon. . . and as I described, had an issue soon after purchase!  You just never know...
stuartk

I have enjoyed reading your thread. Good to see that the Moon260T is a fit.  Enjoy the Music!

Happy Listening!
earlflynn:

I assume you're using the 650D  as a CDP...

I use the 260 as transport only as I already had a very nice DAC.

stuartk

 

The 650D looks incredible! It is worth an audition.

 

Happy Listening!

@stuartk , too bad $3K is your upper limit as I see you already have the Aqua as a transport and have access to their line. They've just come out with the La Diva CD transport and it uses the same drive mechanism as the Pro-Ject Box CDT (the Pro-8S based on the Blue Tiger optical drive). 

It goes for over $8K and if cost were no object, I'd get that, hands down.

All the best,

Nonoise

nonoise

 

Great pic! Sweet looking CD transport.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!