top loading cd players

puffball08, how do you find your Sparkler S505? I looked at the website, the new models (S503, S507 etc) appear very well made (maybe handmade). These look really intriguing. Can you expand a bit on the qualities? Any issues? And, how is your experience with the distributor, VKMusic.ca (if that was your source)?

+1 for the CEC top loader from Japan. I own their transport with a Denafrips Ares2 . LOVE IT.

California Audio Labs offers a top load transport. 

thanks everyone, a lot more than I expected. I will certainly look into audio note, and sparkler is very interesting, as do metronome and exposure....I also found lector. Some like project, and jay’s no longer make cd players, and I am not looking for only a spinner. Someone asked about budget, well lets just say MBL, burmeistr etc, I can not consider.

As for CEC, its under consideration I’m just worried about belts. The reason I’m looking for a top loader is its one thing less to worry about.

As for CEC, its under consideration I’m just worried about belts. The reason I’m looking for a top loader is its one thing less to worry about.

FWIW, the main reason that I replaced my (excellent) SimAudio Moon 260D transport (not a top-loader) with a C.E.C. was not the belt drive, but the use of a weight employed on top of the CD. Electrocompaniet used the same basic approach, as do some other manufacturers, and I am fairly convinced that there are advantages.

As for the belts in the C.E.C. products, my understanding is that at least on the newer TL-5, which I own, they are very easy for the user to replace, should it become necessary. No need to send it in for service.