I believe the coax digital cable should be longer than your 0.5 meter. At least that's what I remember reading, and the many I have purchased used, from other Audiogon members, are approximately 1 meter.
As far as the old time CDP's go, I have a stable of old JVC XL-Z1050TN CDP's which are well built, indestructible, and work well as transports. I have found with older transports (and maybe, with any transport) the use of a Monarchy or Genesis de-jitter box between the transport, and the DAC really upgrades the digital listening experience.
I run a vintage Anodyne tubed DAC which is representative of the past pioneering work of Scott Nixon, and he had a magic touch, even way back then.
As far as the old time CDP's go, I have a stable of old JVC XL-Z1050TN CDP's which are well built, indestructible, and work well as transports. I have found with older transports (and maybe, with any transport) the use of a Monarchy or Genesis de-jitter box between the transport, and the DAC really upgrades the digital listening experience.
I run a vintage Anodyne tubed DAC which is representative of the past pioneering work of Scott Nixon, and he had a magic touch, even way back then.