What transport should I get?
OK, so I have a very nice setup using a Simaudio 380D (DAC/Streamer) to listen to ripped music (NAIM Unitiserve backed up to NAS) with Supernait 2 or PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium Pre/Bel Canto Ref600m Monos) to PMC 20.26 is the rest of the system. So I should be set right?
Thing is, I am a classical collector and have tons of CDs that I have yet to rip and I keep buying more (so many cheap deals on albums I cannot find on Tidal!). I could obviously just rip everything I buy BUT it’s a pain in the neck and I don’t like the insecurity of losing all my music to a glitch or something (yes it’s backed up Raid 2 or whatever but still). And my collection keeps growing - I have over 200 in the mail right now. I know. It’s a problem :) Basically - do I want to rip 6 versions of the 32 Beethoven Sonatas - that’s like 60 discs right there! It gets tedious! Also I’m not Roon-whatever yet and classical comes with lots of cool liners and pamphlets and whatnot that I love to read while listening - which I am missing out on now.
So I’m thinking I would get a transport to feed the 380D and just listen to my CDs straight up. Maybe rip a few that I know for sure I want to listen to a lot.
Anyway - I’m going to get a transport. What should I get?
I’ve considered:
1) Marantz 8005 (adds SACD capability and looks solid and built to last but more than I need since already have great DAC/streamer etc)
2) Sony 5400ES or equiv (though I’m not loving the lack of aftermarket support)
3) Moon 260D (to match my DAC, would look cool, built like a tank and I love Sim but it’s 2k)
4) Bel Canto CD3t (looks cool, matches my monos, half size)
5) Cambridge CXC transport (only $500 new)
6) Something else?
I do have an old Cambridge Audio 540 something CD player I have used in pinch - but it’s 8 years old I suspect technology and clocks and whatnot have improved to the point that using that to feed my quite excellent DAC/streamer would be dumb.
Thoughts?
Thanks
P
Thing is, I am a classical collector and have tons of CDs that I have yet to rip and I keep buying more (so many cheap deals on albums I cannot find on Tidal!). I could obviously just rip everything I buy BUT it’s a pain in the neck and I don’t like the insecurity of losing all my music to a glitch or something (yes it’s backed up Raid 2 or whatever but still). And my collection keeps growing - I have over 200 in the mail right now. I know. It’s a problem :) Basically - do I want to rip 6 versions of the 32 Beethoven Sonatas - that’s like 60 discs right there! It gets tedious! Also I’m not Roon-whatever yet and classical comes with lots of cool liners and pamphlets and whatnot that I love to read while listening - which I am missing out on now.
So I’m thinking I would get a transport to feed the 380D and just listen to my CDs straight up. Maybe rip a few that I know for sure I want to listen to a lot.
Anyway - I’m going to get a transport. What should I get?
I’ve considered:
1) Marantz 8005 (adds SACD capability and looks solid and built to last but more than I need since already have great DAC/streamer etc)
2) Sony 5400ES or equiv (though I’m not loving the lack of aftermarket support)
3) Moon 260D (to match my DAC, would look cool, built like a tank and I love Sim but it’s 2k)
4) Bel Canto CD3t (looks cool, matches my monos, half size)
5) Cambridge CXC transport (only $500 new)
6) Something else?
I do have an old Cambridge Audio 540 something CD player I have used in pinch - but it’s 8 years old I suspect technology and clocks and whatnot have improved to the point that using that to feed my quite excellent DAC/streamer would be dumb.
Thoughts?
Thanks
P
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- 8 posts total
Thanks all for your response! I'm not sold on the synchro-mesh - one of the reviews (Darko) noted that he didn't notice any difference with a higher end DAC (Directstream) and since I have a great DAC I'm skeptical. It already reclocks with very low jitter as is. I may just use my CD player I have for now. Question: I have a Nordost Blue Heaven digital cable. Good enough? Other suggestions? |
I have had the pleasure of listening to the Sparkler Audio s303 ($1300.00) as a player and transport to a very highly modified dac. As a transport it sounds fantastic since it runs off a battery power supply. For about $400.00 more the S503 is a world class player and transport. I have a very highly modified 47 Labs Flatfish and the S503 knocks on its door. http://sparkler-audio.com/pdf/S303_catalogE.pdf http://sparkler-audio.com/portfolio/S503_en.html Can be purchased here: http://charneyaudio.com/ |
- 8 posts total