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What's the best non-DAC CD player?

Seems to me that the combination of a DAC and a CD transport in a single box is um, so "yesterday." Like buying an LP turntable where you're stuck with a particular tone-arm and cartridge.
DACs seem to be emerging on their own, and something you you want to experiment with. Whereas the transport is a mechanical device. Yet the "market" wants you to buy both in a single box to take advantage of one improvement or another in either, actually, separate device.
So, say, I've go the DAC I think I'll will to the grandkids. So what's the best transport (within reason) that will permit a swap-out to some DAC I believe sounds better, transport, without buying another whole box containing both?
Thank-you for your sage advice, or could you direct me to another, more relevant thread.
128x128deepee99
itzhak1969
515 posts
 
What is your budget? 
pmotz
409 posts
 
The PS Audio DirectStream Memory Player (DMP) is a very nice player, though it plays best wth a PS Audio DAC since it permits I2S connection and DAC decoding of SACD.
deepee99's avatar
deepee99 OP
86 posts
 
Answer to budget question is I'd like to say in the < US$5k region, US-made. Not because of screaming patriotism, but to avoid European VAT and other hidden fees and taxes.
I've actually got my mind thinking of a used Levinson Madrigal I hear good things about that I could throw away on Fleabay if I didn't like it. Just want the basics, and finesse with the DAC end of things. Either way, I don't want to take out a second mortgage on the house. I had that little Rega top-loading player but there was no way to tweak it. I want the best engine around which I can build a car, if that makes any sense. Thanks.
reubent
6,939 posts
 
For Super high-end, US Made, Optical Disk Playback, the PS Audio Direct Stream Player would seem to be the likely suspect. PS Audio designs and manufactures in Boulder, CO, although the disk transport mechanism is most likely sourced from the Asia. The Direct Stream is the current model, so you could buy a new one, with warranty. It is $6000 retail.

If you don't plan to use I2S interface, you could try a Cambridge Audio CXC for less than $500. It is not US made, but is available from US vendors, so no VAT, etc.
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