CDP or Transport and DAC? Recomendations?

@walstib There was a recent thread here on the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 transport.

Were I currently in the market for such a thing (and I may be in the foreseeable future - I have a Rega Saturn CDP. Its gud) it would be a far superior option than another premium CDP I reckon, and together with a a good DAC (I’ve noticed the recent Gustard X18 receiving enthusiastic compliments elsewhere, for example - just sayin’) comfortably within budget Just.

@btscott

Yes I sometimes see where people rip everything to hard drive. What are the advantages of doing this (other than archive)? I seem to remember reading something that it eliminates jitter in playback, but then I also understand that this issue has been mostly "solved" over the years with any decent CD player, the Rega Apollo being one.

I suppose I could google - this topic has probably been discussed somewhere in some universe. But in the meantime I appreciate your pointers, thankyou.

My solution to this quandary was to go with a Sim Audio 

Moon 260D transport and Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC 

series 2. Both acquired used and under your budget. Sounds 

pretty sublime to me….

What about Jay’s Audio CDT2 MKIII?

Havent experienced personally, but so many rave about it. Good company dedicated to their product, besides.

but even an Audiolab CDT 6000 would do impressively well…albeit below the level that your budget might provide. 

Pro-Ject RS2 T and your choice of DAC. Only you know what flavor you prefer.