Yamaha CD S1000 or S2100 as transport


This is for owners of the Yamaha CD S1000, S21000 or S3000 CD players. I want to use one of these as a transport-only paired with an external DAC. Since they all seem to use the same rigid aluminum transport mechanism and laser, would there be a noticeable difference in sound quality between them? I'd like to go with the S1000 since it's significantly less expensive, but I'm willing to spend more if the SQ of the S2100 or S3000 is better.

Thoughts appreciated*

* Not interested in suggestions to use a different transport than one of these three, so please stay on topic.

output555

Thanks very much for the honest and thorough reply.

You have confirmed what I suspected about the S1000's transport: It's the same, but different. Given the significant price difference between the S1000 and the S2100 some compromises would have to be made besides the downgraded DAC. I've looked at photos of the innards of all three players, and there are differences in parts and architecture. The S3000 and S2100 are the more premium, the S1000 somewhat less so. That said, compared to other players in the $1500 price range, the S1000 is built like a tank.

I'm taking your advice and going for the S2100. 

Thanks again!

Since you have an external DAC that presumably you enjoy have you considered any dedicated CD transports instead of getting a CD player? In the price range of the Y 2100 there's Simaudio 260DT, Jay's Audio CDT2, and Denafrips Avatar to name a few. Thought here is that you'd be putting the money towards a unit that is maximized .for its sole purpose versus one with effectively a couple of purposes. I have the Sim in my 2nd system . Anyway just a thought , good luck with whatever decision you make.

@output555 , I own the s2100 and concur with blisshifi's assessment.

The s2100 has a build quality well beyond their standard big box store units. I use the native output for any 2-channel SACD playback and a Holo Audio May DAC for any redbook playback. The s2100 is an overbuilt built and high quality transport, but the May DAC does provide a wider and more 3D soundstage. Not sure if you are considering used, but TMR Audio has one listed on their site at a fair price. No affiliation.

Thanks for the confirmation. Yes, the S2100 is chock full o' quality parts and build. The S1000 is as well, albeit not to the same level. Too bad the DACs are quite long in the tooth.

I have looked at the Holo May; it gets many great reviews. I currently use the Gustard X26 Pro and find it quite impressive. The new X26 R2R is under consideration, having received a glowing review by SoundNews.