Ruminations On CD Players

Regardless of the format the key is to enjoy the music. 

@jimmyblues1959 Big +1 there brother.  In the end we all pick what’s most comfortable and sounds the best to us. That’s the ONLY thing that matters in the end.

I’m using a Cambridge Audio CXC CD Transport @$599.00. It requires an external DAC. My DAC of choice is the Jolida Glass FX Tube DAC III @$750.00 and uses twin 12AX7 tubes in the input stage. The sound of this combination is miraculous in that the Cambridge is exact and sonically pure in its bit-perfect output. The DAC, with its 12AX7 dual-triode front end returns the audio character to a softer analog presence reminiscent of a vinyl format. The pair of components won’t break the bank either.

Project rs2 transport is amazing... A bit over budget in US maybe so next one down rs transport is under a grand and top loading like the Rs2 so no tray wobbles ever. I matched mine with rs2 DAC as perfect partner but a SH chord qutest is great value for money too. 

The Nuprime CDP-9 with LPS212 Linear power supply. The best CD playback

I've ever had-

pawsman

The OP didn’t mention SACD, but I think the Denon flagship CD/SACD is in his price range.  I had just pulled an earlier version out of storage after several years and was pleasantly reminded of how good it is