Transport Recommendations

+++++++1 for the Audiolab 6000CDT, at $600 it is an absolute steal.....I still own mine and have no immediate plans to replace, it's not a weak link in my system. I've had zero problems with mine, and it's used almost daily for 2 years

++++++1 for the Jay's Audio CDT2 MKIII, best transport I've ever heard in my system, and what I will buy whenever I upgrade

I second the vote for the Rotel. I use the DT-6000 as CD transport which is very good in sound. Plus I use the DAC for my Volumio Rivo streamer with an external LPS. All in all for about 4K. Lovely sounding system.

@gnoworyta - owned my AudioLab 6000CDT for a couple of years now. Never had a problem with scratching, but I can see and understand the concern. Some see it as a "potential" problem. Some see a tray as a "flimsy problem" waiting to break. There are "potential" problems in everything if you look. I believe AudioLab’s replacement to the 6000CDT (aka newer upgraded) changed to a tray just because they felt they may be loosing market share to a perceived/inherent problem with slot loading.

That being said, if you don't want to risk a slot loader I would recommend the newer tray model. I don't own one, haven't heard it, but if its anything like the 6000CDT it will impress.

+1 on  my Jay's CD2 mkIII  stellar build quality and sound .Totally the best transport I have  ever owned. Never a hiccup in two years. 

Chuckie 

@chuckie I am about to put in an order for a Jay's CD2 MKIII. Glad to see your response.