Ideal Qualities of a CD/SACD Transport


There are many discussions regarding the relative performances of DAC but, comparatively, very few address the capabilities and performances of CD/SACD transports. Having decided on the Bricasti M21 DAC, I now have decided to upgrade my system further with a new "shiny disc" transport. At present, I have a Wadia 8 (30 years old and CD-only) and a Theta Digital Compli (20 years old and two-channel SACD as well as CD -- it also has an excellent internal DAC based on Theta Digital’s highly-regarded Generation VII DAC). As best I can tell, both function perfectly. However, in the past couple of decades, transport technologies have improved, and I want to get the highest performance (within reason) that my new digital system can provide.

Thus, I propose the question: what factors, qualifications, capabilities, etc. are most important for a high-end CD/SACD transport to provide? There is no question that they are pricey. The "bargain" of the group is the PS Audio Datastream, and it lists for $7,000. The prices move up steeply from there, with, for example, Playback Design’s MPT-8 at $20,000 and the "entry-level" dCS Rossini one at $26,500. Others are even more expensive.

I have three additional questions: (1) at what price point does diminishing returns really start to become apparent; (2) several companies that manufacture both a DAC and a transport highlight their proprietary I2S connectivity -- thereby permitting the direct transmission of an SACD’s DSD layer (instead of first converting it to PCM) from the transport to the DAC. Sonically, how big a difference does this make?; and (3) also, is there a sonic difference from a CD’s datastream being transmitted to the DAC via I2S versus AES/EBU or coaxial?

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If SACD isn’t a must have I’d put Jay’s CDT Mk3 on your list — built like a brick crap house and it’s “only” $5k.  Best of luck.

https://www.jays-audio.com/cdt3-mk3

Iam very familiar with your theta gen  DAC VII Its a heck of a good DAC , it will compete with new DAC sound wise. SACD are amazing when they work.I think they are sensitive with their lens. If you don’t have sacd collections? I go DAC and transport .

I previously owned a modified CD Museatex Melior CD-D transport, it was heavily modded by  Steve Sank and was the best I had heard for many years. Until my dealer brought over the new Bricasti M19 CD transport to audition, I found its performance to be substantially better in terms of  transparency, clarity, and  musicality compared to my modified Museatex unit. Yes this all thru the I2S connection.

Despite the high cost I decided the Bricasti M19 was worth purchasing because of its superior sound quality and my sizable CD collection that I wanted to get the best playback from.

While I find streaming audio to sound good, I think the Bricasti transport provides a noticeably higher level of performance when playing CDs.