CD Transport / Player Thread

Yes, that's exactly what I had in mind but I didn't specify. I don't visit that board regularly but my searches for info on albums and specific pressings often leads me there.

 

Well, I suppose it's possible that the Japanese keep using more expensive materials for their discs simply to drive the price up without regard to sound, but of course the claim is that they sound better.

However, my argument is based on Diament's comments, not the commercial practices of Japanese CD manufacturers. I included that as an illustration, not proof.

 

Even better, the CD-player has to have a CDM-mechanism or something similar so the disc is at least stable and safe during playback. No wobbly parts allowed.

 

I've always been a fan of a nice CDP either standalone or feeding a dac. The good ones tend to weigh a lot, operate quietly, and have laser mechanisms and tray belts that can be easily replaced with a quality affordable part (usually not original manufacture though). It's a lot harder to find than it sounds.

Basically most Sony SACD players and anything that fits 5 discs do not fit in the above!

 

The Low to Mid Fi Perspective...

I have learnt the hard way not to buy used gear that includes moving parts. And not to be too cheapskate when buying gear: it costs more money in the end.

My modestly expensive Cyrus failed,, and the entry-level Marantz came back on the stack. It lasted a hell of a long time, but dies in the end. The second-hand Music-Hall deck failed, electrically and mechanically and could not be repaired, even by the guy who, in this city, is god for hifi repairs/maintenance at any level of equipment.

On his advice... I just bought a cheap DVD player.

 

I ended up buying a fifteen year old Sony pro model - CPD-D11 like this one:



I only use it as a transport, connecting it to the Modi MB via toslink for DAC duties except when using headphones. I don't have a headamp at the moment, so listen to my HD600s directly from the headphone jack. Beats the sound directly from my laptop.

My JBL LSR305 monitors benefit from a 1.5dB reduction at 6 kHz and 12 kHz which I'm not able to apply atm when using the CD transport. All things considered, though, I prefer the CDP over my laptop as source. I run the computer straight into Modi via USB and it suffers from the occasional annoying popping sound. Vinyl annoyed me in the same way.

At this point in time, CDs are my preferred medium for sound quality, tactility, affordability and least potential for obsessive fuss.

When I get my amp/pre from Glenn it might change the tonal balance somewhat. Once this is embedded in the system I can decide whether to try and fix the computer-as-source issues or the CDP-as-source issues.

 

I'm out hunting for an LD player or bulky CD player. For the life of me, I can't find a an LD player with SPDIF out that is under $300. The bulky CDP are still pricey around $300. I am considering getting a transport but I am reluctant to buy vintage unless I can get model recommendations. Anybody try the Cambridge CXC or EAD T-1000?

 

I have not tried those, but to expand on Marv's earlier suggestion... I have a Denon DCD-3000 that I bought used a few years ago, and it is still in perfect working order.

Before buying I did *way too much* reading about reliability because I had the same concerns. The capsule summary is: The better Denons of the late 80's / early 90's are pretty reliable; the thing that most commonly goes out is the drive for the disc tray, followed by the laser; these parts are still (generally) available to get NOS, and (generally) not crazy expensive. The Sony's are also good, but there was a period of time where their lasers were shitty, died often, and so now they are harder to repair/replace.

So, what is a "better" Denon from that era? The model numbers for just about every manufacturer are f'ing confusing, but I started with a known "awesome" Denon: the DCD-2700. Then I scoured for transports with similar DAC set up (4x PCM-1702) and similar internals. I made a list (it was on paper and thrown away, sorry) and then waited. For months. For me the waiting paid off (I paid like $160?) but I understand it isn't for everyone. Hope this helps.

 

You can get what I got, the Philips CDV-400 aka the Theta Data. http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/cd-transport-player-thread.3028/#post-87617

DVD/CD/SACD players with video off switches, digital in and out. Came across these when on the hunt. Don't go for too much but were $2K new and recent enough to not be worn out.
-Denon DVD 9000
-Denon DVD 5900

As a general tip, I don't buy into all the Lampizator tube mod junk but that guy probably has the most writing and photo documentation of disc transports out of anyone online. Check his site out, then look up models that appeal to you to see if they are reviewed by Stereophile, Sound & Vision, home theater mags etc.

 

LOL! I did this as well, and almost recommended gaspasser lurk through the Lampi site, but that site is so ... stellated? It is full of information, but prepare yourself for a journey into something that looks like it's still hosted by Geocities.

 

Thanks for all the great advice guys...
I found a Denon DCD-2700 locally/audiogon for $250, is that a reasonable price? What makes it awesome besides heavy and reliable? Plan to SPDIF out to Moby.

 

If it works that would be a great price. I think somewhere back in the annals of CS anax wrote of the DCD-2700's virtues; that is where I got the rec. I think @Marvey can speak to the DCD-2700 as well, but I could be wrong.

 

Eh, I always check the "sold" eBay listings. More people just trying to clear things out and you get a good idea of whether someone is being precious with their Audiogon price. I got my Philips for $25+$25 shipping. I personally wouldn't spend more than $100 or $125 for a disc transport. Then again, I already have an Oppo BDP-103 so I can play SACDs and whatnot though it mainly serves as my home theater brain.

 

I ended up finding a Denon DCD-2560 for $179 + shipping at the Music Room, which seems like a great site for buying used gear! It arrives tomorrow, I can't wait to spin my old CDs and listen to full albums.

 

I got the Denon DCD-2560 up and cooking. This absolutely smokes the Raspberry Pi/Digi+ that I was using with FLAC rips of these same discs.
It is not subtle, moar of everything: plankton, background in the recording. It sounds like everything is tightened up and more natural than RPi/Digi+.
I tried SPDIF out straight into Modi multibit, but then added the IFi SPDIF defuckifier and it contributed to that tightening of everything, if that makes sense. I need to go to bed but I can't stop playing CDs!

 

http://www.soundandvision.com/content/esoteric-‘opens-new-horizon’-27k-sacd

Siiiiiiighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I'll buy one of these on Audiogon in 10 years for $200, maybe. Eh, f**k it, I'll stick with what I got.

 

@Gaspasser I'm so jealous on that Denon deal you got.

I'm in the market now, but units like that are costing $300-$500 everywhere I look. Seems silly to spend any more than $200 on a transport...

 

I agree that you can get something good under $200 but as I was advised above...just be patient. If I see anything come up, I will shoot you a PM. I would setup searches on hifishark.com and keep checking your local Craigslist.