CD Transport Options (~1000 USD Budget or Less)

[MorbidToaster]

I've got my SA8004 but it has a lot of bells and whistles that I won't need pretty soon in my system.
 
I'm wondering if I could get a better digital transport for the money I have invested in the 8004...or at least the same quality for less so I could invest more into my vinyl rig
 
I'd prefer it have AES, but Coax would be alright, too.

 

[cpu8088]

woo audio

 

[MorbidToaster]

It's a strong consideration. I love the top loading CD players (especially after seeing 2 at the Texas meet).

 

[kstaken]

I also have an SA8004 and have been asking the exact same question. The Musical Fidelity M1 cd-t is one option at around $1000 and Bel Canto makes one at $1400 and then there's the Woo that's already been mentioned. I haven't heard any of those but I've been extremely impressed with the Musical Fidelity M1 pieces I have heard (DAC and HPA). I ended up returning the amp and getting an Apex Peak but have decided to keep the DAC after listening to a number of more expensive DACs. I'm impressed enough with these pieces to want to think that the M1 cdt might be a good option and may get my hands on one to try out in the next few weeks.
 
BTW, I can say that the SA8004 when feeding an external DAC still has the character of the SA8004. My computer setup using a Metric Halo ULN-2 via firewire and feeding AES to the M1 DAC sounds much better to me than the SA8004 feeding the M1 DAC from the same CD. It still sounds very good but in comparison the sound from the SA8004 is definitely somewhat warm with less air, detail and just generally sounds less refined.

 

[Maxvla]

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/aune-cyclone-top-loading-transport-vibration-damping-e

 

[MorbidToaster]

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/aune-cyclone-top-loading-transport-vibration-damping-e

Wow. Time to do some research...That's a great looking player there...It'd look great alongside a DAC 2 as well...

EDIT: I think I'd be all over that if I had the money. Compared to the Lite 21 it looks like the more simple less dangerous option. I'll keep it in mind. I love low profile stuff.