Transport Recommendation for DAC-Compass??

[thelsuman]

Hi All,

I'm looking to build my first HP setup & am looking for an inexpensive CD transport that would be a sensible fit for use with the following:

1. Audio-GD DAC-Compass (DAC/Amp)
2. Grado Sr325i Headphones

I think a unit with an optical output would be best (since I would be using the DAC built into the Compass), but of course your advice on this is appreciated.

Basically, I don't want to go overboard buying gear that I don't need for this setup, but also don't want the source to be the "weak link" in this setup either. I don't really know the advantages offered by different transports when you aren't using the built-in DACs.

Finally, if you can, please offer thoughts on things like power protection & whether this is a worthwhile investment for this setup (something like a PS Audio Duet for example); also whether the quality of the optical interconnect would make much of a difference.

Thanks!!

P.S. - I saw this used HK DVD player available for $49- what do you guys think?:

Used Harman Kardon | DVD-27 DVD Player | DVD27 | B&H Photo Video

 

[zac_peter]

Hello thelsuman,

If I was in your shoes and knew a bit of DIY, I would have preferred to build a transport on my own, you must remember, a good transport in the market is costlier than the player as a whole.

Philips has some good and tested transport, one that comes to my mind first is CDM4, very sturdy and long life, considerably cheap and available.

DVD Player to my knowledge will never produce the sound, even compared to the likes of some old marantz or rotel cdp based on Philips CDM transport.

For audio quality, I would prefer to buy something like the vintage Marantz CD52 SE, than the latest HK DVD player.

I think you need to decide, whether you want to go the transport/DAC way, or the DVD way, because these are two extremes.

Best wishes,
ZAC

 

[thelsuman]

Thanks ZAC. OK- scratch the DVD idea. I really only want something that would serve as a good audio transport & don't care about DVD. This was just considered because the $49 looked like a good deal. I did a search for the Marantz CD52 SE, but it looks like none are available for sale. As for DIY, I'm afraid its not for me right now. Basically, just don't have the free time

I'm perfectly comfortable with buying something used as well. Basically, just want to be sensible with the purchase & don't know where to start (other than looking for CD players on the web)

If anyone knows of good transport/cdp that I could find used for a "reasonable" price- say no more than $200, please advise.

Thanks!

 

[nick_charles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zac_peter /img/forum/go_quote.gif DVD Player to my knowledge will never produce the sound, even compared to the likes of some old marantz or rotel cdp based on Philips CDM transport.

I used to use a Philips DVD player as a transport and would still be doing so today if the transport had not become clicky. When I used it as a transport it was indistinguishable from a NAD C542 used as a transport.

Currently I use an old Denon DCD910 , and 2002 Marantz CC4300 as transports, they are utterly indistinguishable in that role.

My only reservation about DVD players as transports is that those I have used have been noisier than CD players.

 

[zac_peter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelsuman /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks ZAC. OK- scratch the DVD idea. I really only want something that would serve as a good audio transport & don't care about DVD. This was just considered because the $49 looked like a good deal. I did a search for the Marantz CD52 SE, but it looks like none are available for sale. As for DIY, I'm afraid its not for me right now. Basically, just don't have the free time I'm perfectly comfortable with buying something used as well. Basically, just want to be sensible with the purchase & don't know where to start (other than looking for CD players on the web) If anyone knows of good transport/cdp that I could find used for a "reasonable" price- say no more than $200, please advise. Thanks!

Try and pick up ROTEL RCD-865BX, it uses DAC SAA7323 and CDM-4 transport, it is a very decent player with a good transport mechanism, the power section is the weaklink - but overall a very good and musical player which can act as a good transport, it has a coax out and sometimes can be found on Ebay for around $75 in excellent condition, make sure to ask the seller if any repairs or adjustment has been carried out on the transport, these transports have a life span of around 10000 hours, which can be furthered more by some minor adjustments.

I feel it would be a good way to start and later upgrade to a dedicated transport.

More options:

MARANTZ CD-62

MARANTZ CD-72 Mk II SE - This one is a gem - a keeper, consider it a steal if you get it around $200 - 250.

ROTEL RCD-855

ROTEL RCD-945AX

ROTEL RCD-955

ROTEL RCD-965BX

 

[apatN]

Why don't you just use your PC?

 

[thelsuman]

So, I've done some shopping on the web & found this: Rotel RCD-975 (used but reported as mint condition) for around $200 + shipping. I understand it uses a Philips CDM-9 pro transport. Does this sound like a good fit for my system?

BTW apatN- Good question about using the PC, but basically this HP setup will be in the living room, and my PC is upstairs (don't have a laptop at the moment), so that's not really an option for me. Plus most of my music is on CD at this point.

 

[J.D.N]

Isn't little dot releasing a transport or did that get scrapped?

 

[thelsuman]

Just noticed that the RCD-975 doesn't have optical digital out (only coax)...not sure whether this is a major disadvantage (?)

 

[nick_charles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelsuman /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just noticed that the RCD-975 doesn't have optical digital out (only coax)...not sure whether this is a major disadvantage (?)

No. My Marantz has both Coax and Optical, no difference whatsoever. I did own the RCD975 myself but I did not use it as a transport.

 

[zac_peter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelsuman /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just noticed that the RCD-975 doesn't have optical digital out (only coax)...not sure whether this is a major disadvantage (?)

It will be a good deal if you get that at below $200 + shipping, I did not mention that model because that CDP is very good as a player itself, if I am correct it has dual 20-bit/18x oversampling chips or 2 x TDA1305T, secondly if I recollect correctly it has CDM 9 and not 9PRO transport.

So if you are going to use it as a transport only, you will be basically not using the very good DAC chips of the CDP - which I consider a waste of money.

Hang on, you get some good deals in ebay, where you can justify the spending. Btw, Coax or optical out will both do, I prefer the coax though.

 

[zac_peter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.D.N /img/forum/go_quote.gif Isn't little dot releasing a transport or did that get scrapped?

I do not think it is scrapped, but by the looks of the specs, I do not think it is going to be below $350-400 + shipping.

They seem to say it would be introduced after the Chinese New Year. So if it fits in Thelsuman's budget, he might as well wait.

 

[MikeW]

what about a Sqeezebox

 

[thelsuman]

MikeW- Thanks for the squeezebox idea, but I think at this point I'd prefer something to play CD's (vast majority of my music still on this medium).

Re- LD transport: Seems like it's out of my budget range.

Right now I'm looking for something I can buy (ready to use condition...I'm not ready for DIY) for a sensible price, that can read redbook cd's & produce a good quality digital output to a Audio GD Compass.

Thanks everyone...your advice is truly appreciated!

 

[thelsuman]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I ended up finding a used Marantz CD5001 for USD$190 on audiogon. Seemed to fit the bill- I'm still anxiously awaiting the Compass (should be here by mid-April).