[ciphercomplete]

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 I started this thread from simple frustration around the state of USB DACs, specifically the need to buy a second expensive  box simply to be able to get what you paid for when you bought the DAC, but it has devolved somewhat into the merits of dedicated CDTs. I accept that I might have titled it more appropriately, but 'Frustration about USB DACs' probably wouldnt have garnered a single hit. The irony is that going to a boutique CDT-DAC combination would cost as much as something like the Offramp->DAC combination I'm ranting about, and you would still be juggling CDs - hardly a winning proposition, but then I look at the money folk are prepared to pay for a good phono stage. It would seem that, whatever the medium, there is a price to be paid for getting the best from the pits and furrows which hold all that digital and analog magnificence.  

 
I actually think having a second box (USB-->spdif) is a good thing at this point in computer audio.  Technology for usb to spdif conversion is progressing quicker than DAC technology and having a separate box means you don't have to scrap the DAC when when new conversion tech comes out.  Audio GD alone has had like 4 different versions of their digital interface and by all accounts each one is better than the last.

 

[CaffeinatedX42]

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Here's one.  Left over from the Audiophile equivalent of the Neolithic era.
 
http://www.naimaudio.com/hifi-products/pdt-type/cd555
 
$20,000, Yes that's right. It's thousands rather than a decimal point. All it does is play CDs. In a blind test you wouldn't be able to tell it apart from a $20 optical drive and regular SoC DAC assembly.

 
When I compared my integrated optical players (one cd and two dvd) using their s/pdif outs into my Schiit Gungnir the difference between all three was surprisingly dramatic.  I didn't expect it as I was using the same stand alone DAC with each.
 
So I'd be willing to bet you could hear a difference between the CD555 and a random $20 optical drive.  Not necessarily an "improvement" but definitely a difference.

 

[CaffeinatedX42]

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What Cambridge probably does is buy somebody's transport, and then modify it. That's very common, and I think you could say that something is "yours" if you change some of the components and come up with something unique.
 

 
It would, though, be nice if Cambridge said up front what optical reader they were using as the base.  
 
Woo Audio, in their specs for their WTP-1 transport, state outright "Sony laser head and mechanism".

 

[DefQon]

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It would, though, be nice if Cambridge said up front what optical reader they were using as the base.  
 
Woo Audio, in their specs for their WTP-1 transport, state outright "Sony laser head and mechanism".

I thought players that supported redbook playback was discontinued?

 

[duncan1]

I own a CD transport that plays "red book" it is a CYRUS XTSE2 [latest spec. ] It is specially designed by the digital design engineers in Cyrus with extremely  low jitter. the feed-in isn't a tray but a slot-NOT a car type but one SPECIALLY designed by the team NOT a "bought in " product -very smooth feed.
                    I also have a dedicated PS that plugs into the transport-can play without it  but reproduction of CD is enhanced by adding it.
                      All in an non-metallic box of die-cast construction.
                        Many companies sell hi-fi gear and you see in posts here people comparing products but for many that's it.
                          Not Cyrus they have a continual business policy of sending your Cyrus product into the factory for upgrade [a small portion of the full price item]   They use STAR -earthing and their equipment is tuned for NATURAL reproduction with an emphasis  

           on the CORRECT amount of sibilance.
                The owners were originally employees in a 1970s/80s loudspeaker company in the UK who formed the new company.