CD players that make for a great transport

sorry I didn't relies Teac still makes these transports in a much higher level. and have been for years so hopefully there is even more out there available at reasonable costs.

If you want to spend even less I'd recommend the Sony DVP-S7700.  It's actually a DVD/CD player/transport.  It's been a budget audiophile favorite for many years and they can be had on the cheap.  But with your budget you might be embarrassed to spend so little.  They are plentiful on the used market so I say buy one and spend the rest of your money elsewhere....

JVC XL-Z series CDP's - great transport mechanisms.  Bullet proof last forever.
Make great transports can be Picked up for Peanuts.

But hush it is a secrete, how can anything like that be good.
Keep it under your hat before they all get snapped up.
At the prices they go for what you got to loose.
Also sound great as stand alone CDP's.

As I stated above I am currently using a Arcam DV-137. Prior to Blueray, this was marketed as a universal player with a retail price of $2000.  I purchased mine new from a dealer about 4 years ago for $500 as the addition of Blueray greatly diminished the value of DVD players.  It has served me well for CD playback via my DAC, and DVD viewing.  If I were to accomplish a significant upgrade in CD playback, I believe it would require a much greater budget, likely to be spent on a CD player/CD transport only player (such as the Neo 260).

What drove my initial post was that I thought it might be nice to develop a list of CD players that can be recommended to those who still compile and listen to CDs and, in addition are interested in upgrading to a separate DAC for redbook or hirez file playback. I have friends, and believe there are many in this AG community, who fit this description and would benefit. 

Thanks to all who have contributed! Comments regarding home service applicability (gear driven vs. belt, etc.), availability of parts are extremely helpful. 




 

pioneer elite pd-65, google it for more info