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Transport opinions

Hello,

I am adding an outboard Dac (ARC DAC 8) to dabble into hi rez computer audio in the near future. 

However, I will still spin cd's.  I have a couple of transports to try out once the dac arrives. 

I'm currently using a Sony 5400es via balanced XLR, but as many of us know, the lasers are a weak spot, and don't really want unnessacry mileage on it.  I'd think it would be best to save the laser for my Sacd's.  But if it's the best transport in the lot I have, I will go with it. I will be auditioning all the transports listed, but I'm wondering if any gurus have any opinions they would like to share. I also have a Monarchy DIP 24/96 that I will also mess around with. 

So,here is the list of of the top of my head. 

Sony scd-5400es
Sony BDP-5000es
Pioneer BDP-51
Marantz CD5000 
Sony DVD/SACD Player (cheaper older model)

What do you think? Splitting hairs to worry about the transport? Or should I embark on these transport auditions? 

Thanks!

audiolover718
reubent
3,587 posts
 
When I've done that exercise in the past, I've typically preferred a straight CD player vs. a universal or multi-format player. Much of this is due to the faster load speed. However, I've typically found them to sound better as transports than the multi-format units I've tried.

If you have any desire to buy a different transport, perhaps you can try a dedicated CD transport like the Cambridge Audio Cxc. I think it about $500 new.
audiolover718 OP
121 posts
 
Reubent, I'm thinking the same in my mind.  I have a practically new CD-5000, which uses a Philips transport, and while not the pro version transport that's in the ARC spinners, it might just be the next best thing.  Thee Marantz will be first on the list to try
itzhak1969
369 posts
 
Dedicated CD transport will give you the best results, from my experience the inner dac at regular CD player is interrupter and obstructive of the transmission of the digital signal to the dac, my cheap Cambridge Audio CXC beat every CD player and blue ray I owned before. 
audiolover718 OP
121 posts
 
Connected the DIP 24/96 inline between the 5400es and dac. ITS DEFINITELY STAYING.  That little box is wonderful. 

Upon installation, I only had one better cables silver serpent and one monster datalink 100.  It sounded excellet without warm rich, yet detailed sound. 

Tonight I tried the Marantz CD 5000 against the Sony SCD5400ES.   I could not believe how the sound took a nose dive.  Closed in, bright and forward. 

I think the the combination of many things made this little player outclassed.

by comparison to the Sony, -toy construction, featherweight, captive garbage power cord,  etc.   it did have a nice silent transport.  I do recall it having a very nice sound out of the analogue outputs years ago, but I guess my system has outgrown it.

I could not bear to listen to the marantz.  I put it to the side to warm up for a couple of days on repeat as it hasn't been used in years to satisfy a friends advice.  I'm not expecting miracles though.  Sometimes you just know.....

After putting the Sony back into the system, I also found a forgotten second silver serpent in to use on the output of the DIP 24/96, getting rid of the monster data link. To my horror the monster sounded better.  How could this be? I think because the new found old silver serpent hasn't been used in years and the monster was settled for days, the second silver serpent needs some settling and reacclimating.  Yes, I know I could have given the same respect to the marantz, but, I just didn't feel it had enough going for it to even consider it.  I look forward to hearing the second silver serpent settle in.  Right now it's not as detailed as the monster. ....... I can't believe I just said that. 

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