[john dozier]

I already have the Little Dot and Tascam CD200 transports but am not really satisfied with either. Anyone have experience with the Aune or Lite Audio transports? Both look good, but SQ is most important. I am using an Anedio D2, Audio-gd DI-DSP2, ClassD Audio Spiral Groove and ASL Monsoon amps and Paradgim Sig1v3's. I listen mostly to symphonic music. Any comments or suggestions appreciated. Thanks

[jtwrace]

Any comments or suggestions appreciated. Thanks

Yes, ditch the Cdp idea and use the computer that you type on and get an ODAC.  That will sound MUCH better then any $200 Cdp IMO. 

If you use Windows use JRiver or similar if you are Mac use iTunes with an audio player such as Pure Music.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=105728.msg1126911#msg1126911

[borism]

I agree with the computer audio set-up suggestion. At this point I hardly ever use my CD player anymore. The sound quality and convenience are hard to beat.

[john dozier]

Too much of what I listen to is not available as high quality download, plus an existing library of almost 1000 cds. I do not want to have to transfer them to HD, entirely too much work for my lazy butt. Transport only suggestions please. Thanks for the comments though. Regards

[jtwrace]

Too much of what I listen to is not available as high quality download, plus an existing library of almost 1000 cds. I do not want to have to transfer them to HD, entirely too much work for my lazy butt. Transport only suggestions please. Thanks for the comments though. Regards

I uploaded nearly 3k Cd's.  It's really not that bad.

IF you insist on a Cdp though.  I'd contact Virtue Audio on this site and see what he has. 

[lokie]

Lampizator  Denon 3910's mods are supposed to be terrific. I personally haven't heard one, but would like to.

 

[jimdgoulding]

You can always use the front end of a DVD player.  I use a Sony from some years ago into my Bel Canto DAC with a 1.5 meter of a KCI Pegasus IC.  I don't imagine it would stack up very well against more modern and expensive alternatives but it rocks my world.  Ya gotta be creative when money is tight.  And lucky or educated, or both.

[jonbee]

I agree that a computer sounds best, but I use a couple of older Oppo 970s as transports  in secondary systems, one with a little Aune DAC, and they sound quite nice, much better than Sony 999/9100 DVD players I used formerly as transports or stand alone players. You can get one used for around $100.

[yeldarb]

For several years, I've used an old NEC external drive with my Ack! dacs.  Sounded pretty decent but balked playing some cds.  I recently bought an Onkyo c-7030 player.  It sounds very good on its own, and when used as a transport for the Ack!, I am hearing detail that I must have previously been missing.  Supposedly the Onkyo reads about anything.  Maybe that is the secret.

I've also used Toshiba DVD for a drive.  Not bad either. 

[Chromisdesigns]

Too much of what I listen to is not available as high quality download, plus an existing library of almost 1000 cds. I do not want to have to transfer them to HD, entirely too much work for my lazy butt. Transport only suggestions please. Thanks for the comments though. Regards

Up to you, of course, but I had a similar-sized CD collection, and it really didn't take very long at all to rip the entire set to hard drive.  Plus, using dBpoweramp, I was able to dual-rip to both FLAC for my stereo and AAC for my wife's iPod.  It's just a matter of having a stack of CDs and ripping them while doing other things at the computer.  No brainer, really.  Ripping goes REALLY fast.

[Letitroll98]

This thread is kind of like when the guy goes to the doctor and says, "It hurts when I do this".  And the doctor says, "Quit doing that".

CDP's and CD transports are going the way of the dinosaurs, I sympathize with the OP as the task of diving into computer audio as my sole digital source is daunting.  It's not just the ripping, which is bad enough, it's the whole "buy the right computer, more money for audio for music I already have, just a friggin pain" thing.  So much easier to buy a good transport or new DAC and just spin the CDs.

I think the sound of transports is so tied into the DAC and cables you are using that recommendations above a certain minimum level of quality are almost useless.  I think you just have to bite the bullet and try a few in your system.  Why are you unhappy with the Little Dot and Tascam?

[john dozier]

The Little Dots mechanical operation is too idiosyncratic (to say the least) and the Tascam has a DA built in plus variable speed, both of which could compromise SQ as a transport, plus it is definately built to a  price, designed for schools and churches. As I stated, I am looking at the Aune and Lite Audio plus the Musical Fidelity. All appear to be much better built. Whether this translates into better SQ, I just do not know and am looking for some owners to give me some feedback. I have outlined my system and listening preferences above. I am also a semi-retired NPR GM and long time classical recording engineer and producer (Think Stellavox, Studer, Schoeps,etc. I really do know my way around in this area with a number of classical cds and broadcasts to my credit. I am also very picky but I refuse to pay some of the outrageous prices demanded by some makers of DACs and transports. Regards

[doug s.]

find an old used pioneer or audio alchemy cdp or transport w/the upside-down stable platter mechanism...

doug s.

[Tops]

I already have the Little Dot and Tascam CD200 transports but am not really satisfied with either. Anyone have experience with the Aune or Lite Audio transports? Both look good, but SQ is most important. I am using an Anedio D2, Audio-gd DI-DSP2, ClassD Audio Spiral Groove and ASL Monsoon amps and Paradgim Sig1v3's. I listen mostly to symphonic music. Any comments or suggestions appreciated. Thanks

I have not used  Aune or Lite Audio transports. The softone CDP Transport gave me much pleasure (CD-Pro2 module). http://softone.a.la9.jp/english/m3-1.htm. I am now using a friends Revox C221 and this is mind blowing.

Please also see what yhis gent says aboyt the sony BDP-S190
http://cheaptubeaudio.blogspot.hk/

[Letitroll98]

I have not used  Aune or Lite Audio transports. The softone CDP Transport gave me much pleasure (CD-Pro2 module). http://softone.a.la9.jp/english/m3-1.htm. I am now using a friends Revox C221 and this is mind blowing.

Please also see what yhis gent says aboyt the sony BDP-S190
http://cheaptubeaudio.blogspot.hk/

The Softone Model3 at $1500 is way over the limit for the Cheap and Cheerful HiFi circle so cannot be considered.

However I've been waiting patiently for some C&C blueray players to be reviewed as music disc spinners, either Redbook or a HiRez format.  Modded Oppo's, Samsung's and the like have gotten good reviews, but they're a bit too pricey for this circle.  I'm glad to see the Sony BDP-S190 get some respect.  I think this is an offshore unit for the USA(?), but I would imagine comparable to several low priced models here.  Anyone have any experience using an inexpensive blueray for CD playback?   

[john dozier]

I have found that AudioCDPro offers the Phillips CDPro2 with display, ps, remote, and all cables for $500. A case or mount will need to be made. This strikes me as a bargain. These folks are part of the DAISY family, with whom I am famiiar. What are the circles thoughts on this.  I note that many of the expensive players use the SPDIF out from the CDPro2 without additional processing. These units run $2K+. Regards

[tomytoons]

If you look here>>http://shop2.hifidiy.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=10
you can get the Aune Transport direct from China for $400 less that Pacific Valve. Also have other choices there for the drive unit. Some assembled and some complete. Pretty east to assemble I would say.

[jarcher]

Guess I should throw forward the obvious - an Emotiva ERC2 @ $450 new?

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/sources/products/erc2

I do not have personal experience w/ this unit, but seems to be a reasonably well built transport.  Any actual owners out there?

[JLM]

I sympathise with you John.  I had a Squeeze Box years ago but too many software glitches sent me back to CD players.  But so far this year I'm on my 3rd one (both previous ones developed permanent brain farts - the technical term ).  The Oynx CD-3 was purchased B-stock, but for $500 (half price) I expected more than 3 years from it.  The Oppo 970 lasted longer, had rather poor appearing build quality, but was only $170 delivered.  Currently using a Sony XA20ES (12 years old, but vintage guys will still pay $200 for one).

The good news is I already owned all 3, but this is my last one.  The other good news is that computers are friendlier and you can rip in the back ground.  And I'm "ready" for another computer (current one is a locally refirbed modestly equipped business machine with only the little "subwoofer" working for sound), so I'm looking at an iMac (sleek, all-in-one, simple) and waiting for cash and Apple to upgrade to their new generation screen.  Apples are respected for their sound and the iMac is cheaper/simplier than a comparable Mini if you need a regular computer and don't already own an "iGadget".

[john dozier]

Thanks for all the advice. I have decided to go with the CDPro2 ensemble. Perusing ALL the linfo, leads me to the conclusion that no one gets the analogue rf signal off the cd better than Phillips. So that and a slab of gorgeous walnut will be joiining me shortly. BTW, I am not a luddite, I have an ASUS G73w computer and use it for casual listening and for the BBC. I just feel that cds sound better in my system. BTW I use an Anedio DAC. Any interest in forming an Anedio circle? James Kang, the designer is very approachable and would contribute I am sure to any such circle. Regards