Which budget CD player would be a good transport?

like any second hand kit tuga, you save the money on the purchase price in the knowledge you may have an un-warrantied repair.

It's a trade-off that is extremely unlikely not to make financial sense..


cheers
chris

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Meridian-500-...73QQihZ014QQcategoryZ3272QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Can I have a quick ask here?

I take it the Meridian transport is just that....no internal DAC...so you have to hooik up to your own outboard/external DAC?

Is that what "transport" means?


cheers,


David

 

Yes.

 

thanks...

 

£311 for the Meridian 500 transport with an updated clock. That is a serious bargain and will definitely be better than any DVD transport or a budget new CDP. May have to get a new laser/transport mech eventually with an old CD/transport but they can be had and don't cost that much even if they do break down. Even then, what have you lost?
As for the Marantz, that was well thought of in its day and cost well over a grand (£1200 I think). The KIs are very robust and replacement mechs are available. Only thing might be is the Marantz might be better without a DAC! The KI mods are mainly to the analogue output stages so depending on your DAC you might not need it! At least with a dedicated transport you know all the money has been spent on getting the most 0s and 1s off the CD!
Of course, another recomended option (as already mentioned!) would be a Teac VRDS10 or similar. Won't go wrong with these!
ATB, Liam.