I’m just curious to see the opinions people have on a good, shoe box style CD transport to add to my system. Currently using an Oppo BDP-83 into a Chord Qutest to a SN3. I don’t care anymore about the Blu-Ray capability and am thinking I’d rather have a dedicated CD transport. Majority of my listening is either streaming or Vinyl but I do occasionally listen to CDs.
I have found a Meridian 507 CD player for a reasonable amount as well as a Pro-ject CD Box DS2 T transport. I have always loved the look of the Meridian and always wanted one back in the 90s to go with my Nait 2. It was way too much money for me back then during my college days. I realize buying a 20 year old CD player that probably can no longer be serviced is likely not the smart choice but there’s just something I love about the vintage look. The early Linn players have that look as well.
Should I just get to Pro-ject or go for nostalgia?
Thanks for the reply. I’m in the US. That is very cool, but at $4200, more than I want to spend. I probably should have stated that my limit is around $1000. The CD-Box is around $800 and the 507 is $600. I found a Linn Genki for about $900.
The Cyrus CD t is another option although slightly over your budget.
Personally, for the same money, I would probably go for a new transport (e.g. the Pro-ject or Cyrus) just because there is a higher chance it can be repaired if necessary.
If you like Meridian and only want a transport, perhaps a 500 or 200 would fit the bill. Of course they’re long in the tooth so the mech might fail, but in their day they were near the top of the tree and are now available for pocket money prices, at least in the UK, so not too much risk. I can personally vouch for their quality at least when used with a Meridian DAC.
I owned a Pro-ject CD Box DS2 T transport for about a year, it was connected via a Lifatec glass fiber straight into my Qutest and it sounded seriously good. I wasn’t using it too often since I don’t have access to my CD collection right now, reason why I just traded it in to help fund another purchase. TMR has it if you want to save a few $, not sure why they gave it 7/10, it was like new, I guess they examine trade-ins with a magnifier or something. Power supply is 9V external, so you can also experiment with third party options in the future.
Recently had my CDX2 serviced and converted to a transport , if and when the mechanism goes or cannot be replaced that Pro_Ject model would be front runner to replace it
I did end up buying the TMR Pro-ject CD Box! Glad to know it’s in better condition than the 7/10. From looking at the photos, it didn’t look like a 7/10.
Thanks to everyone for chiming in! I’m sure I’ll be happy with this transport. Still may buy that 507 as well if the price is right just because.
Hi Taylor, so we are in the same age group. I did manage to buy a Meridian 500 transport on eBay two years ago and it went straight to a Meridian specialist for servicing. https://www.mrtechguy.co.uk/
According to Mr Tech guy, at that point in time, 500 had replacement laser available if the serial number is 2xxxxx or 3xxxxx (can’t remember now), while the 200 or 600 series are serviceable but no longer have laser replacement available. It would be wise to check with him again before committing. Thanks.
I got a Little Dot cd transport from China. Cost next to nothing and remarkably good! Plugs into the NDX. Sounds better than the same cd ripped onto my Innuous hard disc.
I bought an Audiolab 6000cdt about a year ago. I have been delighted with it. I’ve used it with three different dacs and I don’t think the transport has been a limiting factor on any occasion. I suspect you would have to spend a substantial amount more (certainly more than $1,000) to significantly better it.