jbuhl
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Joined: Oct 21 2016 - 2:06pm
A new CD transport for me.
bierfeldt
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Joined: Oct 26 2007 - 2:30pm

In the same price range, I can't find anything that looks as good as the CXC new. I am planning to add one to my system and it will be connected to a Marantz NA-11s1 so similar to your Wadia in price and quality according to Stereophile. I will say, I have not done an exhaustive, side by side analysis and don't plan too but I also don't listen to a ton of CDs because I have most of them ripped to ALAC format and sitting on a server. The CXC has received great reviews and I am going to have faith that it will be good enough for me.

The reviews of it are what persuaded me. First, it has the same servo as the 851c which is telling me it has the mechanics of a much more expensive CD player and the savings are coming from the stripped out DAC. The only criticism I can find is in the actual tray which someone said wasn't as nice as marantz. My hunch is that unless you get an extraordinary deal, you aren't going to get a used transport that is going to beat the CXC. It will probably be easy to find one that is as good but I doubt, unless you step up to something like an Ayre CX-7e but used they are still like $1500-$2400 used. And even then, the Ayre will be an amazing transport but the reason it held its value is the stupidly good DAC.

My opinion and it may not be that helpful but good luck and I hope you make the right decision for you and your system.

commsysman
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jbuhl wrote:

Considering a new CD player or transport. The Cambridge Audio CXC looks like a good option and was considering going that way as my local dealer has them. It would be going into a Wadia 321.

What other options are there at this price point?

There is a used Audio Research CD 1 on Audiogon but the unit is old and I am probably paying extra for onboard DAC which might not be any better (given the age) than my Wadia or that I would bypass.

I guess the question is does anyone have experience with the CXC compared to some higher end used player that my be available for the same $$.

jb

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