CD Player/Transport Reviews

Digital Sources: Ayre C-5xe universal player; Mark Levinson No.30.6, Benchmark DAC 1 D/A processors; Alesis Masterlink hard-disk recorder.
Preamplifier: Mark Levinson No.326S.
Power Amplifiers: Mark Levinson No.33H monoblocks.
Loudspeakers: Revel Ultima Studio, Snell LCR7 XL.
Cables: Digital: Kimber Illuminations Orchid AES/EBU, AudioQuest SVD-4 S/PDIF. Interconnect: AudioQuest Cheetah, Madrigal CZ Gel-1, Ayre Signature Series, Crystalconnect (balanced). Speaker: AudioQuest Kilimanjaro. AC: PS Audio Lab, Shunyata Anaconda Helix Alpha, manufacturer's own.
Accessories: Target TT-5 equipment racks; Ayre Myrtle Blocks; ASC Tube Traps, RPG Abffusor panels; PS Audio Power Plant 300 at 90Hz (preamps, disc players only), Audio Power Industries 116 Mk.II & PE-1, APC S-15 AC line conditioners (not power amps); AC power comes from two dedicated 20A circuits, each just 6' from the breaker box, a Mark Levinson No.33H plugged into each.—John Atkinson