CD Player/Transport Reviews

I auditioned the Lambda driving PS Audio's new Reference Link digital processor and "preamp" (see review elsewhere in this issue), a Mark Levinson No.30 Reference Digital Processor, and the Meitner IDAT. Digital interconnects included an AudioQuest Optical Pro II glass fiber, and Aural Symphonics and WonderLink coaxial types. My review sample was fitted with ST-type glass fiber, but not with AES/EBU output.

An Audio Research LS2B line-stage drove VTL 225W monoblocks via a 20' run of AudioQuest Lapis. Alternately, the power amplifier was a Mark Levinson No.23.5 hooked up with 20' runs of Expressive Technologies IC-1 balanced interconnect. Loudspeakers were Thiel CS3.6es, connected with 3' runs of AudioQuest Dragon or 8' runs of AudioQuest Sterling. Analog interconnects included AudioQuest Lapis (balanced), Diamond, and Monster Cable Sigma. Power to the system (except the power amplifiers) was conditioned by a Tice Power Block and Titan.

The excellent Proceed PDT 3 transport served as a reference near the Lambda's price. The $2495 PDT 3 sets a benchmark level of performance among mid-priced transports. Also on hand for reference was the $8500 Mark Levinson No.31 Reference CD Transport.—Robert Harley