NAD 546BEE, Oppo BDP 105D, etc.

[Fiftyfifty]

I realize that these 2 products are not an apple to apple comparison, but here is my question:
I would like to get a CD player and use its coaxial digital out to my DAC and preamp. I do not need features like its DAC capability, USB input, SACD capability, Bluray play, etc. ...just good sound from my stereo CDs via the player's digital out. I would like my money to be spent on good CD reading capability, rather than on features that I don't need. Also, I do not want to use a CD transport.

I currently use the NAD 516BEE for this purpose, but wonder if there can be improvement in SQ by stepping up to the NAD 546BEE, which claims to have a torroidal power supply and a buffered coaxial output, among other things. On the other hand, there are players like the Oppo BDP 105D, which boast of great SQ, but they come with features that I don't really need, but will be paying for. Would the Oppo nevertheless beat the NAD on stereo sound?

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[mshifi]

you should look at a good DAC like chord, schiit which could be used with your transport.

 

[Fiftyfifty]

you should look at a good DAC like chord, schiit which could be used with your transport.

I have a good DAC. What I'm looking for is a cd player that will work as a good transport.

 

[prem]

Why don't you get a good transport instead of a CD player. You can look at Acoustic Portrait. And if budget permits an Esoteric transport.

 

[Fiftyfifty]

Why don't you get a good transport instead of a CD player. You can look at Acoustic Portrait. And if budget permits an Esoteric transport.

I got a feeling that transports are generally priced steeper than cd players with that same transport, because it's a niche market. Moreover, there's no resale market for transports. However, if that's a better solution, I'll keep that option open

 

[Fiftyfifty]

Why don't you get a good transport instead of a CD player. You can look at Acoustic Portrait. And if budget permits an Esoteric transport.

Thank you for this suggestion. Looks like a CD transport may be the best option. Esoteric at 10lacs+ is way beyond my budget. AP is a good choice but discontinued by the manufacturer. Do you have any recommendations of dealers in India for a decent transport?

Thanks again

 

[prem]

Used AP transport keeps coming up for sale on the forum. Used Esoteric transport will also come in around 2.5 lakh. Look for them on audiogon

 

[Fiftyfifty]

Used AP transport keeps coming up for sale on the forum. Used Esoteric transport will also come in around 2.5 lakh. Look for them on audiogon

Thanks. I'll do that.

 

[Fiftyfifty]

Does anyone have experience using the Rega Apollo R as a transport?

Thanks

 

[panditji]

Sir, if I may, there is nothing wrong with your NAD CDP if used as a transport... Just get a better DAC and you should be fine.

 

[Fiftyfifty]

Sir, if I may, there is nothing wrong with your NAD CDP if used as a transport... Just get a better DAC and you should be fine.

Thank you Panditji, for your direct answer to my initial question. Having upgraded all components recently, including the DAC, I was wondering whether the NAD 516BEE would be a weak link. As you say, it perhaps does not matter very much.

Regards

 

[prem]

Between a Rega and a NAD, either would be fine as a transport. But a Esoteric will be in a completely different league. Nothing comes close to it.

 

[Fiftyfifty]

Yes, but these are not options unless someone wants to part with them.

 

[Fiftyfifty]

Between a Rega and a NAD, either would be fine as a transport. But a Esoteric will be in a completely different league. Nothing comes close to it.

Thank you Prem for encouraging me to head towards Esoteric. I managed to get a used Esoteric SA50 in almost mint condition and I'm so happy to use it as a transport. A bit on the bright side, so one has to make sure that other connected equipment does not exacerbate this.

One great feature is the option to switch off the internal D to A conversion and output only digital as a transport. As I expected, it sounds much better with my external Dac and preamp than on its own. So that's a +1 for the Northstar Design.

Thanks again

 

[prem]

If both Esoteric and Northstar have AES connectivity, use an AES cable. It's the best way to output digital from an Esoteric transport.

 

[Fiftyfifty]

If both Esoteric and Northstar have AES connectivity, use an AES cable. It's the best way to output digital from an Esoteric transport.

Unfortunately, no AES out on the Esoteric

 

[prem]

I am surprised. I was so sure they would have AES. All their higher end models have dual AES