Hello, first query for me here, although I've spent a number of hours reading & learning from this excellent forum
Grateful for any suggestions esp from owners of the transports I'm considering...
My old Wadia CDP needs a new laser, and this is proving problematic obtaining one at a cost that makes sense. SO, looking for decent sounding, reliable transport to use w/ Chord Dave DAC. My budget is $500 - to an absolute max of $3k but really my goal is keeping to or under $2k. Typically I buy lightly used gear.
Considering: PS Audio PWT (used are avail in the $2k range), Simaudio Neo 260d (w/o internal dac) new $2k haven't come across any used. Esoteric P05 (used avail for around $3k); Esoteric P03 if possible in my price range or not far from it.
I have a good vinyl rig; and a server set up using the Dave to Stream Tidal and have around 1000 cd's loaded in the server. Even so, sometimes I just want to play a cd... Have heard an older PS and Esoteric in the past, but not recently. Haven't heard or even seen the Simaudio Neo 260. It has gotten good reviews.
An advantage of the PS is its 64g memory play feature, but a knock for me is it uses a computer type drive. I've had to replace 3 of these in other gear so am not keen on them. Esoteric is known for their solid drives and build... The Neo is recent, and w/ in $ range.
Suggestions on Digital cables are also appreciated. PS recommends HDMI but n/a on Dave, so AES balanced XLR is most likely what I need. I mainly have Transparent interconnects (not the latest stuff); and use Audience SX RCA from dac to pre & Audience USB to server.
Many T H A N K S,
Bruce
Grateful for any suggestions esp from owners of the transports I'm considering...
My old Wadia CDP needs a new laser, and this is proving problematic obtaining one at a cost that makes sense. SO, looking for decent sounding, reliable transport to use w/ Chord Dave DAC. My budget is $500 - to an absolute max of $3k but really my goal is keeping to or under $2k. Typically I buy lightly used gear.
Considering: PS Audio PWT (used are avail in the $2k range), Simaudio Neo 260d (w/o internal dac) new $2k haven't come across any used. Esoteric P05 (used avail for around $3k); Esoteric P03 if possible in my price range or not far from it.
I have a good vinyl rig; and a server set up using the Dave to Stream Tidal and have around 1000 cd's loaded in the server. Even so, sometimes I just want to play a cd... Have heard an older PS and Esoteric in the past, but not recently. Haven't heard or even seen the Simaudio Neo 260. It has gotten good reviews.
An advantage of the PS is its 64g memory play feature, but a knock for me is it uses a computer type drive. I've had to replace 3 of these in other gear so am not keen on them. Esoteric is known for their solid drives and build... The Neo is recent, and w/ in $ range.
Suggestions on Digital cables are also appreciated. PS recommends HDMI but n/a on Dave, so AES balanced XLR is most likely what I need. I mainly have Transparent interconnects (not the latest stuff); and use Audience SX RCA from dac to pre & Audience USB to server.
Many T H A N K S,
Bruce