Digital Drive: CAL Audio Delta with Bolder digital cable... by jackman

I have tried several transports and, at the expense of getting jumped on by ultra rich audiophile-types with seemingly unlimited budgets, I have a couple favorites:

Pioneer PD-65: had it for a short time and liked it a lot. It is beautiful looking and built like a tank. The one I had was in absolute mint condition but I sold it when I bought the Phillips SACD1000...which I sold after 2 weeks. If you can get a PD-65 in great shape for about $300, it's hard to beat as a transport. I popped the top on it and everything is copper plated and heavily shielded. The digital to analog conversion section can be turned off as well as the LCD display to help avoid interference. I love the way this thing looks. Old school and cool.

CAL Audio Delta: my current transport. I like this transport very much. Wayne at Bolder uses a slightly modded Cal Delta transport. It plays CDR's well and is built like a tank. I don't think replacement parts are available so be cautious when buying one. Mine is in perfect condition and I'll keep it until it totally dies. Also, never had a problem synchronizing with the DIO. Neither did the Pioneer CDP.

Modwright Pioneer DVD: This is another no-brainer and very inexpensive. Nothing Dan Wright makes is "ordinary". His modded Pioneer DVD transports are very good, however, you may experience sychronization problemes with the DIO. That's the only thing I didn't like about this transport. It did not synchronize when I changed disc's. Did not have this problem with other DAC's however, just the DIO>

Theta Basic II: Another transport that is no longer in production, even worse, the lazer (Phillips CDP9) is no longer made and replacement parts are getting scarce. Still, if you can find one for a decent price in great shape, it's probably the best of the bunch. Very solid and very cool looking.

PS Audio transport: haven't tried it but it has the same lazer as the Theta (I think there is a Rotel model that also shares this lazer). I have tried PS Audio CDP's and like the sound. Plus, I've seen some of these sell for pretty cheap making them an inexpensive gamble if you want to try something new.

Regards,
J