I want to keep the DAC separate (I also have a Schiit Modi 3) because the development is rapid and prices fall comparatively fast. I want the Marantz for a second set up in the bedroom. I also like experimenting with various components and DIY projects. I do want a better CD player but sold on transport rather than integrated. I was really impressed with the "sound" of Audiolab CDT
To better the Audiolab you will be looking at a Cyrus CDT unfortunately @ £900...
I have always been a Dac/Transport guy, but my latest £1.5k integrated player beats my old £4k two box setup by quite some margin.... Just some food for thought!
Seems to be a bit of a recurring theme on the Audiolab stuff. Is quality control / reliability an issue with them overall? Still feeling that the 6000A will be my next amp but being put off a bit by some of the reliability issues surrounding Audiolab
I have both the 6000A amp and the 6000CDT transport and neither of them have put foot wrong. They also sound terrific. It's a shame to hear some units aren't behaving but I'm convinced it's a tiny fraction. Not saying the faults aren't happening but nobody starts a thread just to talk about units working properly so cases of faults can appear more common than they are.
I have the 6000A & 6000CDT combo, I've only had the CDT for about 2 weeks, but no issues with pausing so far and very happy with the sound from the kit and Q3050i speakers.
So the AudiolabCDT has been returned to Amazon. Now looking for another CD transport in the £500 to £1000 but not a lot to choose from. Any reviews of the Project CD Box DS2 T Transport at £550?