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Message started by Bluzrover on 05/31/25 at 01:06:59

Title: CD Transport & What Else?
Post by Bluzrover on 05/31/25 at 01:06:59

As a newbie here, I’m still trying to figure out just exactly what is required for all sources in my SET chain.

I’m currently only running my Rega P3 TT through a Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 into my UFO25. If I wanted to add a CD transport to my rig, would I need to add anything into the chain?

I’m sure this has been asked before but I’d appreciate any new ideas or components that might be relevant today.

Thanks in advance,

Bluz

Title: Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Post by busterfree on 05/31/25 at 01:57:48

A preamp or switch box. With only one input, you need to be able to select the 2nd source. You do not want to be switching cables to change your source. Seems inconvenient.

Title: Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Post by Lon on 05/31/25 at 02:33:48

I agree with Juan, a switch-box would be an elegant solution. I had a similar issue and wanted to feed two XLR balanced outputs into my ZBIT and into my ZROCK3. I did some research and was led to a Goldpoint product, and man I was amazed at the transparency and how seamlessly it all worked. I use the XLR version of THIS component and this is really well worth considering IMO.

https://www.goldpt.com/sa2.html

Not only can you easily switch between components wtih a really well-designed quality switch, but you can adjust the gain output which I find really beneficial. (I got the 24 position version of the excellent potentiometer).

Title: Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Post by Hearafter on 05/31/25 at 03:09:06

Black Ice Audio offers another fun switch box option that adjusts bass and room phase. I have one and it’s fun to tinker with. Also, it has a 12au7 tube buffer. Each time I do a comparison of SQ with and without the unit I always like how my system sounds with it better.

https://blackiceaudio.com/foz-line?srsltid=AfmBOort7ZChVIp6E4e1c4qJyCuzGBY1uw-bLGlEXh5VKHf5cVUtEXNs

Title: Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Post by CAJames on 05/31/25 at 17:02:29

I'll add Mapletree Audio to the list of options. They are a small, Decwareish company in Canada and made my phono stage, with which I'm very happy. They call switch boxes "routers" and I think you can get pretty much whatever combo of inputs and and outputs you want.

https://www.mapletreeaudio.com/

But I think ideally you get a real preamp. IMO the UFO25 benefits greatly from a good preamp.

I'm a little curious about adding a "CD transport." Presumably you mean a CD player, a CD transport only "plays" CDs to the extent that it will output the bits to an external DAC.

Title: Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Post by Tony on 05/31/25 at 17:23:48

Hearafter,

You are referring to the "FUZ," which one do you have, the "Ultimate" or the "New"?

Title: Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Post by Hearafter on 05/31/25 at 17:49:47

Hi Tony,
Yes I have the first gen FOZ SSX Sound Expander. The Ultimate is a very new limited edition upgrade. I talked to BIA and they said the only difference between the original version and V2 was cosmetic changes. They did mention that they can upgrade older models to the ultimate which I am considering but I haven’t talked to Jerrod about details and costs yet. A early V2 model is listed on USAM…
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650219219-black-ice-audio-sound-stage-expander-asking-480-comes-with-extras-in-excellent-condition-will-share-/

Title: Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Post by Bluzrover on 05/31/25 at 19:58:56

This is all great and thanks for the suggestions. The Black Ice Audio box sounds intriguing as I’m pretty limited with what I can do regarding room treatments.

And @CAJames, I appreciate the question because I am really just looking at adding a CD player so that I don’t have to add a DAC at the same time. So what I understand is that I could actually connect a CD player direct to the UFO25 and listen away, but the addition of a switch box allows for connecting multiple sources and then switching between the sources. I like the ZSB because it has a remote volume control but am intrigued by the other options mentioned above.

I am definitely in the market for a preamp at some point but at this point still trying to figure out what I need to add to my rig that provides not only sonic enhancements, but also ease of use, if that makes sense,

Thanks again to all!