Forums - CD Transport & What Else?

Bluzrover

Senior Member

Posts: 79

CD Transport & What Else?
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

Back to top

IP Logged

busterfree Seasoned Member Posts: 459	Re: CD Transport & What Else? Reply #1 - 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.
Back to top	IP Logged

Lon

Seasoned Member

"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 27760

Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Reply #2 - 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).

Back to top

HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,SEWE300B,Dynagrid Jr;Rega RP3+all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD DAC Mk II,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VeraFi Audio cpts VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects;Stack EQ; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori

IP Logged

Hearafter

Seasoned Member

“In Tubes We Trust”

Posts: 348

Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Reply #3 - 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-bL...
GlEXh5VKHf5cVUtEXNs

Back to top

Aric Super 300B SET/TabooMK3
Supratek Cabernet Pre
Mojo Mystique X’25 NC DAC
Sonore Sig Rendu SE Dlx/opticalmodule
Vera-Fi LNBH, SSZ, MS, SW
Sonido SWR096FC Towers
Vanguard Caldera Sub
SDFB-Graphene Slugs
Veritas Cables
ZMF HP’s/Zrock3

IP Logged

CAJames

Seasoned Member

"I've run every
red light on memory
lane."

Posts: 3143

Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Reply #4 - 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.

Back to top

[Volumio | Jay's CDT2 MRK3] -> Denafrips Terminator 2 + Gaia
Sumiko Pearwood -> Mapleknoll Athena -> Luxman SUT -> Mapletree Phono 3E
STR-1002 -> Woo WA22 -> 2x UFO25s, balanced monos
Omega SAM , Hifiman Arya, Audeze LCD-XC

IP Logged

Tony Seasoned Member "Life without...music is inconceivable" A.Einsteln Posts: 850	Re: CD Transport & What Else? Reply #5 - 05/31/25 at 17:23:48 Hearafter, You are referring to the "FUZ," which one do you have, the "Ultimate" or the "New"?
Back to top	SE84UFO25 \| CSP 2+ \| STR-1002 \| Ic0n4 \| Lumin U2 Mini \| Carver C-9 \| Denafrips Terminator DAC \| Denafrips Gaia DDC \| Verafi LNBH, SSZ, SDFB & AC Tuning X \| Decware I/Cs \| Decware Pwr Cbls \| ZWIRE Speaker Cbls \| Omega SAHOM & KEF KC62 \| Furman Cond l GIK Room Trmt IP Logged

Hearafter

Seasoned Member

“In Tubes We Trust”

Posts: 348

Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Reply #6 - 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-expand...

Back to top

Aric Super 300B SET/TabooMK3
Supratek Cabernet Pre
Mojo Mystique X’25 NC DAC
Sonore Sig Rendu SE Dlx/opticalmodule
Vera-Fi LNBH, SSZ, MS, SW
Sonido SWR096FC Towers
Vanguard Caldera Sub
SDFB-Graphene Slugs
Veritas Cables
ZMF HP’s/Zrock3

IP Logged

Bluzrover

Senior Member

Posts: 79

Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Reply #7 - 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!

Back to top

IP Logged

Bluzrover

Senior Member

Posts: 79

Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Reply #8 - 06/20/25 at 23:10:52

So I was able to jump on the ZSB Deluxe Steve posted yesterday and it’ll be here in a week or so. I have a CSP3 on order so I will probably hold off on the preamp suggestion, but would like to better understand the next logical choice for my audio chain from which the CD player will benefit most. I’m still a bit confused about the ZBOX and ZROCK.

Of the two, which makes a bigger difference, or is there something else you all might suggest?

Back to top

IP Logged

Lon

Seasoned Member

"Love without
guts is
worthless!"
Philip K. Dick

Posts: 27760

Re: CD Transport & What Else?
Reply #9 - 06/20/25 at 23:19:30

The ZROCK3, by design, will make a bigger difference. I have a ZROCK3, and two ZROCK2s, a ZROCK in each system--for me they are essential. I think if you have other EQ and or are able to do room treatment they are less essential, but as the sole EQ in a room I am unable to treat for sound improvement I now HAVE TO HAVE THEM. So mine is not an impartial opinion, but a passionate one.

Back to top

HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,SEWE300B,Dynagrid Jr;Rega RP3+all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD DAC Mk II,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VeraFi Audio cpts VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects;Stack EQ; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori

IP Logged

Bluzrover Senior Member Posts: 79	Re: CD Transport & What Else? Reply #10 - 06/21/25 at 00:04:24 Thanks Lon for the quick reply. I have to admit, when I started down this path I had a very myopic view of keeping my system strictly focused on my album collection. But with a wall full of CDs, it seems a real waste not to at least venture into the digital realm a bit.
Back to top	IP Logged

Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 27760	Re: CD Transport & What Else? Reply #11 - 06/21/25 at 02:52:21 Yes, I have many walls of cds (and even more in and out of storage) and digital is my main pursuit for many reasons. But I love my vinyl as well. It's a great time to be alive for music lovers!
Back to top	HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,SEWE300B,Dynagrid Jr;Rega RP3+all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD DAC Mk II,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VeraFi Audio cpts VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects;Stack EQ; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori IP Logged