Transport Advice - Oppo 203 vs. Cambridge CXC

Posted by: e d o on 21 May 2018

I need a new CD spinner to replace my dead CDX. I want to go the separate transport route but don't want to spend silly money. I think I've narrowed it down to either the Oppo 203 or the Cambridge CXC into my Onkyo DAC (that will be upgraded to possibly one of the new Naim streamers). Rest of the system is an 82/250/HCDR. Will the Oppo cut it? Is the Cambridge miles better? I can't dem these but hope someone here has and can share their experience.

Posted on: 21 May 2018 by Japtimscarlet

Seems funny to doubt the oppo when the cxc is so much cheaper?

Just get the cxc...it's about £290 new from richer sounds

The cxc is dedicated to CD only .. meaning the drive only has to be accurate at one speed .. infact it has a servo drive dedicated to getting that right

The oppo is a multi speed blueray and cd player

So cannot be as accurate at controlling it's speed stability..

Posted on: 21 May 2018 by Adam Zielinski

Oppo - every day.

Posted on: 21 May 2018 by Skinnypuppy71

If you want to keep it cheap....I'd go for a used version of arcams diva cd players from that well known auction site....cd72t,cd73,cd82 or the well regarded cd192.....all are very decent transports and cd players to boot.

Posted on: 21 May 2018 by e d o

I expect neither the Oppo (as a transport) or the Cambridge + DAC will be up to my CDX but what I really want to know is will there be much difference between them as a CD spinner. I've read that multi-format blu-ray players are not going to surpass a CD (only) transport but the Cambridge is not exactly at the highest level. The Oppo brings 4k and SACD to the party. So I would get a definite bump in film quality ( I have a 4k screen but my current Panasonic blu-ray player doesn't do 4k). I'm in the US and the price difference between these two is only about $50.

Posted on: 21 May 2018 by Adam Zielinski

You will need to hurry up as Oppo stopped the manufacturing altogether.

Posted on: 22 May 2018 by Perol

I have the CXC, used in various combinations, not impressed but you can hardly blame the price

Even its better than some pling plastic transports its not what I would purchase next

Posted on: 22 May 2018 by hastings

I'm using a Marantz dvd player as a transport. I can't compare it to the other two but it does the trick - and I've always been pleased with it for what it is. Also, you can be sure they'll be around next year if you need warranty repairs. Oppo - who knows?