One year later: Do I REGRET paying $1,299 for the Urd CD transport?
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- Опубликовано: 16 сен 2024
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schiit urd review
schiit cd transport review
I purchased a Rotel A11 CD player a year ago for $300, i like the sound of it and it has digital out so i can use it as a transport, the cd tray is quiet and it has an "eject" button lol. $1300 is more than my entire system, im a frugal audiophile. I enjoy your channel and conversation. thanks for the content
I've had my eye on a Rotel player too, so great buy on your part. Thanks for sharing and watching!
I bought a Rotel Tribute CD player too. I've used it with its internal DAC via RCA & tried the optical through a Marantz PM6006 integrated amplifier too. Prefer the RCA /Internal DAC.
CD tray does feels a little flimsy but fantastic value at 300 USD or under £300 which is what I paid. Very little dealer stock here in UK now though 🇬🇧
Hi Aaron. I dabbled with a cd transporter last year and found myself barely using it at all. Fortunately, didn’t lose my shirt too much on resale. Like you I’ve now invested in the Ares ii, replacing a mojo2 in my main set up. I’ve now found that the denafrips can deliver a non “digital” sounding landscape so that’s where I’d invest as you suggested. Love the honesty of your approach
Thanks James - I've wanted to put ears on the mojo2 but haven't saved up enough funds yet! Thanks for sharing your experience with both it and the Ares II!
Having lived with the Mojo 2 for a good half a year in main rig my take out was this. It seduces an audiophile with a glimpse of ankle in week 1 which increases to a glimpse of a thigh in week 4, but that initial excitement turns a bit overly sickly after a couple of months. Too much of a good thing. It’s not very forgiving of a badly dressed recording and doesn’t suffer fools lightly. All that said, it sounds brilliant via IEM’s so if you can deal with the main rig bumps and take it away on holiday or on a flight or train journey it does deliver.
Data collection is extremely important. Many don’t understand that there are levels to which the cd data can be read and collected. It is more sophisticated than most think.
Thanks for sharing and watching!
If i spent 1400 on something that spun a CD I'd be trying my hardest to justify it to myself.
Id be hearing all types of sound quality that probably wasn't there. 😂
Yeah that’s what I was hoping to convey when talking about my confirmation bias. When we spend big money we probably assume we’re getting bigger results 😊
I'm about 6 months in to ownership of my Urd. The Urd replaced my 30ish year old PS Audio Lambda transport. When shopping around I found that most, if not all transports in this price range are made in China and use cheap plastic computer level drives. I'm sure those won't last 30 years. The high quality drive and the fact that the Urd was designed by Mike Moffat was a selling point. About a year ago I purchased a Schitt Bifrost 2/64 DAC and it made my Lambda sound much better that my old Assemblage DAC. I was curious about the Unison USB connections between the Urd and Bifrost, and it is amazing. I also have no need for the hub feature, yet. Nice to know it's there helping to future-proof the Urd. I adjusted to the single button after a couple of uses. Tip: drop a disc on the drive and press the play button on the front or the remote, drive closes and playback starts.
Thanks, Tom! Excellent points. I really want to grab a Bifrost myself at some point.
I have the Audiolab 9000CDT and it is a really great performer, with TCXO block, Teac transport mechanism, read forward error correction, very quiet background, ergonomic dial operation.
Awesome, thanks for sharing!
I think most important feature of the URD is USB output! It was 1st transport ever, having this output. Why I fancy about it? Well USB is real asynchronic transmission. So DAC can better handle the data and minimize jitter. Not to mention using a decent DDC in between!!! After URD was released, Shanling brought to the market beautiful ET3 transport with same USB output, but for killer 699$ price. And I am happy to have it! My best and enjoy the URD. This is fantastic transport, regardless the price!!!
Yeah I need to invest in a USB compatible DAC as well, thanks for sharing and watching!
I think what you get here is a quality product with great parts that lasts a long time. I don’t blame you at all. I’ve learned this with TVs especially. Sure some perform the same but some just tend to last longer and be more mechanically sound if you pay for it. I need to get a transport eventually!
Yeah, great point. I do enjoy the quality and will hold onto the Urd for a long time so I suppose that's better than buying 3-4 other transports and not being able to decide which is best.
@ForeverAnalog
*** TL;DR...
In one of my high-end car stereo systems, I use an old portable Sony Discman CD player as my ''CD transport'' using its mini-Toslink optical digital output. 😛 Read more down below if interested.
Unfortunately, AFAIK the Schitt URD only plays CDs. :/ So that would be a No-Go from the start (for me).
But I've already ripped 90% of my massive collection of CD/SACD/DVD-Audio discs to Lossless AIFF & iso WAV image files via Exact Audio Copy for archiving, and in lossless FLAC format for general everyday playback in my home system or in my vehicles that also have "high end" systems. HDD/SSD memory storage is CHEAP!
At home, for playing any optical discs I still have an Ayre C-5xe Universal Disc Player, and a Pioneer Elite Blu-Ray/universal disc player in another system as well. I can't remember the model # offhand, but it was one of Pioneer ELITE's last Blu-Ray/universal optical disc players and has an 8-channel ESS DAC in addition to Balanced XLR outputs, Toslink, & Coaxial digital outputs as well. So, you can always use it as a "Transport" if desired.
But they don't get much use these days since most of my CD/disc library is ripped/digitized and on my home NAS.
*** In one of my vehicles, I couldn't replace the horrible sounding OEM stereo "head unit"/source, but I HAD to have better sound than the crappy OEM system provided!
I installed a high end 3-way front speaker system using Focal Utopia car audio speaker components (8WM/3.5WM/TBM beryllium tweeters), and the crossovers, digital delay/time-alignment, and Parametric-EQ is handled by a miniDSP C-DSP 8x12 processor with DIRAC Live, which feeds its analog output to several Vivid Amps Hypex Ncore multichannel amplifiers. Oh, there's a 15" Infinity Beta 15x Subwoofer in the system, too.
Anyway, LIKE YOU, I still love to find & BUY CDs wherever I can find them, so I needed a way to play the CDs in the car system for instant gratification. 😄 The miniDSP processor has both Coaxial & Toslink optical digital S/PDIF inputs, so the system completely bypasses the car's OEM source/head unit.
For daily driving music playback, I have an iBasso DX320 DAP connected to the miniDSP processor via a Coaxial digital cable.
However, my solution for playing the occasional CD was to use an old portable Sony Discman CD player that has a mini-Toslink Optical digital output! Some of the Sony portable CD players have a 3.5mm "combination" jack that is "Line Output + Optical". This 3.5mm jack is separate from the Headphone Output and is surrounded by a thin white ring.
IIRC, the Sony CD Walkman is the # DJ-E715, and I picked it up off eBay for ~$26. It runs off of 2 'AA' batteries and is connected directly to the miniDSP's Toslink digital input. There are car cigarette lighter & home wall-wart power adapters available for these Sony CD Walkman units as well.
I keep the Sony CD Walkman stashed away in the center armrest storage cubby in my car which is where I routed the digital Toslink optical cable from the miniDSP.
It Sounds Excellent! :) And the CD Walkman even has a small wired Remote with a backlit LCD display that I can keep in my lap to control the playback functions by tactile feel without taking my eyes from the road. I use the Sony CD Walkman every time I buy a new batch of CDs.
For a Home Audio system, one of the best transports you can get is a good Blu-Ray player. Most of these will have a Toslink Optical and/or Coaxial Digital Output in addition to the HDMI output, so you can use it just as a TRANSPORT, or via its Analog Outputs. IME, most modern Blu-Ray players have better internal DACs than the majority of standalone Audio CD/disc players!
You just need one that has a good Remote Control, and one that allows you to play Audio Discs without needing the HDTV display turned on for navigation/playback control. In addition, some of these Blu-Ray/DVD transports are painfully slow to load and start playing even a standard audio CD, so you'll need to do some research to avoid those. 😉
Thanks for sharing and watching!
Do u have any recommrndations fot BD players? I assume the later vwrsions would be faster ib readung discs?
Far too expensive (like all CD transports)
Thanks for watching!
I second that. If they came out with a transport that was decently made in the $300 or less range, I would entertain that.
Hi Aaron, the extra PCB and electronic components for the USB hub will not be a significant cost. So, it is unlikely that Shiit would be able to offer a version of the Urd without this feature. The USB hub is the USP (unique selling point) that allow Shiit to differentiate their CD transport from other similar products. The fact that you’ve not hooked up a streamer and are happy playing CD indicates that the Urd is fulfilling your needs. There are cheaper CD transports on the market but consider the product quality, reliability and aftermarket support offered by a US company. If you’re not hearing the full potential of your CD transport, then perhaps the other system components are masking the improvements.
Great points thank you!
We all are using external DACs, then the question is: Is there any hidden or secret information we cannot get from a 16 Bit or 24 Bit CD with a 20$ DVD ?? I don't think so . Are we missing bits with a cheap transporter instead of using an expensive one??. I would like a technical instead of an audiophile answer.
Use a $25 used Philips DVD player with my Schiit Gumby DAC when I want to spin discs. Stream 90% of the time. Nice job!
Thanks for watching!
Just Buy the audio Lab 6000cdt. I paid $500 for the store demo you can't go wrong if you want a transport.
Awesome thanks for sharing!
I went with the Onkyo C-7030 because I got a great price on it. I paired it with the Schiit Audio Modi 3E...the sound must be experienced. Klipsch Heresy IV'S and my amplifier also help. Lol
I try to be reasonable price-wise. That being said, I also try desperately to not sacrifice sound and build quality.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing and watching!
Another fun video. Thanks my friend.
Thank you! 😊
I loved the Thrift Shop idea!!! Combined with a SONY Blu-ray with SACD powering it with an external ultra low noise 12 volt .
Premium Sound budget price!!!
I always love a good bargain set up! Thanks for watching!
I use my Yamaha CD-S303 as a CD transport after adding a separate DAC to my rig just recently. I honestly don't see what this shkit transport can do better than the Yamaha except for that usb hub.
Yep I hear you - it’s always been a hot topic in audio circles. Thanks for watching and sharing!
I've considered the Urd because of the good quality StreamUnlimited CD mechanism, but discovered that it plays redbook CD only...
An over 1k unit not able to read SACDs is just... too expensive.
That’s an excellent point, thank you!
I think some copyright issues prohibit SACD drives that are separate from the DAC.
SACD is and has been from its introduction a dead format. You do realize that Sony promoted the format to bypass any attempt to digitally copy the music. That was its primary reason for being. Two other issues should be noted: 1.) streaming simply does not sound as good as a Red Book CD. There is no error correction on a stream and there are additional adjustments to the steam such as added compression , on-line stream integrity and quality of the original transfer etc. 2.) There is a sonic quality between transports just as there are between convertors. To state that transport A is the same as transport B ....whould be like repeating that for D/A converters, A/D convertors, amplifiers or any other component in your chain. We tend, as a hobby group, to have discretion to no end on certain components but not so much on others.
@@johnshepherd708 I don't get what streaming has to do with a CD player...
My old NAD cd player i purchased 20 years ago would not read fussy cd's. My Sony reads everthing i throw at it so far. Like the URD, my Geshelli j2 dac is not perfect either. Such as walwart power supply, 3 gain settings, power outage causes the J2 to turn on once power is restored.
I wish i purchased Denafrips dac insted.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with the J2 as I've only ever heard good things about it!
Streaming is so convenient 😊
Modded Bluesound Node N130
LHY ps 5v & ifi ipower elite 5v
Aardvark Classic Ethernet Isolator
I agree! I find I personally like thumbing through physical media to find inspiration on what to listen to next but I also understand why streaming is nice and easy too.
🤭
Quality products, but not using the Hub probably diminished value in your case, but no matter it's an Extremely Quality built unit.
Agreed. Thanks for watching!
I know that I have mentioned this before, but I am really hoping that you will be able to review the Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 Magnum edition amplifier. I own one, and if you take a look, even on RUclips it gets rave reviews. There are not many reviews of it, however. I think if you are willing to spend the money and check it out, you will be shocked by what you get. Especially at the price point and the fact that it a made entirely in the USA product.
Awesome, I have a massive backlog of gear to review but I'll try to get a review model as that one might be too pricey for me to buy at this moment lol. It looks incredible!
Thank you for the quick reply, a rarity here on RUclips. For what it's worth, the investment will pay for the review. I will bet dollars to donuts that after sampling it you will not want to give it up. When building my system I auditioned Denon, NAD, and Yamaha to name a few. The Rogue shredded them. Not to mention that the remote for the Magnum edition is made from billet aluminum, so it doubles as a blunt-force self-defense weapon. Lol. Thank you again for responding. Keep up the good work!
If you take a look at Hudson Valley HiFi here on RUclips, Mike does a review of the standard model V3. I'm here in upstate NY and the guys at Hudson Valley HiFi are my go-to for equipment purchases. Very knowledgeable and a fantastic place to shop.
I understand why a transport can be a benefit. That being said, I do have a few noce systems and the Integra CDC 3.4 6 disc player is what I use as a transport. Load six cd's and play. It feeds into my RME ADI-2 PRO FS R BE that I use as a dac. I also have 2 Schiit Gungnir dac's and have another cd player hooked up to one of them through optical. And into my SPL Elector preamplifier.
I simply select what input and now have another 6 cd's to listen to.
The Onkyo DX-C390 6 disc player.
Onkyo owns Integra and even though the Integra is 400.00 versus the Onkyo being 350.00, you get a 1 year warranty on the Onkyo and a fove year warranty on the Integra. Well worth the extra 50.00 to me.
Question is does the Urd sound better to you than using a cd player as a transport?
Good video once again, happy misic hunting.
I recently reached just over a 1,000 cd's myself.
That's a loaded question lol - I think it depends on the DAC paired with the transport vs the CD player's internal DAC. I was using the Cambridge AXC35 cd player and it was a bit bright for my tastes, highlighting that digital sheen I didn't like when I listened to CDs years ago. I found the Urd and Ares II removed that sheen so I don't mind listening to CDs for longer periods of time and recently I've found myself buying them more frequently than vinyl because they are so easy to listen to now. But that's just my experience and I believe it will always differ from user to user!
@@ForeverAnalog of course it is up to everyone's ears! Lol. Reviews should be used as knowledge enhancements not as the rules for decisions.
I like using the Integra as a transport and will be buying a few more to use as transports in other areas here, especially since they give them a 5 year warranty. If they have that confidence, I like it.
Last purchase of cd's for me was about 120 and pushed me over the 1,000 mark. I just do not stream any longer and absolutely no desire to either. I use Pandora and Spotify on my phone to see if I like an artist to guide my purchases. That is my limit to streaming. Happy hunting!
@@ForeverAnalog Vinyl was my preferred method of playback because CDs made my ears tired after one or two discs. Upgrading my DAC was the best thing that I did to make playback more comfortable. It's great that there are so many options available to us today so we can find what works best for our ears.
I wonder if the usb ports add much to the manufacturing cost at all? I have being toying with a transport upgrade and the Shanling ET3 is no 1 on the list.
I'd like to get my hands on the Shanling but no luck yet! Thanks for watching!
Hi, for $1,300 you can buy a beautiful DENON DCD3500RG or even the DCD-3520 for $600 in great working condition and still have money left to buy more cds 💿👍🏼😊👽👍🏼
Thanks for sharing!
@Hi-Fi369
@ForeverAnalog
Yeah, but look on the used/second-hand market and see just how many of the DENON disc player units being sold are listed "As-Is" or "for Parts Only", LOL. Their optical disc transports and CD/Disc player units in general have a terrible reputation in regards to reliability/longevity.
On the other hand, I just went up to my parent's house to help with some end-of-summer cleaning projects including clearing out the garage. On one of the shelves in its original box sat my original Sony CDP-30 CD player that I got as a gift from my dad back in 1983!
I dusted off the box, pulled it out, and plugged it in, and the display lit up and the CD tray opened and closed fine and tried to scan for a disc. Off to a good start!
So I hooked it up to my dad's home system which plays through a great sounding pair of Vandersteen Treo towers, pulled a Norris Turney Quartet "Big, Sweet N' Blue" CD off the shelf and loaded it into the CD tray (fantastic jazz recording BTW!), hit "Play", and suddenly Norris and the band were IN THE ROOM! 🙂
I had played the snot out of that Sony for years as a young man, and 41 friggin' years later (!!!) the d@mn thing STILL WORKS...and sounds GREAT!!!
My dad just SHDH and couldn't believe it, LOL! It was late in the afternoon by that point so we cleaned up & closed up for the day and sat down with a cold one to finish out the CD. :) I thanked him for holding on to the Sony and not tossing it out or giving it to one of the local thrift stores. That day's gonna be a great memory I'll never forget.
But I HIGHLY DOUBT that experience and moment would have ever happened had it been an old DENON!!! I've had TWO of them give up the ghost fairly early in their life. :/
@@ForeverAnalog NP 👍🏼😊👽✌🏼
hello, I currently use an older Phillips DVD 711 to act as a transport, I also own an OPPO HD970 to play movies. In your opinion, is the OPPO a better transport than the Phillips?
Great question. I haven’t used an Oppo but always keeping an eye out for one due to their legendary status!
What am I missing here? My cd transport is a cat6 cable. About $.15/ft. Perfect playback every time.
I find it kind of weird that a $1300 transport needs to be rebooted. It needs to stay on to work properly. It may be just because I follow a schiit user group but it seems like schiit may have a little bit of an issue with quality control ..having said that I do own several of their devices. And have had no trouble.
Yeah I love all my Schiit gear so not sure why the Urd works best in this manner. Thanks for watching!
Been looking at that transport.
It’s an interesting one for sure! Thanks for watching!
Schiit deviated from their identify on this piece. I’m a Schiit fan, but for me, the value is not there with the Urd. Maybe if they slashed the price by half.
I agree with you on the price feeling high for Schiit gear, which is why I wrestle with this purchase lol. Thanks for watching!
Schiit should release an smaller USB-less version... is too wide and too expensive. Why a USB input in a CD player? o_O
What are your opinions of shanling transport ,i dont stream and have 10000 cds
I've not been able to get one in for review yet but hope to soon!
Buy a $30 DVD player or Blu-Ray player, with a digital output. Connect that to any decent DAC ($50-$150). You will not get any audibly better performance at even 100X the price. Argue if you want, it's your right to do so. But prove me wrong scientifically, if you can.
Thanks for sharing and watching!
@ScottGrammer
As a CD playing option in one of my high end car audio systems that doesn't have a disc player in the OEM stereo "head unit", I use an old portable Sony CD Walkman player that has a mini-Toslink optical digital output which is then connected to the Toslink input of my miniDSP C-DSP 8x12 DIRAC Live processor that I use in the car system.
IIRC it is the SONY D-EJ715 CD Walkman. I keep it stashed in the center armrest storage cubby for when I pick up a new batch of CDs from the thrift store or record shop.
This car system uses the high end Focal Utopia 3-way front speaker components (8WM/3.5WM/TBM Beryllium tweeters), along with a 15" Infinity Beta subwoofer and is extremely revealing.
To my ears (I'm a jazz drummer & saxophonist with a home recording studio), playing a track using the Sony CD Walkman through the system sounds just as good as the same track (from the same master) being played via Tidal, Qobuz, or Apple music from an iBasso DX320 DAP that is connected via Coaxial digital cable directly to the miniDSP processor.
And I bought the Sony CD Walkman on eBay for ~$26, LOL.
For reference, at home I use a fairly well-regarded Ayre C-5xe universal disc player, and TBH, I can't tell the difference if I play the same CD in it versus the Sony CD Walkman when they are both connected to the same system. 😛