Digital Sources

CD Players & Transports in Ottawa

Dedicated disc playback — players with built-in DACs and transports for your own.

Should you buy a CD player or a transport?

A CD player reads the disc and converts it to analogue internally, ready to plug straight into your amplifier; a transport reads the disc only and sends a digital signal to an external DAC. Distinctive Audio stocks both in Ottawa, from the $799 Audiolab 6000CDT transport to the all-in-one $1,299 Elipson Music Center BT HD.

Pick a transport if you already own a DAC you love, or a complete player — including the tube-output Shanling CD-T100 — if you want disc playback in one box. Book a listening demo to compare them.

CD players and transports available at Distinctive Audio in Ottawa, with type, key features, condition, and price in Canadian dollars.
Model	Type	Highlights	Condition	MSRP (CAD)
Audiolab 6000CDT	Transport	Slot load, digital out, precise clock	Brand New	$799
Elipson Music Center BT HD	Player (all-in-one)	Bluetooth, 120W	Display Model	$1,299
Shanling CD-T100	Tube CD player	Tube output, top load, remote	Used	$1,495

Our Selection

Floor Demo

Musical Fidelity ENCORE Connect Server

$2,199.95

Enquire

Floor Demo Shanling vacuum tube cd player

Tube

Shanling CD Player 2.1 Export Edition

$1,949.95

Enquire

Trade In

Tube

Unison Research Unico PRIMO CD Player

$1,549.95

Enquire

Floor Demo

Tube

Audio Space T-88 Vacuum Tube CD Player

$1,499.95

Enquire

Players & Transports

Complete solutions or dedicated digital outputs.

Tube or Solid State

Choose your preferred analog presentation.

Built-in or Outboard

Integrate with your existing DAC or system.

Used & Classic

Carefully curated pre-owned options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert guidance on choosing the right cd players & transports for your system.

What is the difference between a player and a transport? expand_more

A CD player contains both the laser mechanism to read the disc and an internal Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) to output an analog signal directly to your amplifier. A CD transport only reads the disc and outputs a digital signal, requiring a separate external DAC to convert the signal before amplification.

Do I need a separate DAC? expand_more

If you purchase a CD transport, yes, you must use an external DAC (either standalone or built into your amplifier/preamplifier). If you purchase a standard CD player, it is not strictly necessary, but adding a high-quality external DAC later can often provide a significant sonic upgrade.

Is the Shanling CD player new or used? expand_more

The Shanling CD-T100 listed is a curated pre-owned model. We carefully inspect, test, and verify the performance of all our used equipment to ensure it meets our rigorous standards for playback quality and reliability.

How should I care for my discs? expand_more

Handle discs by the edges or center hole to avoid fingerprints. Store them in their cases away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. If cleaning is necessary, use a soft, lint-free cloth and wipe in a straight line from the center outward, never in a circular motion.

Ready to hear the difference?

Book a Listening Demo

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