Anyone upgrade from Jays CDT2MK3 to CDT3MK3?

Bummer, sorry to hear that. Email Alvin at Vinshine. One of the most helpful audio dealer out there. I do love my cdt2-mk3 so much, I have always resisted the temptation of the cdt3-mk3 upgrade. Your experience may be very helpful to others who may contemplate the upgrade. Good luck and keep us updated.

Try cleaning the lens with a q-tip and 91% isopropyl alcohol. 

https://www.beatechnik.com/product-page/cdt3-mk3

Important Note:

The Philips CD mechanism is a high-quality CD playback system recognized for its precision and sound quality. However, please note the following regarding its sensitivity to the type of discs used:

• Recordable Discs: CD-Rs and CD-RWs may present challenges, especially if they are of lower quality or poorly manufactured, which can lead to potential read errors.

• Vinyl Discs: While vinyl discs are not standard CDs, compatibility with hybrid formats or vinyl-like coatings can be inconsistent, potentially affecting playback reliability.

• Poor Reflectivity Discs: Discs with low reflectivity may hinder the laser's ability to read data effectively, resulting in skipping or failure to read.

In summary, while the Philips CD mechanism offers excellent sound quality, its sensitivity to disc quality can affect playback success, particularly with less reliable media.

The CDT2 and CDT3 both have Philips mechanism, but different models. Could that be the issue?

Yes, that could be some of it.  The CDT3 is 2500.00 more than the CDT2. I wouldn’t expect it to make three quarters of my CDs useless. I sold my CDT2 too quick I think.

stereophile magazine had a review that stated the CDT3 did very well when testing for skipping and far exceeded the standards for acceptance. I think I have a problem with this one.

Sounds like a bad drive!Email Alvin he will take care of you…

I have both units - the CDT2 Mk3 is an emergency backup. Most of my CD's are recorded on Plexdisc CD-R's from downloaded Quobuz .wav files. If a given CD starts to pop here and there from wear, it is freshly recorded from my computer on a new disc using JRiver. You do have to keep the laser lens clean.

Plexdisc CD-R's are allegedly thicker than most blank CD's, and I have fewer issues with these compared to any other blank CD-R's. Amazon stocks them.

@bolong Since you have both units, please answer this question. When you are finished playing a CD on the CDT3 MK3, do you remove the CD and then place the stabilizer back on the platter? When I do that, I close the lid and I can hear the laser rubbing the stabilizer twice before it stops and the display reads "no disc".  I would think it should not rub the stabilizer.

I tend to always leave a CD in the transport. I know what you mean about the twiddling sound. It probably is doing no harm, but it's a big, beautiful beast of a transport; and you don't want to offend her.

I’m sorry to hear about your problems. I have the CDT2-MK3 and have considered the CDT3 as a possible future upgrade. I have had occasional popping and skipping issues with the CDT2, but using a CD lens cleaning disc or completely powering the unit off has resolved the issue. I pretty much play only commercial CDs rather than CD-Rs. Out of curiosity, did you notice a significant sonic improvement of the CDT3 over the CDT2?

@mksun  I haven’t really had a chance to listen to it enough to tell. There is definitely more bass response. The new CDs I’ve listened to sounded very good, but I’m not ready to say it’s better.

@baclagg Thats disappointing considering it’s double the price. I may be better served by upgrading my Denafrips Pontus II DAC to the Venus instead.

@mksun  I’m not saying it isn’t better yet. I only have a few hours listening and when I have listened, I’m not in the right mind because I’m anticipating a skip. I haven’t had a chance to relax and listen. I do believe there is more bass present and I’ve noticed a wider soundstage. 

"Out of curiosity, did you notice a significant sonic improvement of the CDT3 over the CDT2?"

I would not say "significant," but it is smoother. The jitter levels are enough lower than the CDT2 that it is audible; and the innards look beefier.

@baclagg 

You might reach out to Todd at TEK audio -- they are the US repair facility for Jay’s and he’s a good guy. He might have a suggestion or two. 

https://www.tekaudiospecialties.com/contact-us

I have the CDT2MKIII and have never had issues. 

My backup transport - the CDT2 Mk3 - was an offered upgrade. The original machine was a Mk2. I paid for an upgrade board to be sent to me by Jay's. It was pretty easy to install. This was a few years ago.

@stuartk  The CDT2MKIII never gave me any problems. I hope the issue with the CDT3 MKIII is resolved and hope that I am not sorry I sold my CDT2.

I have reached out to Todd and Alvin.

@baclagg 

My interactions with Alvin left me with the impression that he is dedicated to providing a high level of customer service. I’d be shocked if he didn’t take care of you. 

Please let us know how things unfold.

@stuartk  I will let you know how it turns out. I have exchanged a few emails with Alvin and Todd. 

@baclagg 

With regard to the CDT3 Mk3 in comparison to previous models we have somehow overlooked an elephant in the room - the latest model has the toggle switch for activating the 176.4 khz upsample. For most of the CD-R's I play this option creates better music. The toggle is not a gimmick.