I own the CEC TL5 and I am very pleased with it, but I have never compared it to any of the others. I made my decision based on the fact that it is a proven design with US service and not so big and heavy. The Jays Cd3 is 50 pounds. Not for me. Just as an aside, I looked at your system and you will have a tough time beating that CDS2/XPS. I had the CDX2/XPS2 and it was a great player. The CEC TL2 looks like a great player if you want to go the 6k. You can add some type of external clock, which is supposed to improve it further. Bought mine from Atleleir 13 and I felt the service was very good.
CEC Belt Drive CD Transports vs Jay's Audio CD Transports
Hello,
I currently have a new LTA Aero Dac on order. I have a feeling that I will be soon be ordering a new CD Transport to go with the new Dac and am trying to narrow down the options.
I am strongly considering either the Jay's CDT2MK3/CDT3MK3; but would also like to hear more about the CEC TL5 and the CEC TL-2N belt drive transports.
I'm curious if anyone has had the opportunity to compare CEC with the Jay's?
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences - whether they be good or bad before I decide to pull the trigger.
Thank you and best wishes to you all!
Showing 10 responses by chayro
@no_regrets - I’m using the TL5 with an Audio Note Dac 2.1 Signature. I can’t say whether it outperforms the Naim because it was too long ago. But given that the Naim was 11k back in 2007, I have my doubts. You’ll find out soon enough. |
@no_regrets - as an aside, are you using the Naim HiLine IC with the CDS? It is night and day over the gray standard IC. |
@no_regrets - others may disagree, but I really don’t think Redbook 16/44 has improved since the CDS days. You can buy very good Redbook dacs for less money than before, but IMO, the CDS, 555, Wadia, Vekian and a few others were exceptional. But I’m sure the LTA will sound great and the tubes may give it some warmth you may prefer to the CDS. I’m sure you will enjoy trying. |
@no_regrets - no, I meant between the CDS and the preamp. But I looked at your system again and I see you’re not using a Naim preamp. I had the 252/supercap and the combination was outstanding. Perhaps the LTA will be a better match for your system. |
@no_regrets - don’t have the TL2, but TL5 estimates the belt life as 5 years and Atelier13 threw in a spare at no charge. The TL5 has an easily replaceable belt, but I don’t know if the TL2 is the same. I suggest you call Constantin at Atelier13 and he can answer your questions. The price of a new belt for the TL5 is $100. Yes that is a lot for a little belt, but that’s what it costs. |
@no_regrets - looks like the CEC prices just jumped about $200. 😞 |
@no_regrets - maybe just get the Jays CD2 and be done. I don’t see how you can go wrong. |
@no_regrets - just curious after all this, how the Jay/mojo combo is sounding in your system. Did you compare it directly to the CDS/XPS? I still think that was one of the best CD players ever made. Also, did you try the digital out on the CDS as a transport? I know it’s a lot of work switching things around, so I can understand if you didn’t bother. Probably better to wait a couple months for the new stuff to break in before any meaningful comparisons. I know a lot of people don’t believe in break in, but that hasn’t been my experience. |
@no_regrets -well, I’m glad to hear you are recovering. When you have health problems, you realize how unimportant other things are on the priority list. Glad you’re happy with the Jays/mojo combo. I’m sure it sounds wonderful. And forget that “final curtain “ stuff. You have many years and upgrades ahead! |