CEC Belt Drive CD Transports vs Jay's Audio CD Transports

no_regrets

No there were no external clocks being used, the internal oven controlled crystal oscillators were used.

@vthokie83 

Thank you for your reply!  That is very helpful to know. 
 

Best wishes to you!

Don

@vthokie83 

Hi,

Im really sorry, but it appears that I missed your post …”And have you made a decision, or bought something yet?”

I have bought a new LTA Aero Dac, but have not yet bought a dedicated CD transport yet.  I’m getting closer, but have been dealing with a lot of medical issues as of late which has been demanding of my time and attention.  
 

Best wishes,

Don

Looks like you made a excellent choice.

@vthokie83 

Hi,

I just wanted to take a quick moment to update you, as well as the other forum members, who so nicely contributed their thoughts and experiences in an effort to help me decide which CD Transport I should consider for upgrading the digital side of my audio system.

I've been dealing with a lot of health issues as of late, which has been demanding much of my time, energy and attention.  However, I had taken a look at the USAudiomart classifieds this afternoon and came across Jay's Audio CDT2Mk3 in mint condition, which included the Headquarter Audio Qstab CD Clamp, in the black finish (which I wanted to match the rest of my equipment) that was just listed.  

I couldn't believe the timing of this ad being posted right when I happened to be looking at the site.  I sent the seller a quick email to confirm the condition, etc and hit the buy button!  I normally buy new, but the savings looked attractive to me, especially considering the amount of money that I've been paying for recent medical expenses.  It just seemed like it was meant to be!

I'm looking forward to receiving it and hearing what it can add to my system.

A big thank you to you all, for taking the time to share all of your thoughts and experiences with me.

Best wishes to you all!

Don

Sometimes coincidences are not coincidences ;)

Happy Spinning! 

Enjoy!

 congrats on your find! As an owner of the CD2MK3 I look forward to your thoughts once you have had time with yours. 

Thank you, gentlemen!

Don

Certainly sorry to hear about your health, and here's to a positive outcome.

That is amazing news on the Jay's transport, and great timing. Please let us know your thoughts when it arrives!

@mesch @vthokie83 and to all the other forum members that have had interest in this thread.

So, a lot has transpired over the last couple of months. I guess I’ll just start at the beginning... Warning... I tend to get long winded (my wife often jokes that I should have been a preacher due to my gift of gab, lol).

So, after being devoted to vinyl for the last 50+ years, I have curated probably over 1,000 truly mint records (both in jazz and classical) that play without noise, pops or clicks. They have a full, rich, harmonically fleshed out sound with an excellent dynamic structure, but at the same time plays with a natural sense of ease and flow, without being etched or hard. Just truly wonderfully musical in every sense of the word.

However, I have come to know and understand that there is a great amount of music out there that is performed by some really talented musicians that I cannot obtain on vinyl and I don’t want to miss out on hearing it. So, my goal was to try and develop a digital side to my audio system what will engage my mind, my heart and my soul just as my vinyl does for me.

I figured the best way would be to invest in a separate dac and dedicated cd transport. Unfortunately though, I don’t have a huge budget for this endeavor. I’ve had many medical issues over the last several years which has cost me many thousands of dollars each and every year and sadly, I don’t really see that coming to an end anytime soon. So at the moment, I only had about $10,000 ( and was hoping to preferably spend less ) that I felt comfortable spending toward this project as I feel vinyl will likely still be my primary and preferred source.

So, I ended up buying a brand new Mojo Mystique X-24AM dac from Benjamin. Oh btw, the 24 simply stands for the year 2024. The "AM" stands for Amorphous Cores by the Swiss Company Lundahl who makes audiophile transformers and chokes.

I had given some thought to other dacs as well, but I would have to buy most of them on the used market and then there would be no return options available. I’d have put them up for sale and wait for a buyer; and who knows what kind of loss I’d take. I did originally purchase a new LTA Aero Dac and had it at home on a trial basis. It truly was an amazing dac with an unbelievable amount of what I would simply call a "purity of tone" with dynamics that is unforgettable! A must listen for those of you looking in the $4000 or above price range. Nicholas and Jacob from LTA are absolutely top notch gentleman and are wonderful to work with... highest of recommendations!

I decided to try the Mojo, because i have read that many people who appreciate vinyl playback seem to like what this dac does. That it plays music in a way that doesn’t sound hard or etched or thin or lean or "digital" in the bad sense of the word. I know that digital has the ability to sound really, really good. I just didn’t really know how much one would have to pay and if I could afford to pay for what is considered the really, really good sounding units.

This brand new Mojo was on sale with $1,000 off and it still cost me nearly $7700 including the shipping! Holy Crap; and I still had to buy a dedicated cd transport yet. Oh my Lord... what was I getting myself into, lol.

I’ve had the Mojo Dac running 24/7, with my cd player on repeat, since I’ve received it and now have over 500 hours on it. I am listening to it right now as I type this message and I am getting very excited as the sound has really opened up now and I am really liking what I’m hearing! (It actually really started to sing quite beautifully at around 150 hours - but amazingly, it somehow continues to keep sounding better and better!)

The sound is full; it’s rich; it’s organic; it’s dynamic; it’s got great tone; it’s got detail; it’s got bass; it’s got weight and density...I’m loving that when it plays the "note" that you hear the attack of the note, but it’s not hard or over emphasized. You hear the full harmonic structure of the note (the fullness of sound/ the meat on the bones); and you can hear the decay of the note (ie: ringing of the cymbals/ bells/ or the trailing off of a sustained piano note).

With the Mojo, it sounds dynamic without sounding hard. It plays in a relaxed and natural way without becoming fatiguing, but yet at the same time it still plays with speed, with dynamic expression and with emotion!

So, I recently ended up taking a look at USa’mart one day and just moments prior to me bringing up the site, a seller posted a used black (which goes very nicely with the rest of my gear) Jay’s Audio CDT2-MK3 dedicated cd transport for sale in like new condition which included the Headquarter Qstab bone cd clamp at a price that was attractive to me, so I bought it!

I couldn’t believe the timing of it getting listed moments before I decided to look at the ad’s! It almost felt like it was meant to be! I paid more for the Mojo than I had originally planned on paying for a dac, but I can honestly say that I’m glad I gave it a try as the Mojo, in my humble opinion, is worth every penny I paid for it. It’s got great tone, body, weight, timing, and dynamics without being forced. There is no glare, hardness or digital nasties. My wife actually comes into my music room and comments on how great it sounds. She often looks to see if I have a vinyl record spinning!!! That’s a huge compliment to the Mojo and is exactly what I was hoping for.

Now, with the Jay’s CD Transport, the sound has gotten even better in every respect. The Jay’s does indeed improve the sound very nicely. What I notice with the Jay’s in place is not only more foundation to the music, but also more wholeness to the music. The becomes even more full, weighty and dynamic. There is also at the same time more nuance; you also hear more into the soundstage, almost eerily so. There is more space, more ambient cues, more naturalism, just more of everything in a very good and musical way... Needless to say, I’m very happy right now with the digital side of my system!

I truly appreciate everyone taking the time to share their thoughts, experiences, and advice with me by posting to my thread. I just really wanted to take a moment to circle back and let you all know a little bit about my journey and where I landed.

Thank you for allowing me to indulge you all, with my excitement!

Best wishes to you all,

Don

You are very welcome. Thanks for the wonderful feedback!  So sorry to hear for your health issues and hope things improve for you. 

I also found my Jay's CD2MK3 to make an improvement in my system. I haven't put many hours on it over summer since I purchased it in April, that will change over the winter months. Based on others experience I look forward to improvements with additional hours. 

Take care of yourself and let the music heal. Mike

@mesch Thank you, Mike for your well wishes...much appreciated!

I wanted to attach a pic of the Jay’s Audio transport and of my system in my above post, but I am so terribly technically challenged, that I failed, lol. However, I am not one to give up... so trying yet again After decades of being an audiophile, I think that I have finally reached my goal for my in-home listening pleasure.

Here is the Jay’s on the top shelf with the Mojo Mystique X-24AM Dac directly below it.

My Linn LP12 in custom Brazilian Rosewood Plinth, Naim Aro Tonearm, Benz Ruby Zebra Wood Bodied MC cartridge.

My custom EL84 amplifier with vintage iron from Pilot, utilizing NOS tubes from Mullard. My Single Ended 845 Triode power amplifier with NOS tubes to the right.

My Wavestream Kinetics Deluxe Reference Level 5.1 All Tube Phono Amp on the top shelf to the right. My First Sound Presence Audio dual mono tube line stage on bottom shelf middle.

My Dunlavy SC-IV Signature loudspeakers.

Thank you all for joining me in my home-audio journey!

Best wishes to you all,

Don

@no_regrets    That's a really tempting looking system you've got there. I'm just wondering...you were really complimentary of the LTA, so what does it lack that makes the more expensive MOJO the final choice?

Nice set up.  Enjoy the new player 

Very impressive system! Thanks for sharing.

@no_regrets  Don, really nice system .  Enjoy the Mojo and Jay's.  If you want to try the AES/EBU connection PM me over on WhatBestForum I have a Mojo AES/EBU cable that I'd be happy to send/give you if you like . WBF PM allows "freer" flow of contact info.

@oddiofyl  @mesch Thank you so much for the very nice compliments!

@facten Thank you for the compliment and also for your offer regarding the AES cable.  I will try and send you a PM over on WBF soon 

@acresverde Thank you for the compliment on my system!  I will try and send you a PM soon in an effort to answer your question.

Best wishes,

Don

@acresverde I have to apologize.  I have tried sending you a very detailed PM via this site, three times and now and it has failed each and every time.  I am so frustrated.

I am out of energy so I will condense it to simply say.... that in "my" system and within "my" room acoustics; the Mojo played more to what my sonic goals were.

Both dacs are incredible, as are both companies!  I have the highest respect and regard for both Nicholas and Jacob from LTA as well as for Ben at Mojo.  They truly care for their customers and want them to achieve the best sound possible, hence the reason that both companies encourage and provide an excellent trial period and return policy!

So at the end of the day, the Mojo gelled with my system the best.  In another system, I could easily see that the LTA Aero could win your heart!  They both are great pieces and are worthy of audition in your system, if you happen to be looking for a new dac.

I'm sorry that the PM system did not work for me.

Best wishes,

Don

Nice to read your journey. I own the CEC TL-5 and ran across this thread and liked how you stayed on top of it and gave updates. A story all it's own. I bought the CEC TL-5  in 2020. Over the last few years, worsening tinnitus had me selling all of my equipment. As I was about to sell off my records, a friend convinced me to try another system, so I kept the CEC because I have twice as many CD's as LP's (6000 vs 3000) and I kept my DAC, the Mhdt Orchid. The CEC/Orchid combo had beaten all the players I've ever heard in my system and today, after getting a smaller, less revealing setup, I'm still happy with the performance. CD's sound less digital, still not as much headroom as LPs, but damn good to me. With my hearing woes, upgrading doesn't hold any value, but still interesting to read how it goes with others.

Congrats! Unlike Bono, it sounds like you've found what you've been looking for.

@letch 

Thank you for the nice compliments!

Im sorry that you suffer from tinnitus; that must be frustrating and disappointing/discouraging for a music lover, such as yourself😞.
 

Im happy that you didn’t give up with this health challenge and have developed a system that allows you to enjoy your vast music collection 😊

I was torn between the CEC and JAY’s cd transports as both are very respected within the audiophile community.  
 

Im sure your CEC/Orchid source sounds absolutely beautiful and I hope you can continue enjoying it for many years to come!

Thank you for sharing!

Best wishes,

Don

@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. 

@chayro  Hello, it's great to hear from you again!

I've still been really struggling with health issues.  Back in June I got hit very hard with Covid ( the very first time I have ever had it ).  It attacked my heart, lungs and kidneys.  I was in the hospital and I missed over 6 weeks of work.  I'm no longer contagious, but I still have trouble breathing... very fatigued, and the doctors still have not gotten my vitals regulated yet.  Therefore, I don't have the energy, strength or even the desire to insert/remove/re-insert gear to do a direct compare with the Naim CDSII/XPS.

However, just by going by memory... which can be difficult at times, I feel that the Jay's / Mojo combo simply blows the the big two box Naim set out of the water.

Back when I bought the Naim CDSII/XPS with all the special cables, etc.  It was a great player!  To the point that I even put in a new transport/laser mechanism and recapped the entire power supply ( done by authorized Naim service tech in Chicago ).  However, as great as that two box set was.... it never came close to sounding as good as my vinyl rig.  It never fooled me into thinking I wasn't listening to a silver disc.  Man, I paid a lot for that digital rig too, not to mention the huge cost I had paid for updating it again.

This Jay's/Mojo Audio Mystique X-24AM combo is simply amazing!  I am gobsmacked listening to it.  You put a well recored disc in and it simply blows me away with the rich, full, dynamic sound.  It's got soul, it's got drive, it's got emotion!  I am so glad that I stepped up and bought this rig and to me it is worth every penny I paid for it.  I love this combo so much that I bought a replacement drive/laser mechanism for the Jay's cd transport (which is user replaceable) as a reserve for the future and with the great support from Benjamin at Mojo Audio, I have no reason not to believe that this will be my last digital system.  I'm 60 now - so it should take me to my final curtain.

Best wishes,

Don

@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!  

@chayro Thank you my friend, for the very kind words!

Best wishes to you this holiday season,

Don

@no_regrets 

Wow -- I didn't realize your health challenges have been ongoing, Don. I pray your doctors will get your situation sorted out soon! 

Warm regards,

Stuart 

@stuartk Thank you, Stuart!  You are very kind and I truly appreciate your prayers!  I've always believed that God is the Great Healer, the Great Physician and he simply works through our doctors and medical teams to heal us.

He has a plan for me... a plan that is much greater than I could ever come up with for myself.  I put my trust and my faith in Him.

Best wishes!

Don

@no_regrets 

 I've always believed that God is the Great Healer, the Great Physician and he simply works through our doctors and medical teams to heal us.

... as is music!  

@stuartk   Amen to that!  Music is always good for the soul 😊

Great transport addition to your system. I am sure it sounds fantastic. I have the Jay’s CDT2MK2 and I really like it. Very quiet running and paired with a good DAC I am not wanting for anything better. The Jay’s design reminds me of the older Sony top loading premium CD players (but without the DAC). Built very well and like tanks. Enjoy the music.

@2psyop Thank you!  Yes, I completely agree with you.  The Jay's Audio cd transports are really quite excellent and are indeed, truly built like a tank. I can't imagine anyone not liking any of the Jay's products.

Best wishes and happy holidays to you!

Don

I used to have the TL-1X and if I ever got another CEC, it would be the TL-0x. I try never to get the same thing twice(I have two Oracle transports but is the standard with the second being a highly modified SE version).