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.
@acresverdeI 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.
@no_regretsDon, 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.
@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?
@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!
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@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!
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.
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.
When you had the opportunity to compare both the Jay’s Audio CDT2 and CDT3, do you happen to remember if an external clock was being used with either or both of the transports?
Are they the ones located in the top left of this photo? If so, is it the rightmost portion with the two red lines on the outside of the three spaces with the middle one vacant?
If so, would moving one up or one down complete the voltage conversion?
Thanks, in advance, for those who need to know. 👍
FWIW, CEC transports have a small board inside near the IEC with jumpers or plug from 100, 120, 230, I’ve done conversions. The Jap versions set at 100 volts.
Mine’s a TL-3N (dual belt) CEC is the turntable sound of transports
@vthokie83Hi! I have not yet made a decision as of yet. I had placed an order for a new LTA Aero Dac. Back when I had ordered it, they they had thought it would take about 3-4 weeks. However, they had a supply chain issue and it will still be another week or two yet before I receive it.
It comes with a 14 day trial period. I want to hear how it performs in my system first before I decide on which transport I go with as it clearly sounds like the transport can have it's own sound personality.
I do believe it will be either the Jay's Audio CDT2MK3 ( not the CDT3MK3) or the CEC TL2N dual belt drive.
I will certainly update this thread once I decide on the transport and let you all know how it performs in my system.
@no_regrets...IMHO, Stephen is, if not the best, one of the best techs in the country! I have recommended him numerous times and have always had great responses to his work.
@mofimadnessThank you for sharing your recommendation of Stephen at Talking Dog Transducers. I just got off of the phone with him and had a really nice conversation with him. He is a true gentleman, very knowledgeable and very enjoyable to talk with!
The CEC TL5 is the way to go... amazing sonic/built quality. You can buy one under $1000 shipped to your home (directly from Japan).
Jays Audio CDPs and CDTs are stupidly overpriced Chinese audio products. Don't buy.
(i love $1000 SMSL SUX and Gustard A26 DAC even though they're made in China. and i love quality audio/power cables mostly made in China and mostly under $100)
I have looked at and considered an older CEC T-1 and a Jays Audio. Curious where the Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 T would land in the battle between these brands?
Understand that power supply is where most of the sound comes from. If it can filter the noise of the AC, then you get a blacker background, faster transits, more detail, better control of soft to loud and loud to soft speed, etc. Transformers is where most of this begins.
The fact that he felt the TL-5 wasn't as good as it's more expensive models and others that he's tried (he's mentioned this before in other threads over the years) helped me decide to go with the Technics.
As for going with a LPS, there is no way to do that as it's not plug 'n play or swappable. You only have an IEC outlet for a plug and that's it.
When you say... "To hear about power supplies, upcharges for $10 replacement belts, etc.,"
I don't understand what you mean about the power supplies. Are you talking about power supplies for CEC transports? Are they having issues with them, or do you mean you need to add a LPS to the CEC transport? I may have missed something, but I guess I am confused and am not quite understanding what you mean.
@jaudio1Thank you for your post. I will admit, I am afraid to order the Project, simply due to the many reports of reliability issues with the product. I understand that if you happen to get one that works, that it performs at a very high level.
However, I think I will be deciding between the Jays and CEC, as I am not hearing any negatives about reliability concerns and that their owners seem to be quite smitten the the sound quality too.
I appreciate you sharing your recommendation with me though!
It’s a shame the prices for CEC CDTs have gone up so much over the years. After I got my Technics SU-G700M2, I was down to the matching SL-G700 Network SACD player and the CEC TL-5 CDT.
The Technics went for $3000 and the CEC TL-5 was going for around $1700 (there was always a deal going around for less), and that was the US model sold by the stateside dealer.
To hear about power supplies, upcharges for $10 replacement belts, etc., I’m glad I got the Technics. If anyone, Technics could make a fantastic top loader only model should they choose to do so and keep the price around $2,000 and I wish they would. They have two top loader, all in one models so the platform to start with is already there. If they made it, they’d sell like hotcakes and that’s a missed opportunity.
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.
After decades of being an audiophile, I think that I have finally reached my goal for my in-home listening pleasure. 
