Dedicated CD Transport vs DAC

@aolmrd1241 

Hi Mark... no worries, I completely understand.

I just wanted to take a quick moment to say "thank you" for sharing your experiences with me about your new cd transport!

You had mentioned that you ended up buying it new directly from Alvin Chee. Do you think that there are any pros or cons buying directly from Alvin vs the US dealer Todd at Tek Audio in Texas? 

Todd said that he doesn't keep these in stock at his location in Texas, but simply has the unit dropped shipped directly to the customer. It appears the price is the same either way. Just curious if I am missing anything?

It sounds like the CDT3mk3 is an absolutely fantastic transport! I'm curious what other transports you've had the pleasure of having, just for comparison sake?

Either way, I would have to believe that the Jay's would be a monumental improvement over me using my old vintage Rotel 955AX cd player as a transport. Do you think I would I be wrong in that assumption?

I just got done paying $4000 for my new LTA Aero Dac and now considering spending another $5000 right out of the gate is giving me a little bit of pause, especially if it won't net a significant gain in sonics. I'm not the wealthiest man... it takes me time to save up the cash for these purchases, lol.

In any case, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me! 
Best wishes to you, 

Don

I would have thought dac in the past. My vinyl rig limited to a rega rp8 so I guess an alright medium quality rig going into vertere stage.

a few years back I bought a project rs2 transport which suddenly took CD to a level on par with my vinyl. I swapped my chord dac for matching rs2 dac connected by IS2 (hdmi) which allows dac to reclock the transport. 
 

straight away it was a no need to mess anymore. The dac also has ability to have valves in the chain but my Luxman class an amp and tannoy speakers bring enough lushness to the game not to bother. I think the cd player top end from marantz/luxman might be simpler but efficient alternatives.

Don,

I bought from Alvin because he helped me along the way with all of my inquiry’s... and besides... I prefer going straight to the source. I’m sure Todd would be fine too.

I have used EAD and PS Audio transports in the past and my Luxman D10x as a transport just prior to purchasing the Jays.

Along the way I have owned Denon,Electrocompaniet,Wadia and the Luxman cd player as well. I think I have a good feel for transports and their contributions as a whole and the Jays is top notch in my book!

I really can’t assume what you may or may not like in your own system... so your choice can be yours only! But if I had to bet the farm on it... the Jays would be a much better transport than the Rotel without question.

I would also not advise you to spend any amount of money if you are not comfortable doing so.

Mark

Since you like vynil onother options is get new SACD player that you can afford. Marantz Ruby SACd player for the price it very good. Only problem they don’t have good tech support after warranty.

Hi Mark,

A big thank you again for your very detailed response!

Clearly, you have experienced a great many of digital’s finest gear. 
It’s great to hear you speak so highly the CDT3mk3 and it helps me feel that it would provide a solid foundation for whichever dac I would end up with now or in the future.  

I agree 100% in not spending more than what you’re comfortable with…hence the reason I’m not looking at $10k transports.  Very sage advice!

Thanks again, very much appreciated!

Best wishes,

Don