@bigkidz
You lucky bastard, well done.
You lucky bastard, well done.
If you still spin CD's their is a reference level Transport for reasonable money
I just got in-house the Jay's Audio CDT-2 MK3 transport to review for hometheaterreview.com. The build quality and physical appearance make it hard to believe that it retails for around $2,400. Right out of the crate not even broken in yet, it's out performing my CEC double belt transport in the reference system. It retains all the liquidity and analog smoothness of the belt driven transport but offers more details, tighter bass frequencies, and a larger layered soundstage with more air between the players.
Alvin, of Vinshine Audio set this review up with me, so if you go to his website you can get a lot more details/pictures on this transport. The reason I was motivated to review a CD transport was I received scores of requests from my readers asking what is a great sounding transport, for a reasonable amount of money. So far, in spades the Jay's Audio CDT-2 MK3 fits the bill easily.
Alvin, of Vinshine Audio set this review up with me, so if you go to his website you can get a lot more details/pictures on this transport. The reason I was motivated to review a CD transport was I received scores of requests from my readers asking what is a great sounding transport, for a reasonable amount of money. So far, in spades the Jay's Audio CDT-2 MK3 fits the bill easily.
268 responses Add your response
@garrard There is a Metronome on ebay selling CDP (not just a transport) and the DAC with can be used tube or SS. He is asking over $2K but he is negotiable. So you may try to make him a few offers. He has been trying to sell for a while now. I would have bought the entire set-up but the Transport fell into my lap so I stole it. Peter |
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R5CDG8O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you use separate isolation transformer for Jay's CDT2, it sound more organic and natural. Above inexpensive isolation transformer connected with Spiritual Audio power conditioner works well in my system. Thomas |
@garrard I’m the guy who’s system bigkidz heard. First off, we used two different inputs so we are comparing apples to oranges. Between the Jays transport and the Terminator I use a HDMI Wireworld Platinum cable. With Metronome we used a Cerious Technologies digital coax. I thought the hdmi sounded more open and livelier but, had a more upfront presentation. When we used the digital coax with the Jay’s and Termi it also sounded pretty similar the the Metronome and Termi pairing. It became smoother, had a deeper soundstage but the Jay’s was more dynamic and had more air. Difference of opinion. I don’t think the Metronome was better just a little different presentation. Both were excellent. If you can get the Metronome used for a good price you’ll get a hell of a transport. IMO, the Jay’s is just as good, maybe even better and you can get it new plus it is built like a tank. Joe |
I’m going to try out the Benchmark DAC3 DAC-Pre for reasons partly unrelated to the DAC section. I’ll sort out the SQ of their DAC section when I audition it. Hi @celander ! Have you had a chance in listening the CDT2-MK2 with the Benchmark DAC3? I have one (a Benchmark) and I'm wondering how'd be with the Jay's Audio transport. Thanks, Nikos |
I am in the market for a new transport and this looks promising. Anyone compared to other lower priced products from Nuprime cdt8 pro and Audiolab 6000cdt ? They are sub $1000 transport but got some great user reviews. I have got both in-house last week and burning in currently. The build quality is nothing like the Jays (I know since I own a Terminator) but they sounds great in my system. Wondering if there is a good SQ improvement if stepping up to the Jay's or would it be a point of diminishing return ? |
I just received my Jay's Audio transport last week and I highly recommend it. $2400 is not cheap, but at that price this transport is a bargain. Excellent build quality and sonics. Coincidentally, my brief review of it was just posted on the Jay's website earlier today..... https://www.jays-audio.com/post/it-s-truly-amazing-just-how-revealing-and-resolving-this-transport-i... Cheers all - Michael |
Thanks so much for your positive feedback Nonoise. Much appreciated, especially in these sometimes contentious discussions. :^) I am very grateful that I have a dedicated room, however I just wish that it was a bit larger. Maggies like breathing space, and I'd also prefer having my equipment out from between my speakers. Someday maybe... Happy Listening - Michael |