Looking to replace a CD transport...

I would love to find an affordable Jay's...Correct me if I'm wrong, I thought the retail was close to $5K on the new Jay's...

There are two models:

• CDT2-MK3 
• CDT3-MK3 

Cheers,

Alvin @ Vinshine Audio

Hey Andrew - (dont mean to derail your thread), I dont have any further transports to suggest given the good ones noted before, but I do have an interest in the Mimas and specifically your thoughts on the DAC card.  I have my sights on the Mimas (retirement gift to me...), and have not read/heard much on the DAC.  Thanks in advance.

I would love to find an affordable Jay's...Correct me if I'm wrong, I thought the retail was close to $5K on the new Jay's...

Andrew

You may be able to find a used Jay's in that price range or a little above.  Depending on condition, you should be able to get them for $1400 to $1800 with the MK3 upgrade.  But you will need to wait. 

The Cyrus transport is wonderful assuming your CD collection is in pristine condition.  It has minimal error correction which makes it sound stunningly good, but if the disk is not perfect or too thin, it will not work.  

One thing I really appreciate with the Audiolab CDT6000 is that it shuts itself down when I leave the player on pause. The lack of this feature has probably cost me several transports, as I often fall asleep while they were on pause, so could be spinning for days

@pindac 

I have no doubt that the EAR Acute  CDP sounds as you describe. The late Tim Paravicini was indeed a very talented designer/builder of audio electronic components. I strongly suspect that you'll be highly impressed with the Jay's CD transport.

Charles

@charles1dad I have read many good commentaries on the impression the    Project RS2T CD transport has been able to make on those who have moved over to it.

It is reassuring to know how satisfactory the P.S. Audio PWT was during your period of ownership.

I have a inquisitive nature, hence the DAC undergoing Tube Rolling, then visiting different locations to put it through further trials, when something impresses as the DAC has with the PWT, I can enter into the Zone of 'What If', hence the Jay's Audio Devices just a short journey away are an attractive proposition to learn a little more about what can be achieved.

In 2023, when I am hopefully settled in the home again. I will have a PWT > Jay's Audio > Project RS2T CD transport experience, to see what is attainable. I also have a few new items to trial in the home system with the vinyl source for this year as well.

To keep the CD interest ongoing and relevant, I have recently been able to be demonstrated an EAR Acute CDP, that has been Tube Rolled, with a the final Tube Selection being early 1960 E88CC's, now these are adorning the CDP, the new additions have transformed its presentation to another level, especially one that has been unimaginable to be achieved by the CDP's owner.           

@pindac 

You can certainly do worse than a P.S. Audio PWT. I used one in my audio system for 12 very enjoyable years . It provided terrific sound quality and is very reliable. I purchased  the Pro-Ject RS2T CD transport in NOV 2021. The overwhelming positive comments from many owners of it caught my attention.

It is as good as advertised to say the least. It provides superb sound quality and does exceed my long term PWT. It is both more highly resolved and simultaneously more organic and engaging in its sonic presentation. Diminutive in size/form factor (By design) yet hugh sound quality dividends. This mind you with the standard wall wart power supply (SMPS). It becomes even more impressive when used with a good quality linear power supply (LPS).

Yet I feel there are few CD transports that will outperform the PWT. Used models offer significant value/sound quality in my opinion. I take the position that the CD transport is as vital to obtain good sound as is the DAC.

Charles

I am relatively New to replaying CD's as a Source Material in my system, it has been Vinyl LP Source Material system for 35ish years with approx' the past five years having an enablement to replay CD's.

I am not short of CD replay experiences, I have been demonstrated many set ups over many years, it took quite a long time to be introduced to a set up that was such an influence to convince me to include it as a second Source in the system.

The main change of thought started due to a DAC that was offered, it is a bespoke built Tube DAC, this when heard used with quite cheap CDP's really got my attention, and I ultimately ended up purchasing it.

I had it used in various locations on different systems coupled to different CDP's/CDT's and in the end chose a CDT as the impression made was not easy to forget and was the presentation to aspire to, using all previous demonstrations as the comparison.       

Is their a specific reason the PS Audio - PW Memory Player is to be not included in a shortlist? 

I had been demonstrated the Perfect Wave Memory Player as part of my investigations for the DAC partnering.

It is this model that I ended up purchasing, which was found as a used item owned by a individual who has a very expensive HiFi/Entertainment System. The Perfect Wave and a Top of the Range Parasound CD Player was being compared in the system. The vendor made it known the Parasound was to be kept, as it was a multi functional device, that was on par with the SQ of the Perfect Wave, hence I arranged a price and purchase of the Perfect Wave.

I have had visitors and visited homes of others, who are with multiples of combined years of listening to CD, the assessment offered of the CD Source I have put together has been very reassuring and I am confident, there is not a great deal to be discovered that can better it, unless I spend much more money, or venture into the quest to find the next holy grail of CD replays.

That still does not stop me being tempted to take the DAC along to a Dealership approx' 15 Miles from my home and hook it up to a Jay's Audio Transport. Curiosity and Inquisitiveness is a strong influence, it is only the fact that at this stage, I would feel like a 'tyre kicker at a car sale', that I have not endeavoured.

I just purchased an Audiolab CDT6000, but using Audioquest Cinnamon Coaxial into my McIntosh MA 12000, the CDs mostly sounded flat compared to streaming Qubuz/Roon via iFi Zen Streamer/iFi aftermarket PS and Cinnamon USB.

This might be a deficit in the McIntosh Coax/DAC, but the unit is going back.

Jays Transport, 2495 new.

Excellent, feel, sound and quality

@jaymark 

Good recommendation. Pro-Ject seems quite adept at making exceptionally good sounding CD transports regardless of the price target.

Charles

Project DS2 is a slot loader under 1K.  I have two of them and would rate their sonics as excellent.  

Bel Canto

NuPrime

About 4 months ago, I bought a Audiolab CDT6000 ($700) can't imagine any in your higher price range being worth the extra $$$

I don’t know if I’m right, but I think the PS audio transport used an Oppo drive, which are no longer made. Call PS Audio to see if they will sell you a backup. As far as other transports, there are several lengthy threads here that go through just about all of them. 

Yes, the Cyrus CDt....1299....