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Looking for a cd transport in the 5k range: Jay’s Audio CDT3 MK3 or Pro-Ject RS2T?

I wrote recently about a brand where I had both their transport and DAC which after a certain period of time could not be fixed. Kept breaking down. Spent too much money trying to get them to work. No dice. Refused to name brand because I knew thread would be taken down. Yet somebody guessed it shortly after! Astonishing.

So I need a transport and from comments on Audiogon it has come down to these two. Problem with Jay is they only have one dealer in Texas who does not return calls the PRO--JECT is easily accessible and 2k cheaper. It must be a top loader with an AES output. Just transport, No DAC.

Currently using th $500 SMSL(some prefer the Shanling) as a very good stopgap  but am looking for more resolution in large orchestral forces.

Anybody heard both of these and have any opinions?

Thanks for your help.

roxy1927
stuartk
4,021 posts
 

@roxy1927 

Use the search engine to find previous discussions.

In a nutshell: when Pro-Ject first came out, it was declared sonically superior to Jay’s CDT2MK3 ( I don’t believe the Jay’s CDT3MK3 had come out, yet) by a good many here. Then, Pro-ject started having QC issues. One forum member reported going through several units before he was sent one that was glitch-free. That was quite a while ago. I have no idea of how things stand, now. 

I have the Jay’s CDT2MK3 and love it. I tried the Pro-Ject and found it to be a PITA ergonomically, due to its light weight and tiny footprint. I had to simultaneously hold it steady with one hand while inserting/removing discs with the other hand. The Jay’s is much larger/heavier. No such problems with it. To be fair, I seem to be the only one here who’s complained of this, so all I can assume is, other guys have apparently figured out ways to adhere the unit to their shelves/racks. 

My 2 cents...

Oh yeah: I was able to by a spare drive with my Jay’s. Not sure whether these are still available. Here's link to ask them:

https://www.jays-audio.com/contact-us

soix
11,249 posts
 

The Pro-Ject has had a very spotty reliability record — I’d definitely go with Jay’s. 

roxy1927 OP
174 posts
 

Yes there is a lot of info about both to wade through so I was looking for a more direct comparison. First I'm seeing of pro-ject reliability issues.

I wonder why only one dealer in the US has Jay's when there are so many people who like it and it's a very good price for a high end transport.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,585 posts
 

Check out the Teac VRDS 701t  Transport.   It's an excellent machine.  Love mine. 

wharfy's avatar
wharfy
564 posts
 

@roxy1927 -I loved the sound of my Pro-Ject so much I purchased two and returned them because of QC issues. I’ve been told they are resolved/corrected. But, I wouldn’t purchase one again.

I agree with @oddiofyl -the Teac VRDS 701t Transport is great. Since you stated you want a top loader, this might not meet your requirements.

 

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