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

As much as I hate when people on forums try to talk the original poster out of their stated goals, I also think going for a top loader is a losing battle. Dedicated CD transports without onboard DAC are already rare these days. Top loaders are also very rare. Combining the two makes your options extremely limited. 

Anecdotally, I know one person who had nothing but trouble with the Pro-Ject you mention. It looks cool though, and you know Pro-Ject will be around for a long time. I always thought they had good support, some posts above indicate otherwise though.

I also know someone else who had problems with the Jay's transport, although it was the mark 2 not 3. They eventually got it sorted after a frustrating delay. It would be tough to trust a company with one dealer to support things long into the future. 

If it was me, I would look at other non top loaders like the Teac mentioned earlier. I'm also intrigued by the Michi Q5 which is a top loader that has a DAC on board, supposed to be amazing. I know probably not the answer you want to hear, there just aren't many options that fit your criteria. 

"I always thought they had good support, some posts above indicate otherwise though."

From personal experience I can say Pro-Ject has the worst support. I emailed a number of times to get a better understanding of the QC issues they were having with their RS2T. Not only did they not answer my questions, they called me a pest, saying if I didn't like their products I should look elsewhere. LOL

I now own an ARC CD6SE, a top loader with with a top of the line Philips Pro2R CD transport mechanism. "Just in case", I purchased an extra Pro2R CD transport mechanism.

@roxy1927 

Problem with Jay is they only have one dealer in Texas who does not return calls 

In my experience, Todd at TEK Audio Specialties in Texas has always been very affable and responsive. Recently, I emailed him and never heard back. I’m not sure what’s going on. I believe you can still order direct from Singapore, though I can understand why a lack of response from TEK would give you pause. 

Transports are tricky lasers and alignment can be the culprit. My expensive cd players after 38 months the lasers broke. If I have to buy transport, I will only spend 2 k max.

Todd eventually did get back to me and was very helpful.

@jayctoy Do you find the quality of sound of a 2k transport equal to more expensive 5k and up transports?