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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
lanx0003
1,959 posts
 

"there was a clear improvement in resolution resulting in a better defined and more spacious soundstage with the CDT3 over the AN CDT2." ~ Stereophile

 

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,640 posts
 

Acresverde the Teac vrds 701 T transport , it’s  more than 3k transport . Not cheap.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,586 posts
 

The Teac was originally $2699...   it then spiked to $3299 but can be found for $3k.  I was lucky and paid $2350 for mine last year.  

It is a great sounding player, unfortunately only has coax and opt out which may be a deal breaker for some. Sounds better than my Aurender N200 playing 16/44.k  material.  Its a great sounding transport. 

stievus's avatar
stievus
124 posts
 

Maybe check out Metronome Le Player from the French high-end company Metronome Technologie. It's a top loader. I have their streamer and DAC which will be the last ones I will ever need. I expect the same for their CD transport. I don't know who distributes or sells them in the US, but worth to find out.

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,982 posts
 

Teac/Esoteric/Tascam make the best CD drives on the planet period. Some one mentioned the Teac already I’d look for one of those or a used Esoteric. Even a Tascam with the VRDS drive would be a good buy as you won’t pay the audiophile tax.  From my understanding there is three companies making CD drives for CD players and another two making them for computer drives. So what ever you get is going to have one of those, regardless of the packaging. Teac/Esoteric is one of those three by the way,There is a reason many of the hi end CD palyers used Teac VRDS drives in them before Teac stoped supporting that market. 

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