1. Home
  2. digital
  3. 196382-53619

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
clamhead60's avatar
clamhead60
3 posts
 

I've never understood on forums when people post that they are interested in two specific choices why commentators feel the need to recommend other options with no mention of the choices in question. If I was interested in a new car and narrowed my choices between a Honda or Toyota, why tell my about how much you love your Hyundai? It does not seem very helpful. 

I ordered a Jay's Audio CD3MKIII directly from Alvin at Vinshine Audio. When it first arrived one channel was intermittently cutting out. Alvin did his best to help my diagnose the issue. When what we tried did not resolve the issue he got Todd at TEK involved. I shipped it to Texas where Todd found that a wire had somehow came loose. He repaired it and shipped it back to me all on their dime. It's been flawless ever since. He's an engineer by training and very responsive. I would not think twice about buying it again and have beed delighted with their service and responsiveness!  Highly recommend. 

Conversely, I bought a Mark Levinson turntable from a local dealer. Over time the tone arm lift failed. I had to bring it back to my local dealer, they had to ship it to Mark Levinson/Marantz, they had to diagnose it, repair it, then ship it back to my dealer and I had to pick it up from them. The time it took from start to finish was much longer than my Jay's Audio. I value support from my local dealer but online support can be just as good.

majacquin
14 posts
 

Consider CEC top loaders.  Belt driven CD transport only. Japanese.  Built like a tank.  Even has clamp to hold down disc.  

no_regrets
573 posts
 

I’ve been using the Jays CDT2MK3 and absolutely love it. 
I’ve had other forum members from both here and elsewhere say they have compared both the CDT2MK3 with the CDT3 side by side and some said they couldn’t hear a reliable discernible difference between the two and a couple of them actually preferred the CDT2MK3 more. 
 

Also of note…. The drive unit in the CDT2MK3 is less expensive to acquire; is quite easily user replaceable; and is extremely reliable.  
 

Considering all of that, plus with the CDT2MK3 being 1/2 the cost, it made sense to “me” to purchase the CDT2MK3. 
 

It sounds fantastic, it’s built like a tank and has been trouble free!  I did purchase a second drive - just for added insurance, but I absolutely love this transport and happy with my decision. 
 

Oh, btw… Todd at TEK is great!
 

Good luck with your decision!

Best wishes,

Don

More to discover