Jay’s Audio CD Transport


I’m just curious if anyone has been able to see the black version of either the Jay’s Audio CDT2 or CDT3 in the flesh?

I haven’t been able to see either in person as of yet, but all of the photos I see are usually of the silver version. 

Im wondering what you have thought of the finish quality of the black vs the silver version. 

I ask as my other components are black and I’m just trying to decide which color to go with. 
 

Thank you and best wishes to you all,

Don

no_regrets
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@ja_kub_sz - You're certainly checking out a lot of great gear. I'd be very interested in your findings on the Matrix Audio MS-1 once you get it, haven't seen much on it yet since it's so new. Very impressive build with a lot of potential. I look forward to reading about your evaluations as they continue. TIA

@tekaudiospecialties1 I'm still trying to ascertain whether or not the Jay's CDT2 and the CDT3 utilize the same OCXO clocks and if not, how do they differ?

Thank you and best wishes,

Don

The CDT 2 does not have a clock in /out.  The CDT3 has a better power supply and uses a CD2 pro where the CDT2 uses a CDM4 laser assembly. 

 

It looks like they share the same OCXO as in the OCK2 clock by LHY a subsidiary of Jay's.   

@no_regrets the CDT2 has a nice CLK, but the whole top R 3rd of the CDT3 is CLK and its PSU. It’s very a serious audio effort to make the best CLK they can for it. And I think that is a large part of the improvement, but not all.

Additionally, the boards and build quality is exemplary. I’m actually a senior EE by career, having spent over 25 years in PC and notebook development industry. One of my main functions was reviewing schematic and layout design for some of the world’s major computer OEMs. If you’re concerned this might be poor quality stuff, ease your mind and don’t be; it’s not.

TK TEKAudioSpecialties

 

I too have the CDT-2 Mk III in black and it's aesthetically very nice, robust and sounds great.   I like that I can use the I2S output which in my opinion sounds the best.  

@no_regrets 

I don't know if this matters to you but I find the writing difficult to read on the black face. Not really an issue if you use the remote but a difference from the silver face, all the same.  

@stuartk "I don't know if this matters to you but I find the writing difficult to read on the black face. Not really an issue if you use the remote but a difference from the silver face, all the same." You do bring up a good point.  Although, I do seem to like the contrast of the silver buttons on the black face... I think it looks nicer as to my eyes, at least, it sets it off nicer.  The silver buttons on the silver faceplate blends in.  I'm guessing over time, I will learn to remember what each button will stand for.

@liquidsound I'm glad to hear that you feel the black finish is very nice!  If I get the Jay's, I have decided to get it in black wink

Thank you both for your sharing your comments with me!

Best wishes,

Don

@no_regrets

I’m guessing over time, I will learn to remember what each button will stand for.

Yes -- it’s not a complicated device!

BTW, my Hegel H390 is black and I don’t discern any noticeable mismatch between its finish and that of the CDT2MKIII. However, I recognize this is subjective. 

@stuartk Thank you for your comment.  Obviously, for the amount of money we stick into this hobby, I want the system to look nice.  However, I don't get obsessive about it.  Ultimately, I want to get the best sound that I can from my limited budget.

By the way, I was looking at the photos on your system page.  You have a very lovely home and I love your dog.... looks like a golden retriever?

My golden loves to listen to music with me.  I love him like a son smiley

Best wishes,

Don

@no_regrets I haven't A/B'd them within the same system components, and I'm my listening 90% of the time listen to the Aero with the Z10E and headphones.

Secondly I've only used 6SN7 tubes, not the LTA 12SN7.

The Tambaqui is very different, and more discerning, but the one immediate compliment to the Aero is it's solidity, and weightly presentation. Notes have more heft and presence, and that comes across very well with the Aero.

I never set out to compare them, I did compare the Cen.Grand DSD Deluxe DAC closely to the Aero and I feel those 2 DAC's despite their FPGA vs R2R differences they're very similar and enjoyable (4k vs 6.5k).

CEN.Grand with a touch more detail, but the Aero with Tungsols 6SN7 much more space, depth and holographic presentation. I feel these qualities are easily more noticable, then say degrees of detail, and the wow factor comes a little quicker with the Aero, where the Cen.DSD is a very smooth and detailed DAC, that's a long slow burn. You might find yourself listening longer to the Cen, but raising your eyebrows more while you smile with the Aero.

Hope this helps.

@ja_kub_sz Hello and thank you so much for your reply! Yes, indeed... I found your comments to be very helpful.

It seems as though you’ve been enjoying a very nice dac spree of sorts! Have you had the opportunity to try any of the Mojo Audio dacs? I’m curious where you think they would slot into place here or how you felt it would compare to the Aero?

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and experiences with me!

Best wishes,

Don

@no_regrets nope have not tried them and I’m kinda in a holding pattern for DAC’s.

The Matrix MS-1 was a 3 month wait and honestly, I’m not inclined to wait that long. I just got my Grimm MU2, but sadly have had only limited time to sit down with it and when I have I’m just trying to navigate Roon, which is a task within a task.

I can see why people love the MU2 though, it’s midrange presentation is immaculate and even A/B testing it against the Tambaqui, I have to say this with trepidation... the Tambaqui seems a bit veiled compared to the MU2. But I couldn’t put my finger on why the Tambaqui sounded a touch more organic, and or dimensional.

Again these Are very early takes and no at all my final thoughts.

I plan on pairing the MU2 with the Canor Virtus M1 Monoblocks or maybe a Viva Solista MK3, but I’m leaning a little more towards the M1 for the 4 modes of operation and potential sound signature variability (ultralinear vs triode, +/- feedback).

I might... Probably won’t, but maybe would A/B the Gustard X30 against the Soulnote D2 considering they’re both quad ess chip DAC’s.

@ja_kub_sz   I have read that people have been really enjoying the sound from the MU2.... but at 3-4 times the price of the LTA Aero, I would certainly hope it would offer great sound.

You have been blessed to be able to listen to so many dacs/streamers in house and to be able to compare them against other gear you already own.  I greatly appreciate being able to hear about your thoughts and experiences and live vicariously thru youwink

Best wishes,

Don