If you still spin CD's their is a reference level Transport for reasonable money


I just got in-house the Jay's Audio CDT-2 MK3 transport to review for hometheaterreview.com.  The build quality and physical appearance make it hard to believe that it retails for around $2,400.  Right out of the crate not even broken in yet, it's out performing my CEC double belt transport in the reference system.  It retains all the liquidity and analog smoothness of the belt driven transport but offers more details, tighter bass frequencies, and a larger layered soundstage with more air between the players.

Alvin, of Vinshine Audio set this review up with me, so if you go to his website you can get a lot more details/pictures on this transport.  The reason I was motivated to review a CD transport was I received scores of requests from my readers asking what is a great sounding transport, for a reasonable amount of money.  So far, in spades the Jay's Audio CDT-2 MK3 fits the bill easily.   
teajay
Hi Everyone - I'm shocked no one mentioned a Meridian 800 transport, especially with a linear power supply.
We have a moderately high end system and I've yet to hear anything that comes close to this transport. The latest, discontinued Oppo can't compete.
Hope I'm not creating a controversy with this post - happy listening :-)
@nonoise, you are correct .. The Rockna wavenet server which is pretty killer sounding sounded no better than the Jays when playing the first track of side 2 Pink Floyd The Wall via USB with Jays using SPDIF. The piece I was playing on the server was being played from my desktop hard drive as the core, so it was across the network with no special ethernet anything. Tonight I'll turn the screws a little tighter and go i2s and use the onboard SSD as source. Lets see what happens.. Yes for certain it is a killer transport I would totally love to keep it but thats just not a smart use of my capital right now. Ive got a CODA Integrated coming in to compare with Kinki, I bought it as a backup, then Ive ordered a custom 4 way discreet differential crossover and on and on.. lol Cheers !
@in_shore its always interesting to me how people find out about them. Ask Bob out of all the 500 power cables hes tried which one is his favorite.. Did you go Sig Balanced .. or ?  yes, feel free to call anytime..

tjassoc


I have heard a Meridian off/on over the years. Looking back, I am glad I did not make the purchase as after sale repair/service can be dicey.


Happy Listening!

jafant - not sure what customer care you've experienced, was your representative / service through an authorized Meridian representative?
In 20 + years of owning Meridian gear and 4 service occasions we've had first rate / world class care and service experiences.
Ironically, we're currently sending in our 800 series equipment for service and have received exceptional care from Marc Koval (out of Douglasville, GA, 404-585-102). Marc is Meridian's authorized USA service center and we couldn't be happier with the professional service, care and guidance he providing.