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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
toddrhodes
49 posts
 
A quick follow-up. I've listened to another 4 or 5 CDs tonight with everything fully warmed up. This new transport is as shocking to me as my first foray into vinyl was. It is truly special and has caused me to question basically everything I've said over the past 3 years about analog vs digital. Now, don't mistake me - I'm not suggesting it is better than vinyl; I think the mastering decides that. But what I am saying is that on the right shiny plastic discs, this thing gives me absolutely no reason to want for more. Absolutely a good buy. 
garrard
73 posts
 
@toddrhodes 

Now just add a Black Cat Siverstar 75 Mk.2 used BNC to BNC and you just might have to upgrade your vinyl rig again!
toddrhodes
49 posts
 

I went with the DH Labs Silver Sonic 1M BNC cable. Found one on the ’bay for $70 and I did a really quick comparison to a Blue Jeans 110-ohm XLR (which is the preferred input on the Yggy) and I prefer the BNC connection slightly. Trust me, I have my eye on the Silverstar but it’s going to be a minute on that. Bought some new tubes for my preamp tonight and I want to address a few power cabling/outlet situations first.
toddrhodes
49 posts
 
Question for @teajay or anyone who might now. Does the Jay's handle pre-emphasis? I'm thinking it does not, and I only have one disc that has it (black-faced DSOTM made in Japan) so it's not a major deal, but just curious.
garrard
73 posts
 
There is something special about a BNC to BNC cable that is even better than AES/EBU IMHO.
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