Jay’s Audio CDT3-MK3 wins over Aurender W20SE
In search for digital perfection I’ve continuously upgraded my streamer to find Qobuz nirvana. The streamer’s only competition has been my Audiolab 6000CDT which clearly outperformed any Chord 2go/2yu and the Volumio Primo middle grade streamer. Only after buying the flagship Aurender W20SE did my streamer blow the CD transport out of the water, like burn every CD never going back. But studying hi end CD transports I decided on the Jay’s Audio CDT3-MK3 and it has been a revelation. It’s like I’ve never heard a cd before. It so outperforms the W20SE in detail clarity depth richness of tone it’s astonishing. IMHO CD with a hi-end CD transport is far far better than the absolute best streamer in the world. The W20SE is not going up for sale but will be getting much less use from now on.
I’d be interested in the community’s thoughts about CD vs Streaming.
IMO and experience to-date, the transport has sounded better to my ears than any streaming device. Have not heard the all but have heard more than most. That being said, the DAC also had a bigger impact on the sound meaning that a reference DAC on one or the other would tip the scales in one direction or the other. Happy Listening. |
As @bigkidz said the DAC will have a big influence but don’t forget the W20SE has a 10MHz master clock connection. This makes a big difference. Also consider comparing files on the Aurender’s HDD to the CD player because streaming opens another can of worms, plus as you stated previously you need the W20SE for DSD and Hi-Rez files. For those who asked about SACD ripping: https://www.psaudio.com/copper/article/down-the-rabbit-hole-of-sacd-ripping-and-dsd-extraction/ |
Upgrading the DAC is a great suggestion, and the only reason I do not is because the 15 volt Chord Hugo TT2 has a DC input that will run perfectly on 12.8 volt LIFEPO4 batteries. I’m in a stage of my HiFi journey that I cannot be without LIFEPO4 batteries on my DAC, nor my Mscaler because it still astonishes my senses. When that wonderlust wears off hopefully the Chord Dave 2 will be released. |
