Is it worth upgrading a CD player?

@charles1dad  +1. 

You guys are not helping with my goal to stop adding more boxes.

I am very happy with the versatility, convenience, and diversity of choices related to streaming. My CDs are located on my server’s SSD in FLAC and those sound at least as good as Tidal/Qobuz through Roon. However, I am very curious how much better a transport could sound, especially since that is the main source used by the designer of my DAC.

If I were to add a transport, is the CDT2-MK3 good enough to achieve the sonic benefit or should I consider spending double on the CDT3-MK3?

@grislybutter thanks, they were definitely the best and perform well above the price grade.

@mitch2

I viewed your audio system and it is exceptionally nice. You Mojo Audio DAC is held in very high esteem. Benjamin Zwickel (Owner/builder Mojo Audio) did publicly express a preference for high level CD transports over streamers.

You represent a good example of potentially pairing an upper tier DAC with a similar tier transport.

I use the Pro-Ject RS2T which is excellent sounding. I don’t have a Jay’s Audio CD transport but based on reviews and owner testimonials, they are excellent high quality choices. From what I have been able to gather,  as good as the CDT2 MK III is, the big brother CDT3 MK III is the superior CD transport. I had read a review comparing the two siblings. The reviewer said the top model was in his opinion substantially better sounding (And he really liked the smaller (CDT2 MK III).

As you note, it’s double the cost. Given the high level of your audio system and certainly your DAC, I would opt for the CDT3. Of course this assumes you find it a comfortable budget fit. You may as well try to extract the highest degree of sound quality you can from your digital/CDs.

My strong suspicion is that the CDT3 and your DAC would yield superb sound quality as a pairing.

Best wishes,

Charles

A lengthy review (As is his norm) but he is detailed and makes very useful comparisons.