Is it worth upgrading a CD player?

Hi @acresverde

If there is one consistent aspect to high end audio, it’s differing opinions and impressions of audio products. It does not matter how much praise or accolades are heaped on a product, invariably there will be someone with a contrasting view/experience.

Ebaen will honestly report what he hears, his specific verdict. Christiaan Punter of HiFi advice.com reviewed both also. In his opinion, the Jay’s Audio CDT3 MK III was clearly superior he believed. Who’s right? Both are in my opinion as it is all purely subjective.

I have not heard either of the Jay’s Audio CD transports. Yet I believe both are terrific options. Based on what I’ve been able to gather, I would think that the flagship CDT3 MK III is higher performing due in part to the higher quality Phillips drive mechanism compared to the CDT2 MK III.

With regard to the Stream Unlimited CD Pro-8 top loading drive mechanism , it’s finding its way into some upper tier transports. Based on my own experience, I certainly understand why. It’s fabulous as implemented in the Pro-Ject RS2T.

Charles

Audionet has replaced the Phillips Pro-2 drive (Out of production for quite some time) with as @acresverde noted the Stream Unlimited CD Pro-8 drive unit

Current Accustic Art CD transport has adapted the CD Pro-8

DRIVE II highlights

• Audiophile reference CD transport in top-loader design
• High-Class CD mechanism (CD-Pro8) with heavy die-cast metal frame and involved mechanical decoupling, embedded in a 

The Punter review of the Jay's Audio CDT3Mk3 specifically states that it achieves superiority with different footers, in his example, the Stillpoints Ultras. SS V2.  I use the SS V1 under my pre-amp/phono-pre and my Bryston Bit-20 isolation transformer.  It is the best under my pre-amp after auditioning over 12 isolation companies devices and the Stillpoints Ultra-minis.  For an extra $900, it appears to be worth the cost for the CDT3Mk3.  

@fleschler

For an extra $900, it appears to be worth the cost for the CDT3Mk3.

Agree with this mindset. If you are going to commit to a high quality audio component then you may as well try to extract its fullest potential. Addressing vibration and resonance management is wise in my opinion.

ps, you auditioned 12 different isolation products? Whew! That’s a lot.😊

Charles