CEC Belt Drive CD Transports vs Jay's Audio CD Transports

@no-regrets The CEC & Jays sound different.  It has been a long time but here is my input. I was not a big fan of the CEC TL5 transport.  My friend has an older CEC 5100(model) that he preferred for being more musical it that helps you.  The TL-2 newer models not discontinued was an excellent transport.  It bested my older Metronome 2 chassis transport with better details and dynamics in direct comparison.  The Metronome was more musical than the Jays #2 model  The model 3 is a little better than the model 2 a little more open, better dynamics and soundstage.  If you prefer a more relaxed musical sound lean towards the CEC.  A little more of what I would describe as a SS sound, then lean towards the Jays.  One of the best cheap transports was the tiny Nano.  Not sure if it is even manufactured any longer but that little thing blew us away.  Or purchased a used Cary 306 S SACD and send in in for upgrade.  We upgraded two of them and they blew most things we have tried away no contest.

Happy Listening

@no_regrets - no, I meant between the CDS and the preamp. But I looked at your system again and I see you’re not using a Naim preamp. I had the 252/supercap and the combination was outstanding. Perhaps the LTA will be a better match for your system. 

@bigkidz Thank you for your detailed reply!  I found that to be very helpful.

Best wishes,

Don

@chayro Oh, I understand now.  Thank you for the clarification.  I'm using a high purity oxygen free copper cable with WBT connectors by Mark Grant from the Naim CDS into my line stage.  All other cables throughout my system are by Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper Foils.including the digital cable connecting whichever cd transport I end up with to the new LTA Aero.

Yes, I am hoping the new LTA Aero will be a better match for my system too.

Thanks again and best wishes to you,

Don

I have been using a CEC TL5 for some time, and find it to be solid, and very well-designed. It sounds excellent in my system. Customer service is excellent (I swapped remotes). The fact that the belt can be replaced easily is also a big plus, in my view.

I am not typically a "skeptic" (e.g. I use good cables, etc.), but frankly have a difficult time understanding how two high-quality transports would "sound different".