Jay’s Audio CDT2 MKIII CD Transport

Description

Here’s an in‑depth look at the Jay’s Audio CDT2 MK3 CD Transport, a highly regarded CD transport aimed at audiophiles who prefer to use a separate DAC for digital‑to‑analog conversion. This top‑loading transport has earned respect for its build quality, precision engineering, and thoughtful feature set tailored to high‑fidelity digital front ends.

Overview

The Jay’s Audio CDT2 MK3 is a dedicated CD transport, meaning its sole function is to accurately read compact discs and pass the raw Redbook digital signal to an external DAC. It does not have an onboard DAC, so it’s intended to be paired with a quality digital‑to‑analog converter to complete the playback chain—a common practice in modern high‑end systems.

At the heart of the CDT2 MK3 is a top‑loading Philips CDM4/19 laser mechanism, selected by Jay’s Audio engineers for reliability, precise tracking, and ease of servicing if the laser ever needs replacement. This mechanism sits in a massive machined aluminum chassis with internal vibration control structures to reduce mechanical noise and minimize read‑error jitter. Its robust construction helps ensure consistent and stable disc handling, even at high reading speeds.

A defining strength of this transport is its clocking system. Rather than a basic crystal oscillator, the CDT2 MK3 employs an OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator)—a more accurate and low‑jitter timebase that stabilizes the digital data stream. This can help reduce timing errors that might otherwise burden a DAC’s jitter rejection circuitry. Alongside the OCXO is a super regulator, encapsulated transformers, and other power supply refinements designed to lower noise and improve overall signal integrity.

To maximize compatibility with high‑end DACs, the transport offers multiple digital output options: coaxial (RCA/BNC), AES/EBU (balanced XLR), and HDMI i2S LVDS—the latter of which provides a direct, low‑jitter digital data path favored by many audiophile DACs. Some configurations also let you upsample the 44.1 kHz stream to 176.4 kHz via the remote, which can make the signal easier for some DACs to handle.

Sound and Review Impressions

Although formal reviews are relatively scarce compared with flagship CD transports from larger brands, the CDT2 MK3 does have measured praise in audiophile press and distributor summaries. A hi‑fi+ review described the transport as “impressively engineered and fine sounding” and noted that its value compared with price makes it worth serious attention. The critic highlighted the unit’s balanced performance across the audible band and excellent mechanical implementation.

In listener forums and user discussions, the Jay’s Audio CDT2 MK3 is often recommended as a step up from generic CD players when paired with a high‑quality DAC, particularly because its precision mechanism and clocking can provide a cleaner digital feed that some users feel translates into tighter timing and deeper soundstage from the DAC. Many owners emphasize that its performance feels far above what its price tag might suggest in comparison to entry‑level transports.

Key Features

• Dedicated CD transport for feeding external DACs

• Top‑loading Philips CDM4/19 laser mechanism, serviceable and robust

• Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO) for low jitter

• Multiple high‑quality power supply elements (encapsulated transformers, EMI filters, super regulators)

• Extensive digital outputs: coaxial, BNC, balanced AES/EBU, HDMI i2S LVDS

• Remote‑configurable native and upsampling modes (44.1 kHz and 176.4 kHz)

• Machined aluminum chassis with internal vibration control

• Dimmable display and solid build quality

Product Specifications

• Type: CD transport (no DAC)

• Transport Mechanism: Philips CDM4/19 laser top‑loader

• Digital Outputs:

  • Coaxial RCA/BNC: 2 V @ 75 Ω

  • AES/EBU XLR: 5 V @ 110 Ω

  • HDMI i2S LVDS

• Sampling Rate: 16‑bit / 44.1 kHz native; upsampling to 176.4 kHz via remote control

• Supported Media: Redbook CD, CD‑R, CD‑RW (no SACD/DSD)

• Power: 110 V / 230 V AC selectable

• Dimensions: 430 × 380 × 120 mm

• Weight: ~15 kg

• Finish: Classic silver aluminum

Summary:
The Jay’s Audio CDT2 MK3 is a feature‑rich, audiophile‑oriented CD transport that focuses on precision, low jitter, and high‑quality digital output for pairing with external DACs. Its strong engineering, flexible outputs, and thoughtful power‑supply design make it a compelling choice for serious digital front‑ends without built‑in high‑end DACs.