@aangen just wondering if you’ve upgraded your Jay’s Audio CDT2-Mk2 to the Mk3. Just watched this Steve Guttenberg video reviewing the differences and mentioning the user-installed upgrade option from Jay’s.
Thanks,
Kurt
Edit: And would like to hear about your experience with sound quality between the PWT and the Jay’s transport (into the PS Audio DS DAC if possible).
Edit 2: I see that you have upgraded per another thread.
Yep. Look up above in this thread. I did it over a year ago I believe. It was a very pleasant experience with excellent results.
Highly recommended!
Al, thanks for the quick reply. I just realized the Jay’s transport would not play my high res files burned to DVD so will probably pass for now.
I’ve ordered a little higher quality optical drive with “industrial gears and tray “ mechanism for the PWT. Hoping to have a bit classier disc interface experience. The sound quality from the PWT is serious bang for the buck.
Best,
Kurt
Any details on the higher quality optical drive?
I own both the PWT and the Jay’s
In think you may be selling the excellent transport in the Jay’s short. It is Redbook only, but it is mighty fine for its intended purpose.
But the PWT does have its pluses, no doubt there.
Enjoy!
This post is edited. I did not do my homework, Initially I thought the Pro-Ject CD-box was less expensive, which is not the case.
A more costly alternative to the CDT2 may be the Ausrtrian brand:
CD top loader with all outputs like the Jay Audio also HDMI I2S (not sure if that is compatible to PS Audio). High end quality I‘d say, check out the link to the WEB-Site.
I have AES-EBU preference as my NAD M33 does not offer I2S input.
Accompanied with the linear power supply:
Power Box RS Uni 4 way
4 x 20 V dc, 3 A Output.
What I like about especially about it:
You can add the all balanced and all discrete component Phono stage to it utilizing the same linear power supply (l as box count):
Quite a number of turntables and tonearm options offer balanced phono cables for MC cerdridges. Balanced connections are far less prone to noise interference.
Pro-Ject offers even mini XLR screened interconnects for the 20 V dc power supply connections.
Because this is a compact very synergistic set I consider it as a nice alternative. Whether it sounds better or even close I will never be able to tell. But Pro-Ject is an Austrian (made in the EU) brand that certainly offers no bad sounding equipment, and it’s built quality is known to be on a very high level.
It would fit my passion for balanced interconnects.
Al,
Thanks for the follow up and “darn you and this site!” I just ordered the CDT2-Mk3 in black to match my other gear and rearranged my components to have a home ready when the Jay’s transport arrives. I’m planning to keep the PWT and use in my second system with a modest DAC like a Schiit Modi-Multibit or something similar. Have been “needing” a way to spin CDs on that second system anyway.
In the USA, the Jay’s transport is more affordable ($2,498 USD versus $3,199 USD for the Pro-Ject).
Thanks, I was not aware of that. In that case the Jay’s transport is a really good deal.
I corrected the post.
I just broke down an ordered a black one too. I think Denafrips is just the first of Alvin’s three brands to raise prices and expect the other two to do it after the first of the year. They at least have to cover the large increase in shipping costs.
Did you use Steve Guttenberg’s coupon to save ~$100? That’s still active (audiophiliac168). Did you go for the crazy looking QStab “bone” clamp? I’ll probably buy a spare optical drive assembly before any “tweaking”.
I hope the two week delay to ship is still accurate or maybe they can do better? Starting to get excited.
I have the Bone Clamp. I did not use a coupon. It is not very impressive when you pick it up. If it makes the unit sound better than the original clamp I can’t really say. But I have it and I use it and I think of it as being made from Leprechaun Bone.
Thanks Al. I see that Headquarter Audio also makes a “bone-like” optical drive “suspension”. Have you tried that? I figure I need to at least prompt more frivolous purchases to “get you back” for the Jay’s recommendation.
The optical drive rests on four posts. No fasteners involved. I am aware of the optional devices but after buying the bone thang I have decided that I am satisfied with the current state if things.
You will want to buy a Dragon 48 HDMI cable to go between your Jay’s Transport and PS Audio DAC as well as a proper power cable. That will quadruple the price and make you very satisfied as well.
Then you can focus on the Grimm MU1 purchase that each and every Roon user should make. When all is said and done it will be the best $26K you’ve spent.
Headquarter Audio make the bone thingamajig that Jay’s sell.
Was referring to another HEADquarter product for optical drive mounting see image and link below.
P.S. Thanks again Al for the “necessary cable” recommendations. I need that like a hole in my head!
I actually knew what you were referring to. Looks like more bone material.
The Dragon 48 HDMI cable is a most worthy and enjoyable upgrade
Kyocera used to incorporate “ceramics” into their audio products. They are a Large diversified, company. I haven’t looked to see if they’re still doing audio, but many years ago it was great gear.
