Jay’s Audio CDT3-MK3
The CDT3-MK3 makes Red Book discs feel vividly alive, pairing a black-silent background with natural timbre, expansive spatial cues and explosive dynamic headroom. Its OCXO-clocked, heavily isolated CD mechanism retrieves timing, texture and microdetail with uncommon ease; The Ear found its low-noise precision and analogue-like flow exceptional, while Audiophilia heard it rival an expensive streaming front end.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
95/100
Build Quality
96/100
Features Usability
87/100
Value for Money
94/100
Pros
Exceptionally quiet, low-jitter presentation delivers natural tone, deep spatial detail and powerful dynamics.
Massive, meticulously isolated aluminium construction and elaborate multi-transformer power supply inspire confidence.
Comprehensive digital connectivity includes coaxial, BNC, AES/EBU, HDMI/RJ45 I2S, selectable upsampling and 10MHz clock I/O.
Cons
Requires extensive burn-in; one review found the sound initially dynamically constrained, thin and rolled off before it fully settled.
CD-only transport: it has no internal DAC and does not support SACD, DVD-Audio or DSD.
Top-loading design requires clear space above the unit for disc access.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 95/100
Reviewers describe an unusually natural, spacious and dynamically convincing presentation from Red Book discs. Its strengths include low apparent noise, precise timing, strong image focus and the ability to reveal fine musical and spatial information without glare.
Overall Sound
95/100
The Ear found the CDT3-MK3 transparent, fluid, detailed and “analogue-sounding,” with dramatic dynamics, deep spatial rendering and compelling timing. Audiophilia likewise heard natural timbre, clean texture, a silent background and performance at least equal to an expensive streaming front end; Future Audiophile also noted more solid vocals, energized upper-register guitar and well-defined instrument placement.
Digital Signal Integrity
96/100
The Ear specifically identified exceptionally low perceived jitter, electronic noise and intermodulation, linking these qualities to phase accuracy, detailed spatial performance and clear dynamic expression. Its review also reports that the substantial power supply avoided sluggish transients, while Audiophilia heard no noticeable distortion and a dead-quiet background.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 87/100
This is a focused disc transport rather than a network player, but it is unusually flexible within that role. It offers broad digital-output and clocking options, selectable upsampling and a well-equipped remote; reviewers provide less direct comment on day-to-day display and control ergonomics beyond its top-loading shutter and remote functions.
Streaming Software
84/100
As a CD-only transport, the CDT3-MK3 has no streaming platform or library software to assess. The Ear notes its silky-smooth top-loading shutter, while 6 Moons describes a remote with direct track access, repeat and random playback, scan functions, display dimming and time-display modes.
Features Connectivity
95/100
Connectivity is notably comprehensive for a CD transport: RCA and BNC coaxial S/PDIF, AES/EBU, and I2S via both HDMI and RJ45 are all provided. Reviewers also highlight selectable 176.4kHz upsampling and 10MHz clock input/output, allowing the transport to integrate with external master-clock and DAC arrangements.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
96/100
Construction receives exceptionally strong praise. Future Audiophile likened it to an “audiophile version of an M1A1 Abrams tank,” while The Ear and 6 Moons detail the machined aluminium chassis, substantial sub-chassis and damping arrangements, mechanically isolated mechanism, and elaborate multi-transformer power supply.
Value for Money
94/100
At $4,998, Audiophilia found it capable of demonstrating how superb Red Book CD can sound when properly played. The Ear called its dynamic expression and resolution the best available at its price and considerably beyond, while 6 Moons judged it capable of matching a substantially costlier streaming chain in a single box.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Specifications
- Design Highlight
- Jay's Audio Tuned CDPRO2-LF Mechanism Schurter IEC Inlet Improved Noise Filter with 110v/230v switching Talema Encapsulated Transformers Multistage Super Regulator with Boutique Grade Caps Neutrik XLR Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator OCXO i2s LVDS Output Scientific Digital Output Isolation Transformer Native/Upsampling 44.1kHz / 176.4kHz Configurable via Toggle Switch
- Supported Formats
- Redbook CD, CDR, CDR/W only
- Digital Output
- COAX (RCA/BNC) 2v @ 75ohm ; AES/EBU 5V @110ohm
- I2S Output
- HDMI i2s LVDS, RJ45 i2s LVCMOS
- Sampling Rate
- 44.1kHz, 176.4kHz
- Clock-Output
- 10MHz / 5 V p-p / 50 Ω
- Clock-Input
- 10MHz / 0.3 – 5 V p-p / 50 to 75 Ω
- AC Power
- 110V/230V, 50-60Hz
- Dimension
- 450mm x 380mm x 150mm
- Weight
- 22KG
- Warranty
- 12 months
Manufacturer's Description — Jay’s Audio
The CDT3-MK3 is a result of years of experience in making. It is THE ultimate CD Transport with Jay's Audio Tuned Philips CDPro2-LF Mechanism
THE Flagship Top-loader CD Transport
CDPRO2-LF Laser
Equipped with Philips CDPRO2 LF, proprietary tuned by Jay's Audio chief, Jay Ho.
The CDPRO2 module is mounted to massive aluminium plate which are in turn affixed with damped mountings for complete mechanical isolation.
Jay stock piled hundred of CDPRO2 LF. Critical audiophiles who demand longevity of the CDT are well covered with the spare parts when needed.
OCXO
In digital audio, the quality of the crystal plays a big part in the audio quality.
CDT3-MK3 is equipped with low noise, low phase noise, low jitter, ultra precision Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator.
The residual jitter at <1ps is undetectable with the test equipment on the market.
Master Clock I.O.
CDT3 can be synchronised with downstream equipment (DAC) via its 10MHz clock I/O.
With external clock connected, it bypasses the internal OCXO, the CDT3 is slaved to the Master Clock.
Mechanical Isolation
Tremendous amount of attentions to vibration control were implemented.
Milled high grade aluminium chassis, coupled with milled internal vibration control aluminium structure, the CDT3 is built like a tank that spin the silver Redbook CDT with negligible g-force.
Exceptional Performance
The result of all the technologies accumulation and experiences of years in making the Hi-End CD transport
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for Jay’s Audio CDT3-MK3
- ARK Audio — online and in-store — Borensberg, Östergötlands län, Sweden (website)
- Audio Magic - EU — online and in-store — Wola, Województwo mazowieckie, Poland (website)
- Tek Audio Specialities — online — United States (website)
- The Music Room - UK — in-store — Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (website)
- Vinshine Audio — online and in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
- Willow Tree Audio — online and in-store — Bury Saint Edmunds, England, United Kingdom (website)