CDT3 Mk3 vs Esoteric P03
The P03's output voltage is 2.2V RMS against the CDT3 Mk3's 2.0V RMS and its output impedance 10Ω against 75Ω. Both share max sample rate (176.4 kHz).
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Jay's Audio MK3-CDT3 is a flagship top-loader CD transport designed with years of expertise to deliver ultimate performance. It features the Jay's Audio Tuned Philips CDPro2-LF laser mechanism, known for warm, mellow sound with good musicality, analog taste, rich details, large dynamics, and a stable, complete sound field. The transport includes an Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO) master clock for ultra-low phase noise and high precision timing. It offers multiple digital outputs including COAX (RCA/BNC), AES/EBU, and I2S via HDMI and RJ45 connectors, supporting sampling rates of 44.1kHz and 176.4kHz. The chassis is built from solid aluminum, weighing around 40-48 pounds, providing excellent mechanical isolation and vibration resistance. Power is managed through multiple ultra-low noise, high-precision linear power supplies dedicated independently to the transport mechanism, rubidium clock, and output circuits, supported by multi-stage EMI AC power modules and Talema encapsulated transformers. The unit also includes a scientific digital transformer for galvanic isolation and super regulators for stable power delivery. This CD transport is highly regarded for its build quality, robust design, and exceptional sound performance, making it a prized component in audiophile systems.
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the CDT3 Mk3 in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
Every pairing for the CDT3 Mk3The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The P03's output voltage is 2.2V RMS against the CDT3 Mk3's 2.0V RMS and its output impedance 10Ω against 75Ω. Both share max sample rate (176.4 kHz).
The Reference CD8's max sample rate is 192 kHz against the CDT3 Mk3's 176.4 kHz, its output voltage 1.5V RMS against 2.0V RMS, and its output impedance 330Ω against 75Ω.
The DP-85's max sample rate is 192 kHz against the CDT3 Mk3's 176.4 kHz, its output impedance 50Ω against 75Ω, and its output voltage 2.5V RMS against 2.0V RMS.
The Planck's max sample rate is 192 kHz against the CDT3 Mk3's 176.4 kHz, its output impedance 33Ω against 75Ω, and its output voltage 3.5V RMS against 2.0V RMS.
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