Transport 3

About the Transport 3

The Sonic Frontiers Transport 3 is a premium CD transport known for its elegant, slick design with a low-profile chassis made from thick machined aluminum plates and Sorbothane isolation feet. It uses a Philips Professional CDM-12 top-loading transport mechanism with a rigid die-cast construction and a three-beam optical system for enhanced disc tracking. The unit features a proprietary AT cut-crystal master oscillator for precise timing and low jitter, supported by 12 regulated low-impedance, ultra-low-noise power supplies powered by a large custom toroidal transformer. Digital outputs include AES/EBU, S/PDIF (RCA and BNC), ST-Type optical, and an UltraAnalog-designed I2S-Enhanced 13W3 connector, enabling rock-solid digital signal transmission. The Transport 3 emphasizes speed, dynamics, and articulation in sound reproduction, with a unique lens-like CD loader mechanism that operates with a distinctive grinding sound. Dimensions are approximately 490 x 400 x 100 mm, and it weighs about 14.3 kg. The unit is highly regarded for its build quality, precision, and sound performance, though it is not described as romantic but rather honest and articulate in its audio character.