CD transport
Quad’s 3 CDT CD transport has been designed to work in conjunction with the Quad 3 integrated amplifier, with which it combines perfectly, both in terms of sound and aesthetics. This setup is designed for music lovers who still enjoy listening to CDs and want to do so with a system that takes sound quality seriously.
The Quad 3 CDT is not a CD player, but a transport. It is a device that completely bypasses the digital-to-analogue conversion, meaning it is designed to be connected to an external DAC, such as the one integrated into the Quad 3 amplifier, via optical or coaxial digital outputs.
This ensures that the device focuses on a single function: reading discs and sending the cleanest possible digital signal, leaving the conversion to a component better suited to this task. In other words, it is a device created for enthusiasts of separate-component systems, where each component is responsible for a single function and specialises in that function.
The Quad 3 CDT is designed to be the perfect match for the Quad 3 amplifier and features the same design. Both devices share the same compact size of 30 cm wide, as well as a striking two-tone finish, with matt silver on the front, dark grey on the rest of the unit, and its distinctive orange backlit LCD screen. The overall design has a classic 1960s feel, inspired by the Quad 33/303 preamplifiers/amplifiers, but with modern internal components concealed behind a retro exterior.
Although it may appear simple from the outside, the 3 CDT incorporates a wealth of technology. The disc-reading mechanism is supported by a bespoke dual-core servo system, built around a 32-bit processor and a dedicated controller. This combination focuses on maintaining stability: fewer reading errors, fewer fluctuations and more reliable playback, particularly with discs in poor condition.
Synchronisation is also a key factor. A temperature-controlled crystal oscillator acts as the system’s master clock, with its own independent power supply to prevent interference. This type of configuration helps ensure that the digital signal leaving the player is as accurate and stable as possible before the DAC takes over.
One of the factors that can affect digital signals is noise, particularly from power supplies. To prevent this, the 3 CDT uses an ultra-low-noise toroidal transformer. This separates the power supplied to the motor and the laser from that supplied to the decoding stage. In this way, the signal path remains clean and the audio data is not subject to unwanted interference before reaching the DAC.
As for playback, the 3 CDT, in addition to standard audio CDs, also supports CD-R and CD-RW discs, as well as discs containing digital files such as FLAC, WAV, MP3, WMA and APE. Furthermore, Quad claims that its device is capable of handling scratched or slightly dirty discs better than most CD transports. This is something that needs to be tested to see if it’s true, but it could certainly be a selling point for anyone with a collection that hasn’t been looked after properly or that has simply been used a great deal.
Features:
- CD transport.
- Plays CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, FLAC, WAV, MP3, WMA and APE.
- Single-colour
LCD display - Digital outputs: Toslink optical and RCA coaxial.
- USB Type-A port for updates.
- 12V trigger inputs and outputs for control.
- Dimensions: 30 cm wide x 30 cm deep x 10.1 cm high.
- Weight: 5.37 kg.
Available soon. Orders will be processed in strict order of receipt as the first units arrive in Spain.
