Quad 3-CDT CD Transport

Quad 3-CDT CD Transport

The Quad 3-CDT CD Transport is engineered for listeners who demand absolute accuracy from their CD collection. Built as the perfect digital companion to the Quad 3, it embodies the brand’s longstanding commitment to achieving “the closest approach to the original sound.” Rather than functioning as a typical CD player, the 3-CDT focuses entirely on the precise extraction of digital data, delivering a clean, stable signal to an external DAC. This design philosophy ensures superior playback integrity and exceptional musical transparency.

The Quad 3-CDT CD Transport is available for demonstration in our Hull store by request.

Contact us for availability, demonstrations, or additional information.

High-Accuracy CD Mechanism and Servo Control

At the heart of the Quad 3-CDT CD Transport is an advanced disc-reading mechanism supported by a custom servo system. Quad has optimised every component of the laser assembly, motor control, and signal pathway to minimise read errors and maintain maximum data accuracy. Instead of integrating unnecessary circuitry or processing stages, the transport’s sole purpose is to retrieve digital information from the disc with absolute precision. This approach reduces jitter, noise, and distortion, allowing the 3-CDT to deliver an SPDIF output that remains faithful to the original recording.

Ultra-Low-Jitter Timing and Noise-Isolated Architecture

The internal architecture of the Quad 3-CDT CD Transport has been redesigned to isolate noise at the earliest stages. Critical pathways for the motor, laser servo, and decoder each receive their own low-noise voltage regulation, ensuring stable, interference-free performance. A temperature-controlled ultra-low-jitter crystal oscillator (TCXO) provides the master clock for the entire servo and decoding system, acting as an extremely stable timing reference. This results in cleaner transient reproduction, improved rhythmic accuracy, and a more coherent soundstage. The TCXO itself is powered through its own linear regulator to further minimise jitter introduced by the power supply.

Advanced Processing for Reliable and Accurate Playback

To achieve fast access times and robust disc reading, the Quad 3-CDT CD Transport incorporates a powerful dual-core processing platform. A 32-bit RISC CPU works alongside a dedicated MCU to manage servo control, digital decoding, and error correction with exceptional precision. This configuration ensures reliable playback even on discs with minor imperfections. By dedicating each processor to specific tasks, the system maintains stable performance and reduces the risk of timing variations that can degrade sound quality.

Exceptional Synergy With the Quad 3 DAC

Although the Quad 3-CDT CD Transport integrates readily into any high-quality audio system, it is optimised to work in perfect synergy with the Quad 3 DAC. The clean, low-jitter digital output provided by the transport ensures that the DAC can perform at its absolute best, free from electrical noise and unwanted processing. When paired together, the Quad 3 system offers a remarkably pure and immersive listening experience, showcasing an expansive soundstage, precise imaging, and natural musical flow. The visual harmony between the two units further reinforces the cohesive design ethos behind the range.

Classic Quad Styling With Modern Engineering

The design of the Quad 3-CDT CD Transport reflects the refined, minimalist styling that has defined Quad products for decades. Its compact, rigid chassis complements the aesthetic of the Quad 3 while offering excellent protection against vibration and electrical interference. Internally, every element—from the disc tray to the shielding around the mechanism—has been engineered to provide quiet, reliable operation. The combination of classic looks and modern engineering ensures that the 3-CDT serves not only as a high-performance digital transport but also as an elegant addition to any listening space.

Broad Format Compatibility for Modern Listening

In addition to standard audio CDs, the Quad 3-CDT CD Transport supports a wide range of disc formats, including CD-R, CD-RW, and data discs. It can also play digital files in multiple formats such as FLAC, WAV, MP3, WMA, and APE. This flexibility ensures that listeners can enjoy both traditionally mastered albums and digital files stored on disc, making the 3-CDT a versatile choice for those with diverse music collections.

Quad 3-CDT CD Transport Specification:

• Design philosophy and core technology – Compatible with CD/CD-R/CD-RW
• Sampling Rate – 44.1kHz
• Frequency response – -0.01 dB (20Hz–20kHz, ref 1 kHz)
• Digital output amplitude – 500 ±50mVpp
• Output impedance – 75Ω
• Digital output interface – 1 x Coaxial, 1 x Optical
• General description – CD transport
• Model – QUAD 3CDT
• Remote control functionality
• Illuminated display
• 10.9 x 159mm large size full view LCD screen
• Standby power consumption – <0.5W
• Power requirements (according to region) – 220–240V / 100–120V, 50/60Hz
• Product size W x H x D (mm) – 300 x 300 x 101mm
• Net weight – 5.37kg
• Gross weight – 7kg
• Carton size W x H x D (mm) – 420 x 366 x 215mm