CD/SACD-проигрыватели и транспорты — QUAD 3CDT

The QUAD 3CDT is a dedicated CD transport whose only job is to extract the digital audio from a disc, as it has no DAC or analogue output of its own. It was designed as the disc-spinning partner for the QUAD 3 integrated amplifier, sharing its 30 cm wide footprint, matt silver front panel, dark grey enclosure and orange backlit display. Launch was set for mid-December 2025 at GBP 599, USD 1,099 and AUD 1,399.

Key specs that matter

Connection is digital only, via one coaxial and one optical S/PDIF - both delivering 500 mVpp plus or minus 50 mVpp through a 75 ohm output impedance at a fixed 44.1 kHz sampling rate. QUAD quotes frequency response as -0.01 dB between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, referenced to 1 kHz. Beyond standard audio CDs, the drive accepts CD-R, CD-RW and data discs carrying FLAC, WAV, WMA, MP3 and APE files, while SACD is not supported. The chassis measures 300 x 300 x 101 mm and weighs 5.37 kg net.

Engineering and use context

The core component is a high-precision CD mechanism run by a custom servo control system, and the drive is shielded against vibration and electrical interference. Servo and control duties are split across a dual-core framework made up of a 32-bit RISC CPU and a dedicated MCU. Three independent low-noise voltage regulators feed the servo section alone. Timing comes from a temperature-controlled ultra-low-jitter crystal oscillator (TCXO) with its own low-noise power supply. A 10.9 x 159 mm illuminated LCD sits on the fascia to show track and disc information, and a remote handset is supplied for control from the listening seat. QUAD lists silver and black among the finish options. Mains input is switchable between 220-240 V and 100-120 V at 50/60 Hz, and standby draw stays below 0.5 W. Because the design keeps to transport duties only, the feature list is short by intent, which leaves conversion to whatever DAC is connected downstream.

Pairing

The obvious partner is the QUAD 3, whose built-in DAC accepts the transport's digital feed and whose casework matches it in width and styling, giving a two-box disc system. Any separate converter, receiver or integrated amplifier fitted with an S/PDIF input on coaxial or optical connectors will also work, since the 3CDT sends a plain 16-bit CD stream.

Alternatives

For owners who want disc playback with conversion built in, the QUAD Artera Play+ combines a CD player, DAC and preamplifier with aptX Bluetooth and a headphone output in one chassis.