Quad 3CDT – Reference CD Transport for Pure Digital Playback

The Quad 3CDT is a dedicated high-precision CD transport created for listeners who value absolute digital accuracy and musical integrity. Designed as the perfect companion to the Quad 3 DAC, it focuses exclusively on disc reading, timing stability, and signal purity—removing all unnecessary circuitry to deliver a pristine digital output. With classic Quad styling and modern engineering, the 3CDT offers uncompromising CD playback for serious hi-fi systems.

Key Features

• Dedicated CD transport design: Optimised purely for disc reading and digital signal integrity
• High-precision CD mechanism: Custom servo control system minimises read errors and distortion
• Ultra-low-jitter TCXO clock: Temperature-controlled master clock ensures stable, accurate timing
• Isolated power architecture: Separate regulation for servo, decoder, and clock circuits
• Dual-core processing: 32-bit RISC CPU with dedicated MCU for precise servo control and error correction
• Multiple digital outputs: Coaxial and optical S/PDIF for flexible DAC integration
• Wide disc and file support: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and data discs with FLAC, WAV, WMA, MP3, and APE files
• Classic Quad design: Compact chassis styled to match the Quad 3 system

Customer Benefits

The Quad 3CDT is built for listeners who want the cleanest possible digital signal from their CD collection. By separating disc reading from digital-to-analogue conversion, it allows your DAC to perform at its absolute best. The result is improved clarity, tighter imaging, and more natural timing—bringing new life and precision to familiar recordings.

Quick Specs

• Type: CD transport
• Supported media: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, data CDs
• Supported formats: FLAC, WAV, WMA, MP3, APE
• Sampling rate: 44.1 kHz
• Digital outputs: 1 × coaxial, 1 × optical
• Output impedance: 75 Ω
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.01 dB)
• Standby power consumption: <0.5 W
• Dimensions: 30 × 30 × 10.1 cm (W × D × H)
• Weight: 5.37 kg

What’s in the Box

• Quad 3CDT CD transport
• Power cable
• Remote control
• User documentation

Use Cases / Ideal For

Ideal for high-end two-channel systems and CD-focused listeners seeking the highest level of digital accuracy. Perfectly matched with the Quad 3 DAC, but equally suitable for use with any high-quality external DAC via coaxial or optical connection.

Compatibility

Compatible with all standard DACs featuring optical or coaxial S/PDIF inputs. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the Quad 3 system for optimal performance and visual coherence.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Extremely low jitter and high signal integrity
• Purpose-built transport design with no unnecessary circuitry
• Excellent synergy with external DACs, especially Quad 3
• Supports data discs and multiple file formats

⚠️ Cons:

• No internal DAC or analogue outputs
• Designed primarily for CD-focused systems rather than streaming

The Quad 3CDT delivers pure, uncompromised CD transport performance with precision timing and classic Quad refinement.