Description
3CDT
Housed in a sleek, compact chassis, the understated styling and classic detailing of the Quad 3CDT perfectly echoes the timeless aesthetic of the Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier.
More than just seamless in aesthetic terms, when combined with the Quad 3’s DAC architecture, this CD transport offers a listening experience that is as refined as it is faithful.
Precision & Accuracy
At the heart of the Quad 3CDT lies a high-precision CD mechanism and custom-designed CD servo control system, delivering exceptional disc reading accuracy and stability.
Every detail of the laser assembly and servo control system has been optimised to minimise read errors, jitter, and distortion, preserving the integrity of the original CD signal.
Unlike conventional CD players, the Quad 3CDT is designed purely as a transport. By its very design, a CD Transport embodies the QUAD mantra – the closest approach.
Its sole task is to deliver a pristine signal — exceptionally clean with minimal interference or unwanted processing. This singular focus ensures the highest fidelity connection to the Quad 3’s state-of-the-art DAC, unlocking the full musical potential encoded on every disc.
3CDT Dedicated CD Transport, in Classic Quad Grey finish, by Quad Audio.
Redesigned Architecture
Quad engineers have redesigned the internal power architecture to isolate critical digital pathways — separating the motor and laser servo circuits from the decoder stage that retrieves the digital audio signal.
By preventing interference at the source, the decoder receives a cleaner, more stable data stream before it is synchronised and formatted.
A temperature-controlled ultra-low-jitter crystal oscillator (TCXO) provides the master clock for the entire servo/decoder section. Powered from its own independent low-noise supply and grounding scheme, it acts as a rock-solid timing reference.
This ensures that the extracted SPDIF digital output is stable and free from timing distortion — delivering audibly cleaner transients, tighter imaging and greater musical coherence.
Clean, Stable Power
Three independent low-noise voltage regulator circuits are dedicated to the CD servo, ensuring clean and stable operation.
In addition, the TCXO clock circuit is powered by an ultra-low noise linear regulator, minimising power supply-induced jitter and improving overall sonic purity.
In support of these advancements, the advanced CD Servo & Control Architecture is engineered with a robust dual-core processing framework, featuring a high-performance 32-bit RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) CPU and a dedicated MCU.
This configuration ensures precision in servo control, disc access and reliable, robust error correction.
Multi-Format Playback
Digital music files exist in many formats and the QUAD 3CDT is designed to offer wide-ranging support. In addition to standard CD playback, the 3CDT also supports CD-R, CD-RW and data CDs, and files in FLAC, WAV, WMA, MP3 and APE formats.
3 Integrated Amplifier with 3CDT CD Transport, by Quad Audio.
Features
- Dedicated CD transport, the ideal match for Quad 3 Integrated Amplifier
- Compatible with CD/CD-R/CD-RW
- Illuminated display
- Large-size full view LCD screen (10.9 x 159 mm)
- Remote control functionality
Specifications
- Model: Quad 3CDT
- Description: CD transport
- Digital Output Amplitude: 500 +/-50 mVpp
- Output Impedance: 75 Ω
- Frequency Response: -0.01 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz, ref 1 kHz)
- Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz
- Digital Outputs: 1 x Coaxial, 1 x Optical
- Standby Power Consumption: Less than 0.5 W
- Power Requirements: 220-240 V – 50 / 60 Hz
- Product size (W x D x H): 300 x 300 x 101 mm
- Net Weight: 5.37 kg
Included
- 1 x 3CDT
- 1 x IEC Power Cable
- 1 x Remote Control
- 1 x User Manual
- 2 x AAA Batteries
Full Quad Range Available
Unilet Sound & Vision are official retail partners for Quad Audio, providing sales, advice and assistance on their entire range of high-quality products. Please do get in touch if you would like a demonstration or wish to purchase.
