Quad 3 CDT

The QUAD 3CDT is a dedicated CD Transport that delivers digital performance in its purest form.
Designed as the perfect partner for the QUAD 3 DAC, it follows QUAD’s philosophy of “the closest approach to the original sound.”
By focusing only on disc reading and data accuracy, the 3CDT removes unnecessary circuitry and achieves class-leading precision,
so every note reaches your speakers exactly as recorded.

Accuracy and integrity

At its core, the 3CDT features a high-precision CD mechanism and custom servo control.
These components minimise read errors, jitter, and distortion, ensuring the original signal remains intact.
Unlike typical CD players, the 3CDT works purely as a transport, delivering a clean signal with minimal interference.
As a result, the QUAD 3 DAC receives the purest possible input, unlocking the music’s full detail.

Advanced digital architecture

QUAD engineers redesigned the internal power system to separate critical digital pathways.
They isolate the motor and laser servo circuits from the decoder stage, so the data stream stays stable and clean.
Additionally, a temperature-controlled ultra-low-jitter crystal oscillator (TCXO) acts as a precise master clock,
powered by its own low-noise supply. This approach produces tighter imaging, cleaner transients, and improved musical clarity.

Three dedicated low-noise regulators power the CD servo, while the TCXO has its own ultra-low noise linear regulator.
Furthermore, a dual-core processor with a 32-bit RISC CPU and dedicated MCU controls disc access and error correction
with unmatched precision, keeping playback consistent and reliable.

Quad 3 synergy

The 3CDT works seamlessly with the QUAD 3 DAC to form a complete CD playback system.
By offloading digital-to-analogue conversion to the DAC, it avoids electrical noise and distortion.
Consequently, you experience a signal chain of remarkable purity, with deep soundstage, excellent clarity, and lifelike musicality.

Classic design, modern execution

The 3CDT draws inspiration from QUAD’s heritage, echoing the design of its amplifier sibling.
Its sleek front panel and subtle details provide visual harmony, while the robust chassis ensures stability.
Inside, the transport mechanism resists vibration and interference.
From the disc tray to the digital outputs, every component operates quietly, reliably, and with high fidelity.

Multi-format playback

The QUAD 3CDT supports a wide range of discs and files.
You can play standard CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, and data discs.
It also reads digital audio files such as FLAC, WAV, WMA, MP3, and APE,
offering flexibility for modern listening systems.

Key features

• Dedicated CD Transport designed for the QUAD 3 DAC
• High-precision CD mechanism with custom servo control
• Temperature-controlled ultra-low-jitter crystal oscillator (TCXO)
• Independent low-noise power supplies for servo and clock circuits
• Dual-core processor with 32-bit RISC CPU and MCU for precise control
• Supports CD, CD-R, CD-RW, FLAC, WAV, WMA, MP3, and APE files
• Shielded mechanism for reduced vibration and interference
• Classic QUAD design with sleek front panel and subtle details