Quad Platina CDT CD Transport
QUAD PLATINA CDT EXPANDS PLATINA SERIES
QUAD has introduced the Platina CDT CD transport as the latest addition to its flagship Platina range, joining the QUAD Platina Integrated amplifier and Platina Stream network player.
Designed to complete the series, the new model focuses on digital disc playback for users with existing DAC-equipped systems.
QUAD PLATINA CDT CD TRANSPORT
The QUAD Platina CDT uses a steel chassis with anti-resonance feet and a thick aluminium front panel. The front fascia is minimal, incorporating a power button, CD tray, three control buttons and a 4.3-inch colour display. The screen matches those used in other Platina components and supports metadata display and user-adjustable settings.
Unlike integrated CD players, the QUAD Platina CDT separates transport and digital-to-analogue conversion. This design removes potential electrical interference between stages and is intended for use with external DACs or amplifiers with digital inputs. Internal construction focuses on reducing vibration and interference through a shielded transport mechanism and carefully designed architecture.
Read our recent review of the partnering QUAD Platina integrated amp here
QUAD PLATINA CDT MECHANISM AND SIGNAL HANDLING
At its core, the unit employs a dedicated CD mechanism paired with a custom servo control system. A dual-core processing framework manages data retrieval, aiming to reduce read errors and jitter before passing the signal to an external DAC via optical or coaxial outputs.
CLOCKING AND POWER DESIGN
A temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) provides the master clock, supported by an independent low-noise power supply. QUAD has separated power rails for the motor, servo, decoder and display systems to minimise interference within the signal path. A Noratel toroidal transformer is used in the power supply, with further isolation applied across key circuits.
FORMAT SUPPORT AND USB PLAYBACK
In addition to standard CDs, the QUAD Platina CDT supports CD-R, CD-RW and data discs. A rear USB-A input allows playback from external storage devices, supporting formats including FLAC, WAV, WMA, AAC, MP3 and APE at their native resolutions. The same internal processing and clocking systems are applied to USB playback.
The release reflects ongoing demand for CD playback despite the growth of streaming and high-resolution formats. QUAD positions the transport as a dedicated digital source for users who maintain physical music collections, while also offering file playback flexibility via USB.
QUAD PLATINA CDT PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The QUAD Platina CDT will be available from April in black or silver finishes, with an RRP of £1,499.
HiFi PiG Says: A great new component in the QUAD Platina range.
