DMT 3.7 transport and streamer
CD SACD Blu-ray Pure Audio
Limited edition. This instrument is now on allocation.
Playing the discs, clocking the bit streams... Caring for the music...
At JMF Audio we believe that browsing a collection, holding a real disc and looking at the booklet recalls memories and prepares to the listening experience; an essential part of the pleasure of listening to one's favorite music.
When it comes to art, humans seem to be naturally attached to the object. When an artist releases an album, it always means a disc. A disc is certainly the best way for offering music we love to a person we love. And getting our favorite artists' signature on the booklet after their concert makes that disc become very special...
For you the music lovers, the music collectors, for your numerous beloved CDs, your SACD rarities, your next exciting Blu-ray Pure Audio discs collection, JMF Audio designed and built the ultimate transport. From the idea to the actual release of the DMT 3.7, years of development were necessary...
Digital audio with the precision analog perspective, for the first time ever, for the most natural music.
The BDPM1 machined optical mechanism
At the time of computer audio and networks, it would have made no sense to embark in the monumental work of developing a unique player without making sure spinning discs had the potential to outperform computer based files players.
In the JMF Audio studios, audio optimized computers, mastering studio grade softwares, sought after CD transports and JMF Audio prototypes were evaluated...
The advanced mastering studio solution definitely offered a faithful rendering. However a more lively presentation of music was noticeable from a real disc playback. Of course JMF Audio looked for both. Needless to say that the challenge was extremely high.
How can a spinning disc sound better than a file from a computer? It is a matter of analog parameters...
Digital relies on clocks, but clocks are analog components, dependent on numerous parameters, such as electromagnetic interferences...
In the ideal dematerialized configuration, a computer or server is connected to a DAC in an asynchronous way, which means the DAC has a master clock and the computer is expected to be fully slave, sample by sample. The digital to analog conversion is therefore directly dependent on the DAC's clock. However no clock is perfect. Indeed, the sound is directly affected by the DAC's clock raw characteristics (and electromagnetic interferences from the computer and the environment).
On an audio CD, the data are CIRC EFM encoded. Samples are splitted into symbols which are cross-interleaved and physically spread over the disc so that in case of a small scratch, correct data recovery is possible using a check sum. Interleaving on the disc also means there is no direct timing relation between successive samples. Utilizing this aspect combined with the proprietary MCLK3 clocking technique, JMF Audio has been able to obtain a convolution of clocks' characteristics that result in extremely low level spectral side bands with Gaussian shaped distribution. This defines a natural phenomenon. This is a unique approach to digital audio which partly explains the extraordinary natural sounding result with the DMT 3.7.
However, to absolutely take advantage of this particular aspect, many important issues such as mechanical induced vibration and noise had to be addressed. Total control over optical pickup, power supplies and electromagnetic interferences was also mandatory.
After numerous vibration analysis and computer modelling based on JMF Audio's specific measurement methods, it became obvious that only an advanced and massive mechanical based machine would allow to reach the desired result, thus eliminating even the most sophisticated tray/moving loader mechanism solution.
This has resulted in BDPM1, the world first Blu-ray enabled optical mechanism machined in solid pieces of aluminum, with 1/100th mm precision; mounted in the middle of a multilayer thick composite decoupling base, being the chassis of the machine and resting on three purpose designed cone-ball feet hardened up to 1 Ton of pressure at the JMF Audio manufacture to ensure maximum stability. The total mechanism weighting over 30kg...
Blu-ray disc spinning speed is very high. Silent operation and airflow control is ensured by an innovative decompression area located over the platter and linear all around the disc.
For maximum laser signal return pick up and optimized disc stability, a carbon clamp covering all the disc surface was developed. Each carbon disc clamp being machined and hand assembled at the JMF Audio manufacture.
Optical pickup being sensitive to ambient light, a vibration free machined tilting cover closes and protects the disc compartment. Hydraulic aided opening an air-oil damped closing offers smooth oscillation of this 2kg solid part. The disc compartment cover being engraved with the JMF Audio logo as a sign which symbolizes a summit, as the DMT 3.7 would be placed on top of the rack.
The DMT 3.7's main audio processing board including MCLK3 clocking circuits
The compact disc CD introduced by Philips and Sony in the early 80's was already a high definition digital audio format, covering all the frequency range humans are able to perceive with a dynamic that can still exceed actual recording conditions. It can be played without wear, cannot be erased. This obviously explains its fantastic success. Music lovers own hundreds to thousands of such discs, all with their history. The CD is more than ever the standard for musical pieces collection.
The Super Audio Compact Disc SA-CD proposed by Sony 20 years later offered a greater dynamic range and an improved impulse response, along with multichannel capabilities. It became the format of choice for audio enthusiasts, with countless valuable releases from majors and specialized labels.
Blu-ray, the latest disc format, was standardized for audio-only high-definition applications by the msm-studios of Germany as "Blu-ray Pure Audio". This is the format JMF Audio had been waiting for: being able to play high definition audio without computers. This triggered the development of the DMT 3.7 transport.
Blu-ray Pure Audio disc is the media we had been waiting for. DMT 3.7 is the universal transport we have been dreaming of.
Blu-ray Pure Audio discs usually contain several audio streams, such as stereo linear PCM 192kHz, DTS Master Audio, Dolby True HD multichannel... In order for Blu-ray Pure Audio discs to play seamlessly as regular CDs, JMF Audio developed an algorithm that automatically lists the available streams and selects the high definition stereo stream once the disc is loaded. Thus allowing screen-less operation, without pressing a special key... This function is enabled from the rear panel of the DMT 3.7 with button STREAM AUTO. (patent pending).
All Blu-ray control boards embed high speed video circuits. So as to allow the purest audio path, these video circuits would automatically be switched off when the user selects PURE AUDIO operation from the rear panel of the DMT 3.7. (patent pending).
One of the most extraordinary feeling with the DMT 3.7 transport, especially when combined with the DXC 2.2-MKII DAC, is that it extracts so much unsuspected information, so much musicality from a regular CD that the pleasure of listening is tremendous whichever the type of disc... The music plays naturally. The rendering is ample, voluptuous, organic, articulated yet sweet... desirable.
Not only is the DMT 3.7 capable of playing all types of discs, but it also offers broad dematerialization connectivity with USB (hard drives, thumb drives) and LAN (Ethernet network, NAS), supporting all file types (WAV, DSD, FLAC, AAC...) and enabling streaming from services such as TIDAL or QOBUZ under control of a smartphone/tablet in Wifi... Dematerialization taking full advantage of the DMT 3.7's relevant isolation, audio processing and clocking.
And one finally spends countless hours placing a disc after another, playing files and enjoying the music, the artists' performance, definitely forgetting about the technical aspects...
Blu-ray Pure Audio discs made as straightforward to use as CDs (patent).
JMF Audio signal processing and MCLK3 clocking, common to all sources.
Advanced and independent power supplies for disc drive, audio and media sections.
PURE AUDIO or AV operation (patent pending).
AUTO STREAM or manual audio stream selection (patent pending).
Output audio stereo SPDIF and AES-EBU, precision interfaces.
Output audio multichannel over HDMI in PCM and DSD.
Output video over HDMI for discs menus and equipment setup.
Easy control with the JMF Audio ergonomic MBR1 remote.
Advanced control with tablet/smartphone/computer (WIFI, DLNA).
Blu-ray Pure Audio : the guaranteed high definition, the ease of use...
Blu-ray Pure Audio Excellence (JMF Audio's hints and links related to the format)
Pure Audio Recordings (reference web site for Pure Audio releases)
Better than the studio master source
Blu-ray Pure Audio is the first commercial media which can store music with equal or superior resolution to actual studio quality. The DMT 3.7, while absolutely accurate and faithful to the source, presents music with greatness and a feeling of naturalness which are lacking to file base systems, even to studio equipment. You are privileged.
Blu-ray Pure Audio also means mShuttle : source-safe portable and high-res files
As defined by the msm-studios and certified by the AES (Audio Engineering Society), "Blu-ray Pure Audio" means a package containing a Blu-ray disc and one or more CD / hybrid SA-CD, plus the ability to obtain the corresponding files in MP3, FLAC, MQA for use with your portable devices or in the car, thanks to the mShuttle technology. Just insert the Blu-ray disc and connect the DMT 3.7 to your home network and safely access the files residing on the disc (no download from the internet).
JMF Audio and the Blu-ray Pure Audio partners meet at the 140th AES (Audio Engineering Society) convention
2018 Grammy Awards, nominations for albums recorded with the JMF Audio PCD302 by 2L.
Jane Ira Blum's Blu-ray Pure Audio won a Grammy Award.
High Fidelity magazine (Poland) 2018
Exclusive interview about the Blu-ray Pure Audio
and the DMT 3.7 transport
See also:
> Read about AE Super Hi-End Audio Seminar Hong Kong 2018 (presentations of Blu-ray Pure Audio)
Technical specifications:
Consumption
50W
CD, SACD, Blu-ray Pure Audio (including audio and data formatted CD-R/RW, DVD, DVD-/+R/RW, BD-R/RE)
Disc types
WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSF/DFF (from data formatted optical disc, hard drives or streaming)
File formats
Dolby True HD, DTS Master Audio stereo and multi-channel
Codecs
DLNA smartphone or tablet used as remote control to connect to a NAS or the Internet
Streaming
TIDAL, QOBUZ, using widely available third-party apps
Services
AES-EBU metal case XLR (1 output) and S/PDIF metal case RCA (1 output) for stereo linear audio PCM up to 192kHz
Outputs
DSD converted to hi-res PCM for AES-EBU and S/PDIF compatibility
HDMI audio for PCM up to 192kHz and DSD, stereo and multi-channel, video up to 1080p for monitor/menus (2 outputs)
LAN (RJ45 Ethernet) for audio streaming from network attached hard drives or computers as well as from the Internet
Inputs
HDMI audio for stereo and multichannel up to 192kHz PCM, DD, DTS
USB for external storage (2 inputs) (USB 2.0 compatible, superior to the requirements for all hi-res content streaming)
466 wide x 381 deep x 366 high (open lid) mm (18.5” x 15” x 14.5”)
Dimensions
34 kg (75 lbs)
Net weight
100V to 240V AC
AC mains
Comments:
The JMF Audio DMT 3.7 has seduced music lovers from all areas. Experienced audio enthusiasts and sound engineers have found in the JMF Audio DMT 3.7 the precision, timbres rightness, amplitude, greatness in the presentation of music.
We are thankful to the enthusiastic JMF Audio instruments-for-the-music owners for their feedbacks, comments and the wish for some of them to get the information published.
However it has been decided to limit the comments on this page to just a few. Music lovers are invited to discover and experience for themselves. JMF Audio would be pleased to guide and advise a representative.
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Mr. Antonio. M., owner of the DMT 3.7 serial number 001, who followed the genesis that lasted 8 years:
"Although I got prepared to the result with the numerous prototypes and demos over the years, I did not believe it was possible to get more from digital audio. But it is, and the DMT 3.7 is a pure marvel! Details, Naturalness! And it looks and feels wonderful."
Mr. KK Wong, Marvel Audio / Audio Exotics, Hong-Kong:
"The JMF Audio DMT 3.7 is for sure a game changer [revolutionary product]. It hits the transport domain with a grand slam victory. [...] It drives me back to spinning CDs for 5-6 hours without touching my vinyl systems and J-Remote for the CAS [audio server]. It changes my behavior my belief that CD transport was already sunsetting! I still have a lot more to explore about the 3.7 on its decoding capability, TIDAL streaming, etc. With my limited Internet bandwidth for music listening, I choose to indulge myself in playing back my CDs which have been left dusted for a while after ripping into CAS." After the HKAV 2018 exhibition: "The JMF Audio's source outperfoms our previous SACD players by a wide margin".
References to albums produced with JMF Audio’s instruments as well as links to reviews and books will be found on a dedicated page.
> References
Versions history :
Initial release. Minor hardware and software upgrades may be suggested.
Upgrades:
JMF Audio products are designed to be references and to last. The base of these instruments is safe and modular. Upgrades are proposed for the original owner to take advantage of the results of our continuous research and development efforts, without the need for product change. More information can be found on our policy page. > Policy and Warranty