{"product_id":"audiolab-8300cdq-cd-player","title":"Audiolab 8300CDQ CD Player","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAbout The Audiolab 8300CDQ CD Player, DAC, Preamp\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Audiolab 8300CDQ is the sort of do it all product that is becoming very popular these days. It combines a top flight CD player \u0026amp; DAC with a fine line level preamp to give you great sound and even more connectivity options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eThe 8300 CD has long been a great CD player and DAC option for digital playback. The 8300CDQ adds high-quality analogue preamp circuitry, coupled to three stereo pairs of line-level RCA inputs for analogue sources to give this product even more functionality. The preamp circuitry is kept as simple as possible using high-quality components to maintain signal purity, with line input signals passing to a precision analogue volume stage. Much effort has gone into the physical layout of the 8300CDQ's circuitry, protecting the sensitive preamp section from noise interference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaster Quality Authenticated (MQA):\u003c\/strong\u003e Taking it to the next level the 8300CDQ now includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. The brainchild of Meridian Audio co-founder Bob Stuart, MQA is a digital audio format designed for high-resolution music streaming and is available via subscription to Tidal's 'Hi-Fi' tier (among other sources).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eAudiolab's MQA decoding solution was developed by John Westlake, one of Britain's foremost digital audio experts. There are various ways to enable MQA playback on audio devices, and not all are equal sonically. Westlake's solution maximises the format's potential, just as the 8300CDQ's design draws the best sound quality from other audio codecs and, of course, CDs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Sound Of Science:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 8300CDQ adds further flexibility by incorporating a dedicated direct-coupled headphone amp with current-feedback circuitry. Accessed via a front-mounted 6.35mm socket, its gain bandwidth and high slew rate ensure a dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuilding On The 8300CD:\u003c\/strong\u003e Launched in 2010, the original Westlake-designed Audiolab CD players – the 8200CD and 8200CDQ – were universally acclaimed for their superb sound quality and flexible facilities. In 2015, the 8300 Series arrived and both 8200 Series players were replaced by the 8300CD, building upon its predecessors' formidable reputation. The enhanced 8300CDQ further develops Audiolab's classic line of CD players to reach still greater heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eAside from the additional functionality outlined above, the 8300CDQ draws upon the exemplary circuitry contained with the existing 8300CD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSlot-Loading CD Transport Mechanism:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast in operation and neat in design, the 8300CDQ's slot-loading CD transport delivers excellent reliability. A read-ahead digital buffer reduces disc-reading errors, enabling scratched CDs that are unreadable by conventional mechanisms to be played. High disc stability and low susceptibility to resonance contribute to the 8300CDQ's superb CD sound quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Resolution Digital Inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Five digital inputs comprise 1 asynchronous USB and 4 S\/PDIF (2 Coaxial and 2 Optical). Hi-Res digital audio is supported up to 32-bit\/384kHz PCM and DSD256, and USB HID compatibility enables driverless control of a connected PC, Mac or media player.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e32-bit ESS Sabre DAC:\u003c\/strong\u003e The CD transport and digital inputs feed a DAC section with an ESS Sabre32 Reference chip nestling at its heart, utilising HyperStream architecture and ESS Technology's Time Domain Jitter Eliminator to deliver ultra-low noise and high dynamic range. No company knows more about making the most of this 32-bit, eight-channel hybrid multi-bit Delta-Sigma DAC technology than Audiolab; the 8200CD and 8200CDQ were among the first audio components to use it and the company has been honing its implementation ever since. The conversion process involves 512 DAC elements (256 per channel) each operating at 84.672MHz – all digital audio sources, whatever the sample rate, are upsampled or oversampled to this frequency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExemplary Jitter Reduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Around the DAC chip are extensive measures to reduce jitter (digital distortion) to vanishingly low levels. Careful circuit layout and low-noise power supplies complement the DAC's patented Sabre32 sample rate converter and clever DPLL (Digital Phase Locked Loop) circuit, radically reducing time domain errors from all digital input sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTime Domain Isolation:\u003c\/strong\u003e While the Sabre32 sample rate converter virtually eliminates jitter within the digital domain, external 'analogue domain' induced artefacts caused by RF breakthrough, PSU coupling and so on will affect the DAC's sonic performance. Audiolab resolves this issue via its CATDA (Cascaded Asynchronous Time Domain Attenuator) circuit. This circuit isolates the DAC substrate from sonically deleterious artefacts that affect non-synchronous digital input data. To achieve the best possible performance, three identical cascaded stages are used – each individual stage provides increased isolation, thereby maximising timing performance, even at higher RF frequencies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelectable Digital Filters:\u003c\/strong\u003e As digital audio reproduction technology has progressed, the importance of the characteristics of reconstruction digital filters has become more appreciated. The Audiolab 8300CDQ features seven user-selectable filters for PCM audio data (including CD) and four ultrasonic filters for DSD data. These settings allow the user to tune the 8300CDQ's performance according to system configuration, digital file quality and personal taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiscrete Class A Analogue Stages \u0026amp; Sophisticated Power Supply:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 8300CDQ's analogue output stages and power supply are exceptionally well specified in the pursuit of sonic excellence. The circuitry includes a large, low-noise toroidal transformer, a plethora of reservoir\/smoothing capacitors, an impressive number of regulator chips and discrete transistor (instead of op-amp) analogue stages at the output with ultra-low impedance to drive any cable and any load. The power supply incorporates 29 regulated supply rails including multiple ultra-low-noise regulators, with extensive measures against power supply contamination and cross-coupling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAudiolab 8300CDQ Review\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\"Running through the gamut of its inputs, I realise the 8300CDQ is very hard to beat as an all-round mid-price player. Especially when working as a DAC, its standout traits are the clean and balanced tonality, fine detail retrieval, wide soundstaging, decent rhythmic snap and even-handed nature. Whatever digital format or codec you choose, it's quite special to listen to and the CD transport is really very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eThe arrival of Audiolab's 8300CDQ is likely to cause much grinding of teeth among its price rivals. It takes the recipe of the original 8200CDQ, polishes it and adds useful functionality that will stand it in good stead for many years to come.\" \u003cstrong\u003eHi-Fi Choice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Take On The Audiolab 8300CDQ CD Player, DAC, Preamp\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eA great sounding CD player, a first class Digital to Analogue Convertor with multiple inputs and a fine line level preamplifier in one slim, easy to use, substantially built chassis. There is a lot to like in the Audiolab 8300CDQ and its versatility is a huge part of its overall appeal. Connect it to your TV's optical output for great stereo TV sound. Match it with a good power amp and your choice of speakers and sit back and revel in the sound of your music or show.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"main-features\"\u003eMain Features \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesign: MQA Compatible CD Player, DAC \u0026amp; Preamplifier\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalogue Inputs: 3 stereo line level\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalogue Outputs: 1 stereo RCA preamp, 1 stereo balanced XLR preamp, 1 6.35mm headphone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDigital Inputs: 2 Coaxial, 2 Optical, 1 USB B\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDigital Outputs: 1 Coaxial, 1 Optical\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTriggers: 12V Trigger A \u0026amp; B Out\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay: OLED 128x64 pixels 2.7\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCD Mechanism: Slot-Loading\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDSD Compatibility: DSD64 \/ DSD128 \/ DSD256\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisc Compatibility: CD\/CDR\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDAC: ESS Sabre32 9018 chip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResolution: 32 bits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSampling Frequency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptical, Coaxial, AES: 32kHz - 192kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB: 32kHz - 384kHz (PCM) \/ DSD64, DSD128, DSD256\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum Sampling Frequency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptical, Coaxial, AES: 192kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB: 384kHz (PCM) \/ 11.2M (DSD256)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput Voltage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4.2Vrms ±0.1 (Balanced)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2.1Vrms ±0.1 (Unbalanced)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput Impedance: 10Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal Harmonic Distortion (THD): \u0026lt;0.002% (1kHz, 0dB, 20Hz ~ 20kHz, A weighted)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (± 0.2dB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignal to Noise Ratio (S\/N)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026lt;-100dB A Weighted (Balanced)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026lt;-98dB A Weighted (Unbalanced)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDynamic Range (A Weighted)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026gt;100dB (Balanced)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026gt;98dB (Unbalanced)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrosstalk (@1kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026lt;-130dB (Balanced)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026lt;-120dB (Unbalanced)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandby Feature: Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandby Power Consumption: \u0026lt;0.5W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemote Control included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvailable Finishes: Black \u0026amp; Silver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimension (WxHxD): 444 x 80 x 317mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight 6.0kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #800000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Features \u0026amp; Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E\u0026amp;OE\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Audiolab","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":43252987691144,"sku":"5025941178477","price":2949.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":43252987723912,"sku":"5025941178439","price":2949.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0663\/9317\/8248\/files\/audiolab-8300cdq-silver-2.jpg?v=1737433217","url":"https:\/\/www.audiotrends.com.au\/products\/audiolab-8300cdq-cd-player","provider":"Audio Trends","version":"1.0","type":"link"}