About The Audiolab 9000CDT CD Transport
With CD still being a 'go to' medium for many audiophiles, the 9000CDT is a premium offering bringing digital music playback to match the beast that is the Audiolab 9000A.
The 9000CDT is a dedicated CD transport that incorporates a high-end mechanism developed to suit the industry benchmarks set by Audiolab performance philosophies.
Following in a long list of award-winning Audiolab CD playback devices, the 9000CDT uses a high-precision optical system with an electronic data buffer for accurate and seamless CD playback. It has a read-ahead digital buffer to reduce disc-reading failures, helping the 9000CDT play scratched and damaged CDs that may be unreadable by conventional mechanisms.
To ensure a flawless signal reaches the accompanying DAC, the coaxial output of the 9000CDT is fed from a differential line driver. The master clock is controlled by a high-accuracy crystal oscillator, enabling the digital output from both coaxial and optical sockets to exhibit vanishingly low levels of jitter (digital distortion).
Isolation From Vibration: The low-friction loading tray, sturdy aluminium base and chassis of the 9000CDT work to tackle vibrations that are experienced due to the mechanics of a high-spin-velocity motor. Further, the transport is mounted in its own, electromagnetically shielded enclosure with a dedicated power supply. All of which contribute to the exemplary digital signal extraction, while the proven resonance reduction further improves performance and onward effect in ancillary Hi-Fi equipment and signal chains.
Digital Files In Any Format: In addition to the class-leading CD playback design, the 9000CDT also offers digital music file compatibly via a dedicated USB 'Type A' connection, to the rear of the unit. Every significant hi-res and lossless audio format is catered for, including WAV, AAC and WMA, as well as compressed legacy MP3 formats.
Full Colour Display: Sporting a 4.3" IPS LCD screen with a detailed but simple to use GUI, the 9000CDT offers a vivid representation of information including system settings, format, folder, track details and other data.
Reviews
"A good dedicated CD transport should subjectively sound slightly better than a regular CD player being used as a transport. I often find that reproduction is slightly sharper and better defined. There's greater immediacy and focus, faster transient attack, plus clearer low-level detail. Such was the 9000CDT, which also, by the way, sounded superior to the 6000CDT. Subjectively, it proved more focused and articulate, teasing out lots of subtle detail that makes the music more commanding and engaging. There's less smearing, less fudging, less haze, less fog…
Via the 9000CDT, CDs had more of the immediacy and clarity that you expect from SACDs. Bass was firm and solid; deep, powerful, and very dynamic.
Overall, the 9000CDT sounds super clean; it doesn't add roughness nor smooth things over. Like an open window on the original recording, it doesn't hold back – so it can be slightly unforgiving of poorly produced music. Most of the time, though, the positive sonic qualities of Audiolab's flagship transport are wholly advantageous. The 6000CDT was good, but the new 9000CDT sounds even better – and as such, is an essential audition if you're looking for a mid-price silver disc spinner." StereoNet
Our Take
The 9000CDT is a standalone CD Transport which also features USB hard drive playback. It can, of course be used with any digital to analogue convertor, be it a standalone model or one contained in an amplifier or streamer. However, just one look will tell you that this beauty has been designed to match one particular component and that is the Audiolab 9000A integrated amplifier with built-in DAC. Together, they are a match made in heaven and we highly recommend the combo. Buy with confidence, you won't be disappointed.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: High Performance CD Transport with USB-A Playback
- Please Note: This CD Transport needs to be connected to a separate DAC
- CD for the Purist: A high-end CD/CD-R/CD-RW mechanism with a high-precision optical system
- Isolation from Vibration: The aluminium base and chassis reduce mechanical vibration during operation. The transport is mounted in its own, electromagnetically shielded enclosure with a dedicated power supply.
- Digital Files in any Format: Offering USB-A HDD support, the 9000CDT will playback WAV, AAC and WMA, as well as compressed legacy MP3 formats from digital storage devices.
- Full Colour Display: A full colour 800 x 480mm WVGA 4.3" full view IPS LCD screen with interactive and detailed general user interface
- USB Storage Device Audio Format: Supports WAV, MP3, WMA format playback
- USB Storage Device File System: Supports FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32 format
- Digital Output Amplitude: 500 +/-50mVpp
- Output Impedance: 75Ω
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz, ref.1 kHz, -0.01 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.002%
- Sampling Rate: 44.1kHz
- Digital Output Interface: 1 x Coaxial, 1 x Optical
- Standby Power Consumption: < 0.5W
- Supplied Accessories: Power Cable, Remote Control (2 x AAA Batteries required – not supplied)
- Detachable Power Cable: Upgrade to a High Performance Power Cable here
- Available Finishes: Black & Silver
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 444 x 89 x 322mm
- Weight: 5.74 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE