Audiolab 9000CDT CD Transport

The Audiolab 9000CDT CD Transport represents a new standard in home audio for the connoisseur. Built for sonic excellence, the 9000 Series CD transport – the 9000CDT – is the perfect CD-playing companion to Audiolab’s flagship 9000A integrated amplifier.

With CD still being a ‘go to’ medium for many audiophiles, the Audiolab 9000CDT CD Transport 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.

Audiolab’s new 9000A integrated amplifier is the ideal ‘hub’ around which to build a high-performance audio system, however, you choose to play your music – from digital streaming to vinyl records. For the many people for whom CD remains a crucial part of their musical diet, Audiolab’s new 9000CDT is the 9000A’s perfect CD-playing companion.

The 9000CDT builds on the reputation of the highly respected 6000CDT, engineered to make the most of any still-treasured CD collection. It incorporates a new, high-end transport mechanism, featuring a high-precision optical system and low-friction loading tray. A read-ahead digital buffer reduces disc-reading failures, enabling the 9000CDT to play damaged discs that may be rejected by other CD players.

The 9000CDT’s construction, with its sturdy aluminium base and chassis, combats the effect of vibrations generated both externally and by the mechanism’s high-spin-velocity motor. By mounting the transport in its own, electromagnetically shielded enclosure, and including a dedicated power supply, the digital signal extraction from any CD is as accurate and precise as possible.

The 9000CDT’s master clock is controlled by a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator, enabling the digital output from its coaxial and optical sockets to exhibit vanishingly low levels of jitter (digital distortion). In addition, the coaxial output is fed from a differential line driver to ensure a flawless digital signal reaches the accompanying DAC. Naturally, the 9000A’s state-of-the-art DAC section is a superb sonic match; the 9000CDT can also be partnered with any other high-quality DAC selected by its owner.

As well as spinning CDs, the 9000CDT features a USB Type-A input, enabling playback from USB storage devices. FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32 formatted devices are supported, and WAV, WMA, AAC and MP3 files can be played, with file navigation available via the front panel controls and remote handset.

The 9000CDT’s aluminium casework shares the same crisp design and impeccable finish quality as the 9000A, with a matching 4.3″ colour display and rotary function selector. The display shows track information from CDs and USB-connected storage devices, and also provides access to functions such as auto-standby settings, language selection, 12V trigger activation for system control, and dimming of the display itself (or the option to switch it off entirely). The presence of this 4.3″ screen not only matches the 9000A integrated amp and forthcoming 9000N network audio streamer aesthetically and elevates the user experience above that of a typical CD player.

CD for the purist
Following in a long list of award-winning Audiolab 9000CDT CD Transport playback devices, the 9000CDT uses a high-precision optical system with an electronic data buffer for accurate and seamless CD playback. The read-ahead digital buffer to reduce disc-reading failures, helping the 9000CDT play scratched and damaged CDs that may be unreadable by conventional mechanisms.

Isolation from vibration
To ensure a flawless signal reaches the accompanying DAC, the coaxial output of the Audiolab 9000CDT CD Transport 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).

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.

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.