Premium Vibration-Quashing CD Transport with USB Playback
audiolab's new 9000CDT CD Transport represents a new standard in home audio for the connoisseur.
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.
"Listen to the 9000CDT First"
"Bottom line? If you're looking for a new CD player, listen to the 9000CDT first," reports Paul Rigby in his February 10, 2023 review for theaudiophileman.com.
"If you're looking to upgrade from your 6000CDT, listen to the 9000CDT first. If you are building a new HiFi system and you value the little silver disc, then listen to the 9000CDT first. To me? Right now? As I pen the words? That's where the 9000CDT sits. First."
Read-Ahead Buffer for Playback
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.
The read-ahead digital buffer to reduce disc-reading failures helps the 9000CDT play scratched and damaged CDs that may be unreadable by conventional mechanisms.
The sampling rate is 44.1 kHz. 48 kHz files on a hard drive can be played via the USB interface, but they will be resampled to 44.1 kHz.
Vanishingly Low Levels of Noise and Distortion
To ensure a flawless signal reaches the built-in 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 outputs to exhibit vanishingly low levels of jitter, significantly reducing digital 'noise' and distortion.
Vibration Quashing Design
The low-friction loading tray, sturdy aluminum base, and the chassis of the 9000CDT quash vibrations that are experienced due to the mechanics of a high-spin-velocity motor. This robust tray mechanism is a significant upgrade from the slot-loading mechanism of the excellent audiolab 6000CDT.
Also, the transport is mounted in its own, electromagnetically shielded enclosure with a dedicated power supply. All of this contribute to the exemplary digital signal extraction, while the proven resonance reduction improves performance and 'onward effect' on connected hi-fi equipment and their signal chains.
Enjoy Digital Audio Files in Every Significant 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 at the rear of the unit. Every significant hi-res and lossless audio format is supported, including WAV, AAC and WMA, as well as compressed legacy MP3 formats.
4.3" LCD Screen
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. You can dim this display, if you wish.
A multi-function front panel knob control lets you choose the input source (CD or USB) and also select and edit menu items. It also provides all the music playback controls you need. For armchair control of music playback and source selection, a well-made wireless remote is also included.
A detachable IEC AC power cord is included with the 9000CDT.
