Audiolab 9000CDT
The Audiolab 9000CDT delivers an exceptionally clean, focused take on CD playback, pairing crisp transient attack and revealing low-level detail with firm, dynamic bass. StereoNET United Kingdom found it more articulate than the 6000CDT, while its robust chassis, smooth tray mechanism and USB playback make this a polished digital source for a capable external DAC.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
90/100
Features Usability
84/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Highly focused, articulate sound with crisp transient attack, strong low-level detail and reduced haze.
Firm, deep and dynamic bass complements transparent treble and tactile instrumental presence.
Sturdy, handsome vibration-conscious construction, plus fast track access, a large display and USB file playback.
Cons
Its very revealing presentation can be unforgiving of poorly produced recordings.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
The 9000CDT is described as a notably clean, focused and articulate CD source, bringing stronger transient attack, low-level detail and immediacy than Audiolab's 6000CDT. Its revealing character appears especially rewarding with good recordings, although the same honesty can make poor productions sound less forgiving.
Overall Sound
95/100
StereoNET found the presentation highly focused, tactile and engaging, with firm, dynamic bass, crisp attacks and unusually clear low-level information. The reviewer heard rich, full-bodied instrumental tone alongside fresh, transparent treble, calling the overall result "super clean" and closer to SACD-like clarity and immediacy.
Digital Signal Integrity
90/100
Audiolab uses a high-accuracy crystal clock, a differential line driver for the coaxial output, dedicated power provision and electromagnetic shielding. The reviewer also found the transport notably free of haze and smearing, and praised its ability to play damaged discs, suggesting secure and well-executed disc retrieval.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 84/100
This is a straightforward disc transport with useful USB playback rather than a network-streaming platform. Reviewers liked the large colour display, quick track access and purposeful operation, while the digital connections cover the essential coaxial and optical DAC inputs.
Streaming Software
84/100
As a CD transport, the 9000CDT has no streaming app or network ecosystem to assess. Its everyday disc operation is praised for fast track access, a clear 4.3-inch display with elapsed and remaining-time information, a supplied remote, and the option to switch the display off.
Features Connectivity
85/100
The 9000CDT provides coaxial and optical digital outputs, plus a front USB Type-A connection for music-file playback. It supports common WAV, AAC, WMA and MP3 files, though USB files sampled at 48kHz are converted to 44.1kHz.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
90/100
StereoNET describes a sturdy aluminium chassis and base, non-magnetic aluminium outer panels and a steel base, with the construction intended to reduce mechanical vibration and shield the transport from electromagnetic interference. The reviewer considers the 9000-series finish classier and more hard-wearing than the 7000 series.
Value for Money
85/100
At £999 RRP, it sits as a substantial step up from entry-level CD transports, but StereoNET considers it an essential audition for shoppers seeking a mid-priced silver-disc spinner. The review does not directly compare its price against specific competing transports or make a stronger value claim.
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Specifications
- Model
- 9000CDT
- General Description
- CD Transport and USB HDD player
- USB Storage Device Audio Format
- MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV file compatible
- USB Storage Device File System
- FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32 device compatible
- Digital Output Amplitude
- 500mV +/-50mVpp
- Output Impedance
- 75Ω
- Frequency Response
- -0.01dB (20Hz-20kHz, ref.1 kHz)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- < 0.002%
- Sampling Rate
- 44.1kHz (48kHz files can be played via the 9000CDT but will be resampled to 44.1kHz)
- Digital Output Interface
- 1 x Coaxial , 1 x Optical
- Standby Power Consumption
- < 0.5W
- Power Requirements (according to region)
- 220-240V - 50/60Hz 100-120V - 50/60Hz
- Product Size (mm) (W x D x H)
- 444 x 89 x 342
- Carton Size (mm) (W x D x H)
- 514 x 470 x 161
- Net Weight
- 5.74kg
- Gross Weight
- 7.6kg
Manufacturer's Description — Audiolab
audiolab’s new 9000 Series 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.
CD for the Purist
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, 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 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).
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.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Audiolab 9000CDT
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alpha Audio Pte — online and in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- American Audio & Video — in-store — Southaven, Mississippi, United States (website)
- Apollo HiFi — online and in-store — Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Art & Voice — online (website)
and 128 more verified dealers