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Audiolab 9000CDT
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.
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Professional Reviews 92/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
95/100
Build Quality
92/100
Features Usability
84/100
Value for Money
88/100
The clean, focused presentation of the Audiolab 9000CDT gives CDs real snap and scale, with firm bass, vivid detail, and excellent disc-read stability. James Michael Hughes of StereoNET United Kingdom praises its articulate, engaging sound and sturdy, well-finished design, while the USB input and quick tray-loading make it a practical, refined transport.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers a very clean, focused, and articulate sound with strong immediacy, detail, and dynamics.
Handles damaged discs unusually well thanks to its read-ahead buffer and stable transport design.
Build quality is robust, with a solid chassis, shielded power supply, and classier finish.
USB playback adds useful flexibility for WAV, AAC, WMA, and MP3 files.
&
Cons
Its revealing character can be a little unforgiving of poorly produced recordings.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 95/100
Reviewers describe the 9000CDT as very clean, focused, and articulate, with greater immediacy, clearer low-level detail, and faster transient attack. It is repeatedly praised for sounding more vivid and engaging than the 6000CDT, though one review notes it can be a little unforgiving of poorly produced recordings.
Overall Sound
96/100
The transport is described as sounding 'super clean,' with more focus, immediacy, and articulation than the 6000CDT. Reviewers also mention firm bass, strong dynamics, and a presentation that feels tactile and lifelike, with only a mild caveat about exposing poor recordings.
Digital Signal Integrity
93/100
Audiolab’s documentation and review coverage point to a differential line driver, a high-accuracy crystal oscillator, and extremely low jitter on the coaxial and optical outputs. The transport is also singled out for excellent handling of damaged discs, which supports the impression of a very stable and reliable digital source.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 84/100
As a CD transport, it is straightforward to live with: the display is attractive, track access is quick, and the included remote plus clear elapsed/remaining-time readout make daily use easy. Reviewers also note the USB input for file playback and the generally solid, purposeful operation, though this is a focused product rather than a feature-packed one.
Streaming Software
82/100
This is not a network streamer, so there is no app or streaming platform to judge. For a CD transport, reviewers focus instead on the screen, remote control, disc navigation, and the easy-to-use file playback over USB, all of which appear to work smoothly.
Features Connectivity
88/100
Connectivity is sensible and useful rather than excessive, with coaxial and optical digital outputs plus a USB Type-A input for compatible audio files. Reviewers also note support for WAV, AAC, WMA, and MP3 files, which adds practical flexibility for a transport in this class.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
92/100
Reviewers praise the sturdy aluminium base and chassis, electromagnetic shielding, dedicated power supply, and overall hard-wearing construction. The 4.3-inch display, solid tray operation, and purposeful handling all reinforce the sense of a well-executed transport rather than a lightweight disc spinner.
Value for Money
88/100
At £999 RRP, reviewers treat the 9000CDT as a serious but still credible mid-price transport, especially given the sound quality and robust engineering. The closing recommendation that it is an 'essential audition' and superior to the 6000CDT supports the view that it earns its asking price in a competitive part of the market.
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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 — 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 127 more verified dealers