audiolab 9000CDT CD Transport - Silver

The Tray Comes Back, and So Does the Quiet

The 9000CDT drops the slot loader used further down the range. In its place is a low-friction tray on a sturdy aluminum base. Trays are steadier than slots, and steadier is what a transport wants.

The whole mechanism sits inside an enclosure that is shielded against electromagnetic noise, with its own power supply. Timing comes from a high-accuracy crystal oscillator. Both choices exist to hold jitter down before the signal ever leaves the box.

An electronic data buffer reads ahead of playback, the same idea Audiolab uses on the 6000CDT. A marked disc gets a second read before you hear a break. It also plays files from USB.

A Bigger Screen and a Bigger Case

The front panel carries a 4.3-inch IPS screen, the largest in the range. It runs a full graphic interface, which is what you want when the USB port is loaded with folders rather than a single disc of twelve tracks.

That USB port reads FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32 drives. It plays MP3, WMA, AAC and WAV. Discs run at 44.1kHz, and 48kHz files are resampled to match the output stage.

Coaxial output is 500mV ±50mVpp into 75 ohms, with optical alongside it. Distortion is quoted below 0.002%. The case is 444mm wide, 342 deep and 89 tall, and weighs 5.74kg. Black and silver finishes are offered.

What Reviewers Are Saying

The Audiophile Man set out what changed: "For example, in the 9000CDT, available in black or silver, you receive a new tray-bearing transport, the bit that holds and accesses the actual CD disc."

On disc handling the same review draws the line back down the range: "Like the 6000CDT, the 9000CDT should reduce disc-reading failures because it also includes a built in read-ahead buffer."

Who Is This Transport Best For?

• You want the disc held as steadily as possible — a low-friction tray on an aluminum base, inside a shielded enclosure with its own supply, keeps the mechanism calm so the data comes off clean.
• You care about jitter — a high-accuracy crystal oscillator sets the timing before the signal reaches your DAC, which is the half of the job a converter cannot do for you.
• Your USB drive is full of folders — the 4.3-inch screen and graphic interface make browsing a loaded drive quick, and it reads MP3, WMA, AAC and WAV.
• You own a 9000A — the two are built as a pair, so the transport hands its data to the converter already sitting in that amplifier.
• You want to choose the converter yourself — coaxial and optical outputs feed the DAC you pick, so you can change the sound later without touching the mechanism that reads your discs. Browse our digital-to-analog converters to pair with it.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run the coaxial output to a digital input on your DAC. Use optical if that socket is taken. Your DAC feeds the amplifier just as it did before, and nothing else in the chain changes.

For files, put a stick or drive in the USB port and browse it on the 4.3-inch screen. If your amplifier has digital inputs, such as the 9000A, you can connect straight to it.

Pairs Well With

Building around the 9000CDT? Here are some great companions:

• DAC: The converter this transport feeds — see our Digital to Analog Converters.
• Integrated Amplifier: Many have a digital input ready — see our Integrated Amplifiers.
• Digital Cables: A proper 75-ohm coaxial run — see our Interconnect Cables.
• Equipment Rack: A steady shelf helps any transport — see our Audio Racks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it have a DAC or analog outputs?

It is a transport, so the conversion happens downstream. Coaxial and optical outputs feed your DAC or an amplifier with digital inputs.

Is it a tray or a slot loader?

A tray. Audiolab moved to a low-friction loading tray on an aluminum base for the 9000 series, replacing the slot loader used lower down.

What can the USB port play?

MP3, WMA, AAC and WAV files from FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32 drives, browsed on the front screen.

How does it differ from the 7000CDT?

A bigger 4.3-inch screen, a larger case, the tray mechanism on its aluminum base, and a shielded enclosure with its own power supply.

What are the output figures?

500mV ±50mVpp into 75 ohms on coaxial, with distortion quoted below 0.002% and a 44.1kHz sampling rate from disc.

How big is it, and what is the warranty?

444 by 342 by 89mm and 5.74kg. Audiolab covers it for three years when you buy from an authorized dealer and register the unit online within 90 days of purchase.

See It in Action

The Audiophile Man compares it with an integrated player and the 6000CDT:

HIFI Daydreaming lines it up against the rest of the range:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about CD transports, jitter and clocking, or choosing a converter? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.