LEAK CDT CD Transport

A 1960s Face on a Modern Transport

The CDT was built to sit beside the Stereo 130 amplifier, and it wears the same retro face. Behind that face is a slot loader, a shielded mechanism and a temperature-compensated clock. The looks are the only old thing about it.

The disc goes in through the slot rather than onto a tray. A read-ahead buffer pulls data early, so a scratched or dirty disc gets a second attempt at being read before you hear anything go wrong.

The mechanism sits in its own enclosure, shielded against electromagnetic noise and fed by its own power supply. Keeping it apart from everything else is what stops noise turning into read errors.

The Clock, the USB Port and the Numbers

Timing comes from a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator. Crystals drift as they warm, and a TCXO corrects for it, so the coaxial and optical outputs hold their timing whether the unit is cold or has been on all evening.

A USB port on the front takes a stick or drive. It reads FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32, and plays WAV, MP3, AAC and WMA. Discs run at 44.1kHz; USB handles 44.1 and 48kHz.

Output is 500mVpp, give or take 50, into 75 ohms. The case is 12.83 inches wide, 11.14 deep and 5.57 tall, and weighs 15.21 pounds. Walnut and silver finishes are offered.

What Reviewers Are Saying

The Audiophile Man describes the loading arrangement plainly: "Looking at the front fascia of the CDT, the Leak is a slot-loading design."

On the USB port, the same review sets out how it is used: "Here, you can insert a USB stick, press the input button from CD play to USB play and run a series of digital files to access the connected DAC."

Who Is This Transport Best For?

• You own a Stereo 130 — the two were designed as a pair, so the CDT matches the amplifier on the shelf and hands its data straight to the converter already inside it.
• You want files and discs from one box — the front USB port plays WAV, MP3, AAC and WMA from a stick, using the same outputs your discs use.
• Your discs are well played — read-ahead buffering gives a marked disc a second chance at being read, so a collection that has been enjoyed still plays through.
• You care about timing — the temperature-compensated oscillator holds the output steady as the unit warms up, which is where cheaper clocks quietly drift.
• You want furniture, not a black box — the walnut finish and retro fascia were made to be looked at, which is rare in a component whose job is entirely digital. Pair it with a converter from our digital-to-analog converters.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run the coaxial output to a digital input on your DAC, or use optical if that socket is taken. Your converter then feeds the amplifier exactly as it did before.

For files, put a stick in the front USB port and switch the input from CD to USB. If your amplifier has a digital input, such as the Stereo 130, connect straight to that.

Pairs Well With

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

• Integrated Amplifier: The Stereo 130 was made for it — see our Integrated Amplifiers.
• DAC: The converter this transport feeds — see our Digital to Analog Converters.
• Digital Cables: A proper 75-ohm coaxial run — see our Interconnect Cables.
• Bookshelf Speakers: Finish the retro system — see our Bookshelf Speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it have a converter inside?

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

What can the USB port play?

WAV, MP3, AAC and WMA files from FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32 drives, at 44.1 and 48kHz.

What is a TCXO for?

A temperature-compensated crystal oscillator corrects for the drift that heat causes, holding the digital output steady as the unit warms.

Is it a slot or a tray?

A slot. You offer the disc to the front panel and the mechanism takes it in, with no tray to open.

Which finishes are available?

Walnut and silver. The walnut wraps the case in a wooden enclosure, which is the finish most people picture when they think of LEAK.

How big is it, and what is the warranty?

12.83 by 11.14 by 5.57 inches and 15.21 pounds. Three years on parts and labor, when bought from an authorized dealer with valid proof of purchase.

See It in Action

The Audiophile Man goes through the CDT and compares it with the Audiolab 6000CDT:

AB's Sound Advice takes a first look at the unit:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about CD transports, clocking and jitter, or playing files from USB? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.