Precision CD Transport Engineering for External DACs and Digital Amplifiers
The Audiolab 6000CDT CD Transport (No Built-In DAC) is a purpose-built digital disc transport designed to extract music from compact discs with exceptional accuracy before sending the signal to an external DAC or digitally equipped amplifier. Audiolab's slot-loading mechanism incorporates a read-ahead digital buffer that helps reduce disc-reading errors, giving the transport the ability to maintain reliable playback even with scratched or damaged discs that may challenge conventional CD mechanisms.
Rather than include an internal DAC or analog output stage, the 6000CDT focuses entirely on digital signal extraction and transmission. A temperature-compensated crystal oscillator controls the master clock for low-jitter output, while both coaxial and optical S/PDIF connections provide flexible system integration. The transport mechanism is housed inside its own electromagnetically shielded enclosure and powered by a dedicated supply to help protect the outgoing digital signal from interference.
Highlights & Benefits
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Dedicated CD Transport — Contains no built-in DAC or analog outputs, allowing the design to focus specifically on accurate digital extraction from compact discs.
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Read-Ahead Digital Buffer — Helps reduce disc-reading failures and improves playback reliability with scratched or damaged CDs.
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Low-Jitter Master Clock — A temperature-compensated crystal oscillator controls the digital output to help minimize timing distortion.
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Coaxial & Optical Digital Outputs — Connect the transport to a compatible DAC, integrated amplifier, preamplifier or receiver using standard S/PDIF connections.
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Shielded Transport Architecture — The slot-loading mechanism is mounted within its own electromagnetically shielded enclosure and uses a dedicated power supply.
Technology & Design
Slot-Loading CD Mechanism — The 6000CDT uses Audiolab's robust slot-loading transport architecture, derived from the mechanism used in the company's higher-end 8300CD.
Read-Ahead Digital Buffering — Data is buffered before transmission to help compensate for disc-reading errors and maintain stable playback from less-than-perfect compact discs.
Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator — The master clock is controlled by a precision oscillator designed to keep jitter extremely low at both digital outputs.
Differential Coaxial Output Driver — Audiolab feeds the coaxial S/PDIF connection from a differential line driver to help preserve digital signal integrity between the transport and connected DAC.
FAQ — Audiolab 6000CDT
Does the Audiolab 6000CDT have a built-in DAC?
No. The 6000CDT is a dedicated CD transport and does not perform digital-to-analog conversion. It must be connected to an external DAC or to an amplifier, preamplifier or receiver equipped with a compatible coaxial or optical digital input.
Does the 6000CDT have analog RCA outputs?
No. The 6000CDT provides digital output only. It includes one coaxial S/PDIF output and one optical S/PDIF output, with no analog line-level audio outputs.
Can the Audiolab 6000CDT play scratched CDs?
Its read-ahead digital buffering system is specifically designed to reduce disc-reading failures. Audiolab states that the mechanism can successfully play some scratched or damaged CDs that conventional mechanisms may be unable to read.
What Audiolab amplifier pairs well with the 6000CDT?
The 6000CDT is a natural match for Audiolab integrated amplifiers with built-in digital inputs and DACs, including the 6000A and 6000A MKII. It can also be used with any compatible external DAC or digital-equipped audio component.
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