AUDIOLAB 6000 CDT CD transport

The new Audiolab 6000CDT is a CD transport that features the same high-end disc mechanism found in the brand’s flagship players.

AUDIOLAB 6000CDT: Front Panel

The front panel is sleek and tasteful, made from brushed aluminium in either black or silver. On the left is a slot-loading mechanism, without a tray. In the centre, a blue digital display shows track and disc information. To its right, six small buttons allow access to essential playback functions, which are also available on the supplied remote control.

AUDIOLAB 6000CDT: Connections

On the rear panel, you’ll find the digital outputs: one coaxial RCA SPDIF output and one Toslink optical output.

The main power switch is located next to the IEC power socket, which allows for the use of a higher-quality mains cable.

AUDIOLAB 6000CDT: Technology

The Audiolab 6000CDT is housed in an electromagnetically shielded chassis and features a dedicated low-noise, low-distortion power supply.

This transport uses a read-ahead digital buffer to reduce disc-reading failures and ensure the highest level of digital signal extraction from a wide range of CDs. It can even read scratched or damaged discs that standard mechanisms cannot handle. The internal clock is controlled by a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator, ensuring the coaxial and optical digital outputs exhibit extremely low jitter (digital distortion). Additionally, the coaxial output is driven by a differential line driver to provide a stable digital signal to the connected DAC.

AUDIOLAB 6000CDT: Sound Performance

We compared the Audiolab 6000CDT with a similarly priced CD player connected to a high-end DAC. After just a few tracks, the difference was striking! With the Audiolab, we could hear subtleties, sounds, and instruments that were completely masked by the other player.

It clearly outperforms competitors in terms of clarity, dynamics, and immediacy. Background noise is noticeably lower, and digital distortion seems virtually eliminated.

We even found ourselves discovering details on familiar CDs that we had never noticed before.

If you have a well-loved CD collection, the Audiolab 6000CDT might breathe new life into it. At this price point, it seems to have no real competition.

Our top pick!