Audiolab 7000CDT black

The Audiolab 7000CDT CD transport represents a remarkable evolution in the world of high-fidelity, strategically positioned between the entry-level 6000 series and the prestigious 9000 series. Inheriting a tradition of British excellence, this precision CD player offers exceptional sound quality thanks to its high-performance optical system and meticulous design. Versatile, it also allows playback of digital files via USB, meeting the needs of modern audiophiles.

An Essential Link in the Audiophile Chain

The 7000CDT follows in the footsteps of Audiolab products renowned for their technical rigor and musicality. Designed as a pure CD transport, it focuses exclusively on the optimal extraction of digital data from discs, leaving the digital-to-analog conversion to an external DAC. This specialization enables it to achieve a higher level of performance than integrated CD players in the same price range.

As a full member of the 7000 series, it perfectly complements the 7000A integrated amplifier and the 7000N Play network streamer, forming a coherent system both aesthetically and functionally. Its elegant design, with a robust aluminum chassis and a 2.8-inch IPS color display, also harmonizes with Audiolab’s 6000 and 8300 series.

Uncompromising Playback Technology

At the heart of the 7000CDT is a high-precision CD reading mechanism, paired with a sophisticated electronic buffer memory. This configuration not only ensures smooth playback of discs in perfect condition but also demonstrates a remarkable ability to read scratched or damaged CDs thanks to its advanced digital buffer memory.

The master clock, controlled by a high-precision crystal oscillator, guarantees an exceptionally pure digital signal with extremely low jitter (timing distortion) levels. The coaxial output, powered by a differential driver, delivers a clean and distortion-free signal, while the optical output provides a galvanically isolated alternative for systems sensitive to electromagnetic interference.

Advanced Anti-Vibration Design

The sound quality of a CD transport heavily depends on its ability to isolate the reading mechanism from external and internal vibrations. The 7000CDT excels in this area thanks to several technical innovations. Its robust aluminum chassis and low-friction loading tray help minimize vibrations, while the CD transport itself is housed in an electromagnetically shielded enclosure with a dedicated power supply.

This meticulous attention to mechanical design details allows for the maximum precision in extracting digital information from discs, thereby preserving the audio signal’s integrity until it reaches the digital-to-analog converter.

Extended Digital Versatility

While the 7000CDT excels in playing traditional audio CDs, it is not limited to this format alone. Compatible with CD-R and CD-RW, it accommodates all your personal compilations. Even more impressively, its USB Type-A port located at the rear of the device allows playback of digital audio files stored on external devices.

Supported formats include WAV, AAC, WMA, and MP3, with compatibility for FAT12, FAT16, and FAT32 file systems. This versatility transforms the 7000CDT into a true digital hub for your audio system, capable of delivering your music library regardless of its source.

A Modern and Intuitive User Interface

The 2.8-inch IPS color display (480 x 640 pixels) is a major improvement over the 6000CDT. This intuitive graphical interface clearly displays system settings, file formats, folder and track organization, playback details, and track information.

Navigation is easily managed via the front panel controls or the included remote control. Features such as random playback, track or album repeat, and custom programming enhance the user experience. The screen brightness is adjustable, and the device can be configured to automatically activate via a 12V trigger or enter standby mode after a defined period of inactivity.

Remarkable Technical Performance

From a technical standpoint, the 7000CDT boasts impressive specifications. Its frequency response of -0.01 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz, ref. 1 kHz) demonstrates exemplary linearity, while its total harmonic distortion of less than 0.002% ensures faithful reproduction of the original signal.

The digital output amplitude of 500 +/-50 mVpp and the output impedance of 75 Ω ensure optimal compatibility with most external digital-to-analog converters. The standard sampling rate of 44.1 kHz corresponds to the CD standard, but the device can also play 48 kHz files via USB by resampling them to 44.1 kHz.

A Significant Evolution in the Audiolab Range

Compared to the 6000CDT, the 7000CDT represents a notable evolution on several levels. In addition to the added USB playback capability and the improved user interface with a color display, it benefits from a higher-precision master clock and even more refined mechanical design.

These improvements result in more precise digital data extraction and, ultimately, superior sound quality. While remaining more accessible than the flagship 9000CDT model, the 7000CDT offers a significant portion of its technical and sonic qualities.

Technical Specifications

Audio Playback and Processing

• High-precision optical system with electronic buffer memory for smooth playback
• Digital buffer memory with pre-read capability reducing errors and enabling playback of scratched or damaged CDs
• High-precision master clock controlled by a crystal oscillator, ensuring ultra-low jitter digital output
• Coaxial output powered by a differential driver, delivering a clean and distortion-free signal
• Optimized CD playback for faithful and detailed sound reproduction

Design and Isolation

• Robust aluminum chassis with low-friction loading tray to minimize vibrations
• CD transport mounted in an electromagnetically shielded enclosure with dedicated power supply
• Resonance and interference reduction, optimizing audio signal quality
• Materials and design minimizing digital interference and distortion
• Premium build quality inspired by the flagship 9000CDT model

Connectivity and Compatibility

• Compatible with CD / CD-R / CD-RW
• Rear USB Type-A port for digital audio file playback
• Supported formats: WAV, AAC, WMA, MP3, and other high-resolution and lossless formats
• Supported file systems: FAT12, FAT16, and FAT32
• Digital output interfaces: 1 x coaxial, 1 x optical

User Interface

• 2.8-inch (7.1 cm) IPS color display, dimensions 48 x 64 mm
• Intuitive graphical interface displaying:
  • System settings
  • File format information
  • Folder and track organization
  • Playback details and track information
• Adjustable screen brightness
• Automatic activation via 12V trigger
• Auto-standby function, enable/disable option

Detailed Technical Specifications

• Digital output amplitude: 500 +/-50 mVpp
• Output impedance: 75 Ω
• Frequency response: -0.01 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz, ref. 1 kHz)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.002%
• Sampling rate: 44.1 kHz

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 444 x 322 x 78 mm
• Packaging dimensions (W x D x H): 514 x 470 x 158 mm
• Net weight: 5.5 kg
• Gross weight: 7.4 kg
• Standby power consumption: < 0.5 W
• Power supply (depending on region):
  • 220-240 V - 50/60 Hz
  • 100-120 V - 50/60 Hz