Audiolab CD Transports: 6000CDT vs 9000CDT

[slinger]

We've been using an Audiolab 6000CDT CD transport at shows. It's a good value machine with excellent sound quality. We decided that we should have a 2nd transport in case of equipment failure. We've been tempted by a good deal on an Audiolab 9000CDT, which has a tray (TEAC mech) rather than a slot (I've heard that the 6000 is being discontinued because the slot mech is no longer being made). The 9000 probably has a little more 'shelf presence'. Whether we will hear a sound quality difference over the 6000, I don't know, but I will report either way.

I had the 9000CDT playing for around 5 hours on Tuesday. Yesterday morning, I put the 6000CDT back in for a few hours, then went back to the 9000 for the rest of the day (and I've done the same swap between them again, today). I played both into our RME ADI-2 DAC with the 'slow' filter selected and EQ switched off.

In terms of SQ, the 9000 throws up a larger image, but with greater focus of both vocals and instruments. Voices have more texture, instruments have greater definition, texture and space around them. I never really suffered fatigue with the 6000, but there were times when a little artificial glare or haze would make itself known on certain recordings, mostly on vocals. The greater resolution of the 9000 fixes that, and that makes it a pleasure to listen to for hours on end.

In terms of usability, I'm a fan of minimalism, so the simplicity and utilitarian aesthetic of the 6000 was never a problem. I've turned the 9000 display off; so it only comes alive when I perform a transport function or hit the menu key on the remote. The 9000 is not difficult to use, I haven't been unable to do anything that I've wanted to do, but nor is the UI especially clever or life changing...it's OK. The single large button on the front of the 9000 looks purposeful and the unit as a whole looks and feels more substantial than the 6000, and this will no doubt help with sales. Overall, I think that the 9000 is a nicely judged thing.

Disclosure: We have no connection with Audiolab. Our 9000CDT is an ex-dem unit that we bought for £650 without the original packaging.

[CN211276]

I understand the 9000 can play files stored on a USB. Have you compared this with CDs?

[antonio66]

Good to know 9000 is preferred to the 6000.

[slinger]

I see that Audiolab also have an in-between 7000 series that includes a CD transport, the 7000CDT



Around half the price of the 9000CDT but utilising some of the same technology.

I spotted one going cheap last week and should have snapped it up.
Didn't. Too late now.

[CN211276]

I understand the 9000 can play files stored on a USB. Have you compared this with CDs?

Not as yet. Our files are FLAC but I think the Audiolab uses WAV.

Could be handy for us, so will do some more research.

[CN211276]

I understand the 9000 can play files stored on a USB. Have you compared this with CDs?

Not as yet. Our files are FLAC but I think the Audiolab uses WAV.

Could be handy for us, so will do some more research.

I enquired because I have the option in the car. I found the USB sounds slightly better as well as being more convenient because of the storage capacity.