Audiolab 6000CDT

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Buyer’s Guide Read the full guide to the Audiolab 6000CDT Compare the Audiolab 6000 Series Plain-English Guide: what every feature does Audiophile Deep Dive: the engineering explai ned Specs Type Dedicated CD transport (no built-in DAC) Loading Mechanism Slot-loading Built-in DAC None (requires an outboard DAC) Digital Buffer Read-ahead digital buffer Clocking Temperature-compensated crystal oscillator Digital Outputs Low-jitter coaxial and optical Finishes Black or Silver Dimensions (H x W x D) 3.1 x 17.5 x 12.1 in Weight 11.9 lbs WarrantySold as an authorized Audiolab dealer by All Elite Audio. New Audiolab 6000CDT units include the full Audiolab manufacturer warranty of 3 years parts and labor for the original owner. Contact us with any setup or service questions.What's in the Box Audiolab 6000CDT CD Transport Remote control Power cable User manual Warranty documentation OverviewThe Audiolab 6000CDT is a dedicated CD transport, which means it reads the disc and sends a clean digital signal to an outboard DAC rather than converting to analog itself. This focused design lets it do one job extremely well: extract data from your CDs with precision and pass it along with as little timing error as possible. Because it has no built-in DAC, it is intended to partner with a separate digital-to-analog converter or an integrated amplifier that includes DAC circuitry.Engineering highlights reflect Audiolab's clean, no-nonsense British design ethos. A slot-loading transport mechanism handles discs smoothly, while a read-ahead digital buffer and a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator work together to reduce jitter for stable, accurate playback. Low-jitter coaxial and optical outputs give you flexibility in how you connect to your DAC, keeping the digital path short and precise.The 6000CDT is ideal for listeners with a CD library who want a purist digital source that can grow with their system. Pair it with an Audiolab DAC or an Audiolab integrated amplifier that has a built-in DAC, and it becomes the disc-spinning heart of a clean, controlled, detail-forward setup. It is available in black or silver to match your components.Key Features Dedicated CD transport with a slot-loading mechanism for smooth, reliable disc handling No built-in DAC by design, so it partners with an outboard DAC or an integrated amplifier that has one Read-ahead digital buffer to help maintain a stable, accurate data stream Temperature-compensated crystal oscillator for low-jitter clocking Low-jitter coaxial and optical digital outputs for flexible connection to your DAC Clean, no-nonsense British engineering focused on doing one job well Compact chassis that fits neatly into any Audiolab or mixed system Available in black or silver finishes How the 6000CDT ComparesAudiolab 6000CDT vs Audiolab 7000CDTThe 7000CDT sits a step up in the Audiolab range and shares the same transport-only philosophy of feeding an outboard DAC. Both deliver a low-jitter digital signal from your CDs, with the 7000CDT offering a more advanced display and refinements that suit a higher-tier system. Choose the 6000CDT for a focused, value-minded pure transport and the 7000CDT if you want the extra polish and presentation of the 7000 series. See the Audiolab 7000CDT.Audiolab 6000CDT vs LEAK CDT CD TransportThe LEAK CDT is another dedicated transport that reads discs and passes digital audio to a separate DAC, so both target listeners who want a purist source rather than an all-in-one player. The LEAK leans into a warm, vintage-inspired aesthetic, while the Audiolab 6000CDT reflects a clean, understated British look and clarity-focused character. Both are strong choices depending on the visual style and system voicing you prefer. See the LEAK CDT CD Transport.Audiolab 6000CDT vs Mission 778CDT CD TransportThe Mission 778CDT is also a transport-only design meant to be paired with an external DAC, making it directly comparable in role to the 6000CDT. The Mission carries its own brand styling and voicing goals, while the Audiolab focuses on tidy engineering and neutral, controlled delivery. Either works well if you want a dedicated CD spinner rather than a player with onboard conversion. See the Mission 778CDT CD Transport.Recommended DAC, Amplifier and SpeakersBecause the 6000CDT has no built-in DAC, it needs a partner that can convert its digital output to sound. Pair it with an Audiolab DAC or an Audiolab integrated amplifier with a built-in DAC, then add speakers and cable to complete the system. Audiolab 6000A MKII Integrated Amplifier A natural same-series match that provides both amplification and a built-in DAC, so it turns the 6000CDT's digital output into music in one clean, controlled package. Audiolab 7000A Integrated Amplifier A step up with more power and a higher-tier DAC stage, ideal if you want extra headroom and refinement while keeping the whole system in the Audiolab family. Audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplifier The flagship integrated pairs a reference-grade DAC and amplification with the 6000CDT, giving your CD collection the most resolving, controlled presentation Audiolab offers. Gauder Akustik Arcona 40 A refined floorstanding option that rewards the clean, detailed signal path from a dedicated transport and a quality DAC. Audioquest Rocket 22 Full-Range Solid speaker cable to connect your integrated amplifier to your speakers and keep the whole clean signal path intact. Frequently Asked QuestionsDoes the Audiolab 6000CDT have a built-in DAC?No. The 6000CDT is a dedicated CD transport with no built-in DAC. It reads the disc and sends a digital signal to an outboard DAC or an amplifier with DAC circuitry.What do I need to make the 6000CDT play sound?You need a separate digital-to-analog converter or an integrated amplifier that has a built-in DAC. Connect the 6000CDT's coaxial or optical output to that device.What kind of disc loading does it use?It uses a slot-loading mechanism, which handles discs smoothly without a traditional tray.What digital outputs does the 6000CDT have?It offers low-jitter coaxial and optical digital outputs, giving you flexibility in how you connect to your DAC.What is the read-ahead digital buffer for?The buffer reads data ahead of playback to help maintain a stable, accurate data stream from the disc to your DAC.What does the temperature-compensated crystal oscillator do?It provides precise, stable clocking to help reduce jitter, which supports accurate digital playback.Can it play SACDs or Blu-ray discs?The 6000CDT is a CD transport designed to read standard compact discs. It is not intended for SACD or Blu-ray formats.What finishes are available?The 6000CDT is available in black or silver to match your system.What are the dimensions and weight?It measures 3.1 x 17.5 x 12.1 inches and weighs 11.9 pounds.Can I pair it with a non-Audiolab DAC?Yes. As a dedicated transport with standard coaxial and optical outputs, it can feed any DAC that accepts those inputs, though pairing it within the Audiolab family gives a coherent, consistent character.Which Audiolab amplifiers work well with the 6000CDT?The 6000A MKII, 7000A and 9000A integrated amplifiers all include a built-in DAC, so any of them can decode and amplify the transport's digital output.How does the 6000CDT differ from the 7000CDT?Both are transport-only designs that feed an outboard DAC. The 7000CDT sits higher in the range and adds refinements and a more advanced display, while the 6000CDT is the focused, value-minded entry point.Why choose a transport instead of a full CD player?A transport lets you choose your own DAC, so you can tailor and upgrade the conversion stage independently while keeping a purist, focused digital source.Is a remote control included?Yes, a remote control is included in the box along with the power cable and documentation.Does it support streaming or network audio?No. The 6000CDT is a dedicated CD transport and does not include streaming features. It reads and outputs from compact discs only.Can I use it as part of a larger Audiolab system?Yes. It integrates cleanly with Audiolab DACs and integrated amplifiers, making it easy to build a coherent, matched system.What speakers pair well with a 6000CDT-based system?Once paired with a suitable amplifier and DAC, options such as the Gauder Akustik Arcona 40 make an excellent match for the clean, detailed digital front end.Is the 6000CDT covered by a warranty?Yes. It is covered by a 3 year parts and labor warranty through Audiolab via MoFi Distribution for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.Is All Elite Audio an authorized Audiolab dealer?Yes. All Elite Audio is an authorized Audiolab dealer, so your purchase is genuine and fully covered by the manufacturer warranty.Why buy from All Elite Audio?As an authorized Audiolab dealer in MD, we sell genuine, fully warrantied products with expert guidance on matching the 6000CDT to the right DAC, amplifier and speakers for your room and taste. Show more