Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Simple, stripped-down CD transport focused on one job: reading CDs
- Visually matches the Audiolab family, particularly the 6000A amplifier
- Transport uses built-in memory that reads ahead to reduce errors
- Temperature-compensated crystal oscillator master clock lowers the jitter effect
- Firm, solid slot-loading transport mechanism that works as it should
- Connectivity options include coaxial and optical
Product Considerations
- One-year warranty
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to an integrated CD player, the 6000CDT provides a significant leap in sound quality with a remodelled soundstage
- Compared to the Cambridge CXC, the 6000CDT's sonic personality could be compared to a natural hour-glass figure, while the CXC is more precise—but short of breath
- Compared to a £1,000 integrated CD player, the 6000CDT/iOne DAC combo outperformed the more expensive integrated CD player
- It uses the same transport mechanism as the Audiolab 8300CD
Takeaway: The Audiolab 6000CDT is a quality CD transport that improves CD music quality and is well worth the cost. It transforms an integrated amplifier's built-in DAC and takes full advantage of a separate DAC.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
6000CDT
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Digital Output: [object Object]
- Power: [object Object]
- Physical: [object Object]
Description
The 6000CDT is a dedicated CD transport incorporating the same slot-loading mechanism as audiolab's flagship CD player, the 8300CD. Extremely robust and reliable, it uses a read-ahead digital buffer to reduce disc-reading failures, able to play scratched and damaged CDs that are unreadable by conventional mechanisms.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Audiolab components strike a balance between detailed, punchy sound and refinement, avoiding harshness.
- Audiolab consistently aims for high value for money, offering impressive functionality and sonic performance relative to its price point, sometimes outperforming more expensive competitors.
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Select product comparisons
6000 Series
- Position: Entry-level series providing high-quality performance with essential features.
- Description: Includes components like the 6000A integrated amplifier, delivering 50W per channel into 8 ohms and features an ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC for digital inputs. It offers Bluetooth connectivity and a moving magnet phono stage, distinguishing it from higher-tier models that may provide more advanced DACs and additional connectivity options.
6000A Play
- Position: Enhanced version of the 6000A with integrated streaming capabilities.
- Description: Building upon the 6000A, includes DTS Play-Fi technology for wireless streaming, allowing access to services like Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz. This integration offers greater convenience compared to the standard 6000A, which lacks built-in streaming functionality.
7000 Series
- Position: Mid-tier series offering improved performance and additional features over the 6000 Series.
- Description: The 7000A integrated amplifier provides 70W per channel into 8 ohms, featuring an upgraded ESS Sabre32 9038Q2M DAC and HDMI ARC connectivity. This series bridges the gap between the 6000 and 9000 Series.
Omnia
- Position: All-in-one system combining amplification, DAC, CD playback, and streaming capabilities.
- Description: Features a built-in CD player, network streaming via DTS Play-Fi, and a high-quality DAC, providing a comprehensive solution for various audio sources. Its all-in-one design offers convenience over separate components found in other series.
9000 Series
- Position: Flagship series delivering top-tier performance and advanced features.
- Description: The 9000A integrated amplifier outputs 100W per channel into 8 ohms, using a high-end ESS Sabre32 9038 Pro DAC and offering balanced XLR inputs for superior connectivity. The 9000N streamer uses a Lumin-based platform, providing extensive file compatibility and Roon Ready certification, setting it apart from the 7000 Series with its premium streaming capabilities.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
54
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
57
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
25
Founding Year
1983
Our take on the brand
Audiolab is a hifi brand known for its unique streaming platform from Pixel Magic, which enables over-the-air updates and wide audio format compatibility including DSD. Their amplifiers and components feature distinctive capabilities like HDMI ARC inputs, user-selectable digital filters for sound customization, and advanced filtering technology in their pre/power amps.
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What if you spend more?
Marantz
CD 50n
1800
1800
/
8
Reviews
Marantz is a hifi brand known for its proprietary HDAM technology, which replaces traditional op-amps in their amplifiers for better sound quality. Their products include slim-design AVRs that fit better under TVs, and their flagship Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier delivers exceptional power with 250 watts into 8 ohms through its dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Acts as both a high-quality CD player and a high-resolution network audio playback source, offering flexibility for different digital music sources
- Offers a clear and detailed sound quality due to its ESS Sabre DAC and custom-designed Marantz Musical Digital Filters
- The design is sleek and classy, complementing the Marantz MODEL 50 amplifier
- Supports multiple streaming services via HEOS, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, making it easy to access music from various platforms
- Features extensive connectivity options, including digital inputs (Toslink, Coaxial, USB A & B), network access (Ethernet, Wi-Fi), and HDMI ARC for TV audio
Product Considerations
- HEOS platform is functional, but can feel clunky compared to other streaming platforms, and lacks support for Chromecast
- Does not support SACD playback
- The BT connection only supports the SBC codec, even though not stated on the panel
- Is a little lighter than expected tonally, and has a fraction less bass response
- It is occasionally slow to respond to commands
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Marantz SACD 30n: Lacks SACD playback and has simpler internal technology, but is more affordable and includes HDMI ARC, the sound quality between them is only slightly different
- Vs. Primare CD15 Prisma: Primare relies on Chromecast or AirPlay 2 for streaming, lacks USB-B
Takeaway: The Marantz CD 50n is a versatile and great-sounding player that offers a combination of CD playback and modern streaming features, fitting nicely into a modern hifi setup. It can be a great choice for those who still enjoy CDs, but also want the convenience of network streaming.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Marantz is a hifi brand known for its proprietary HDAM technology, which replaces traditional op-amps in their amplifiers for better sound quality. Their products include slim-design AVRs that fit better under TVs, and their flagship Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier delivers exceptional power with 250 watts into 8 ohms through its dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology.
Product Page
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Rotel
DT-6000
2299
2299
/
8
Reviews
The Rotel DT-6000 DAC Transport celebrates 60-Years of performance synonymous with the brands Japanese heritage. PC-USB, Optical, Coaxial, and included tray loading CD Player provide the ultimate flexibility for your favorite sources rendering the audio with unprecedented detail and immersive sound stage.
Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Direct, revealing sound signature
- Well-engineered, with a silent, spring-floating CD mechanism and quality parts
- Versatile, handling up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256 audio via USB-B and S/PDIF inputs
- Precisely constructed
- Premium ESS Sabre 8-Channel ES9028PRO DAC produces a high-quality sound, expansive soundstage with detail retrieval and noise reduction
Product Considerations
- No digital output
- A CD-only player, it does not play SACD discs
- Lacks network streaming capabilities
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The DAC section is preferred over the RA-6000's, offering more clarity, image depth, dynamics, and life to the music
- The sound reminds the reviewer of Michi X3 integrated
Takeaway: It's a great CD player and DAC transport, it can bring out the best in your CD collection or act as a high quality DAC for computer based audio. It's a great way to add high-fidelity digital playback to a hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Rotel is a family-owned hifi brand that maintains control over its entire manufacturing process, including producing their own custom toroidal transformers for superior audio performance. Through their Balanced Design Concept and Michi high-end line, Rotel focuses on long-term product development cycles rather than frequent launches, emphasizing genuine performance improvements through careful component selection and circuit design.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- High-quality CD transport that is nice to use
- Offers a USB hub function with two USB inputs and USB output, allowing connection of multiple digital devices
- Can improve the sound of DACs, especially those without galvanic isolation, by cleaning up the USB signal from the source
Product Considerations
- The combined stop/eject button can be difficult to use and takes getting used to
- There have been some quirks with the unit, such as it freezing up sometimes when turning it off and on, and it is more responsive to leave it powered on instead
- The track number displayed doesn't update until the CD transport starts reading the new track
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The URD has a smaller footprint, more USB connectivity (two inputs and a USB output), and a higher bit rate than the Audiolab 7000 CDT
- CD transport in the URD provides better sound quality than streaming
- There is a virtually insignificant difference between playing a CD on the URD and playing a securely ripped local copy of the same CD on a computer
Takeaway: The Schiit Urd offers great sound and also acts as a USB hub for connecting other digital sources, making it a CD transport with unique features. It is a versatile device that can enhance one's listening experience with CDs and digital files.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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Atoll
CD100 Evolution
2200
2200
/
4
Reviews
Atoll Electronique is a French hifi brand that manufactures amplifiers with dual-mono design and discrete components, avoiding integrated circuits for better sound control, with 80% of components sourced locally in France.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Balanced reproduction
- Great CD transport
- Sturdy build quality
- Dynamic sound with plenty of punch and detail
- Excels in the bass range, providing a powerful, extended, and dynamic low-end
Product Considerations
- The remote control is a 'button fest'
- The design is rather plain
- Harmonic richness of instruments like cymbals and horns can be somewhat lacking
- The soundstage isn't very large, and the contours aren't sharp
- The manufacturing, finish, and cabinet are of poor quality
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Atoll CD100 has nothing to share sonically with the Technics, because the French player's sound is better
- The CD100 makes things that the Rega Saturn does for the money
- The Naim CD 555 is better, but the Atoll CD100 provides a similar feel
Takeaway: The Atoll CD100 Evolution is a solid CD player that delivers a potent sound and offers a balanced audio experience. It's built to last and is a great way to enjoy a CD collection.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Atoll Electronique is a French hifi brand that manufactures amplifiers with dual-mono design and discrete components, avoiding integrated circuits for better sound control, with 80% of components sourced locally in France.
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What competes at this price?
Audiolab
7000CDT
899
/
Released
2023
Nestled between the 6000 and 9000, the 7000 fuses premium traits into a pricing category that follows the mantra of class-leading performance. Outwardly resembling the sequential series and therefore offering a brand-wide visual aesthetic match, the audiolab 7000CDT improves on the 6000CDT with a new mechanism, USB HDD playback and a new full-colour IPS LCD screen!
Audiolab is a hifi brand known for its unique streaming platform from Pixel Magic, which enables over-the-air updates and wide audio format compatibility including DSD. Their amplifiers and components feature distinctive capabilities like HDMI ARC inputs, user-selectable digital filters for sound customization, and advanced filtering technology in their pre/power amps.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Genuinely pleasurable user experience that will work superbly in a variety of setups
- A tray type mech is gained which is impressively quiet and able to read a table of contents pleasantly quickly
- Looks, feels, and behaves at a level that would allow it to rub shoulders with pricier components
Product Considerations
- The display feels like it is scratching around for things to make its display do
- Using one handset to control both the amplifier and the 7000CDT is more of a chore than the reviewer would like
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs 6000CDT: The critical difference between the 6000CDT and 7000CDT is their mechanism, and the 7000CDT gains a tray type mech which is impressively quiet
Takeaway: The 7000CDT is a great CD transport that feels slick and confidence-inspiring during use, and it pairs excellently with the 7000A amplifier. Its build quality and performance make it a worthwhile addition to any audio setup
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audiolab is a hifi brand known for its unique streaming platform from Pixel Magic, which enables over-the-air updates and wide audio format compatibility including DSD. Their amplifiers and components feature distinctive capabilities like HDMI ARC inputs, user-selectable digital filters for sound customization, and advanced filtering technology in their pre/power amps.
Product Page
Product Page
Marantz
CD 60
999
/
Released
2022
Extraordinary sound and peerless style—Marantz CD 60 celebrates your CD collection with a player engineered to sound better than any other in this class. Built with high quality materials and Sound Master tuned, CD 60 adds precision CD playback to MODEL 40n or any high-quality audio system.
Marantz is a hifi brand known for its proprietary HDAM technology, which replaces traditional op-amps in their amplifiers for better sound quality. Their products include slim-design AVRs that fit better under TVs, and their flagship Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier delivers exceptional power with 250 watts into 8 ohms through its dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive weight and solid feel as a full-sized CD player
- Sleek, modern design
- Disc tray opens and closes quietly, implying quality
- Sound is nice and well-rounded, with great detail and covering the whole frequency range nicely
- Excellent build quality and design
Product Considerations
- Track access speed is not quite as fast as older models
- May trick one into thinking it's a seriously premium product, and then, just perhaps, end up disappointed
- SACD playback capability is not included
- Does not have digital inputs to connect a digital source
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Outperformed the Rotel CD11 Tribute when it came to features and design, but the Rotel's output stage felt pretty comparable
Takeaway: The Marantz CD 60 is a well-engineered player designed to get the best from a CD collection, and it has a simple and luxurious sound. It is a great buy for someone who wants to keep enjoying their CDs.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Marantz is a hifi brand known for its proprietary HDAM technology, which replaces traditional op-amps in their amplifiers for better sound quality. Their products include slim-design AVRs that fit better under TVs, and their flagship Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier delivers exceptional power with 250 watts into 8 ohms through its dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology.
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SMSL
PL200
669
/
Released
2023
PL200 Hi-Res CD player Hi-End CD solution, support MQA-CD
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact form factor with a solid aluminum chassis
- Fast CD reading due to the Precision Access Servo System (P.A.S.S.)
- Beefy headphone output, rated at up to 1W x 2 into 32Ω
- Top-loading design offers a unique and enjoyable user experience reminiscent of turntables
- Includes a wide range of features such as a USB-DAC interface, balanced outputs, and Bluetooth connectivity
Product Considerations
- May lean too bright in some systems, with a slight hint of harshness in the treble
- Headphone output is located on the rear, which may be inconvenient for some users
- The two-piece lid and magnetic puck system for top-loading can be clunky, and the puck is easy to lose
- Some reviewers experienced issues with the unit not playing less than perfect CDs
- Bluetooth receiver might be of little value to some, and a potential source of noise
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rotel CD-11 MKII: PL200 is a little bit punchier and peppier
- Vs EverSolo DMP-A6: PL200 has better high frequency refinement and imaging within the soundstage, though the DMP-A6 has a wider soundstage
- Vs Arcam CD5: PL200 has better bass definition, transient snap and lockdown imaging
- Vs Cambridge Audio CXN-100: PL200 is similar in tonality to the Cambridge Audio streamer
- Vs Marantz CD-60: PL200 renders more information and offers more clarity
Takeaway: The SMSL PL200 is a versatile and well-built CD player with a range of modern features, making it a good option for audiophiles looking for a combination of retro design and modern functionality. It provides excellent sound quality and multiple connectivity options for various audio setups.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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Musical Fidelity
M2scd
999
/
Released
Like the matching M2si integrated amplifier, the M2scd is designed as serious hi-fi available at a modest price. From the fine fit and finish of its metal casework to the unique technology sitting inside, the M2scd exceeds expectations.
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clear and detailed sound with good separation and transparency
- Sleek, fuss-free design with robust construction
- Quality slot-loading CD mechanism that operates smoothly and reliably
- 24-bit Delta-Sigma dual differential DAC with 8x oversampling for excellent data recovery
- Coaxial and optical digital outputs, as well as analog RCA outputs
Product Considerations
- Bright blue display's viewing angles could be better
- Remote control has an odd layout for the transport controls
- In terms of its ability to portray harmonics, it loses out to better DACs
- Lacks digital inputs and streaming functions
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Marantz CD6006 UK, the M2sCD offers a leveled up performance
- Compared to the Cyrus CDi, the Cyrus CDi offers a harder edge and extra bite
- The M2sCD is on par with the Audiolab
Takeaway: The Musical Fidelity M2sCD is a well-built CD player that delivers a refined and enjoyable listening experience. Its clear and detailed sound, combined with its sleek design, makes it a good choice for CD listeners.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
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Arcam
CD5
699
/
Released
2023
The ARCAM CD5 is for those intimate listening experiences with your favourite music on Compact Disc. ARCAM has been a pioneer of Compact Disc playback since the development and introduction of the Delta 70 CD player in 1986, our own ground up design. The experience of producing high quality digital audio products since then has been poured into the ARCAM CD5.
Arcam is a hifi brand known for its unique Class G amplifier technology, which uses multiple power supplies that switch based on demand to achieve both high efficiency and pure Class A sound at low volumes. Their AV receivers and processors stand out for their use of Dirac Live Bass Control technology, which precisely optimizes subwoofers to improve in-room performance and reduce room modes.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Engaging, punchy, and muscular sound that is also detailed and dynamically expressive
- Excellent timing and pace in its music reproduction
- Very user-friendly
- Great build quality with a sleek, minimal design and modern aesthetic
- It can also play music files (in FLAC, WAV, WMA, MP3 and AAC formats up to 24-bit/192kHz) if they're stored on a USB flash drive or hard disc storage thanks to the USB-A input on the back panel
Product Considerations
- The menu system and sub-menus could be more intuitive to access
- Some reviewers found the display, which always shows the total track time and counts down during playback, a minor annoyance
- The remote control is identical to other Radia devices, making it potentially confusing if owning multiple Radia products
- No support for SACD
- CD text is not available and numeric track input via remote is also unavailable
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Arcam CD5 does not quite have the scale or instrument separation compared to Bluesound Node-X, but it is comfortably the biggest sounding of all three CD players being tested here when it comes to soundstage
- The Arcam CD5 is not quite as rolled off in the top end compared to the Bluesound Node-X, and has a little bit more presence in the upper mid-range
- The Arcam CD5 has more resolution than Marantz CD60, but the Marantz has the most neutral presentation of all three of these CD players
Takeaway: The Arcam CD5 is a talented CD player that brings out the best in your CD collection with its engaging sound and user-friendly design. It is well-built and fun to listen to, making it a worthwhile addition for CD enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Arcam is a hifi brand known for its unique Class G amplifier technology, which uses multiple power supplies that switch based on demand to achieve both high efficiency and pure Class A sound at low volumes. Their AV receivers and processors stand out for their use of Dirac Live Bass Control technology, which precisely optimizes subwoofers to improve in-room performance and reduce room modes.
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