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
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- It functions as a DAC, CD player, and pre-amp
- It has multiple inputs and outputs, including digital and analog options, providing flexibility for connecting various devices
- The DAC uses a cutting-edge 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chip, contributing to good sound quality
- The pre-amp section is quiet and neutral, presenting a great soundstage with lovely separation and detail
Product Considerations
- Some find the sound signature analytical, which is a matter of taste
- Navigating the filter settings can be cumbersome
- The slot-loading CD mechanism is not silent
- Some reviewers feel instruments lack a little body, and vocals a touch of warmth
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Chord Hugo 2 betters the Audiolab 8300CDQ in some respects, but the 8300CDQ gets closer than you'd think to the Chord
- The Audiolab 8300CDQ has a similar stereo image to the Mytek Brooklyn with Syntaxx power supply, but highs are slightly more present but less refined
- The Audiolab 8300CDQ exceeds the sound quality of a Meridian 557 CDP
- The Audiolab 8300CDQ offers more subtle low level dynamics than the Audiolab 8200CDQ
Takeaway: The Audiolab 8300CDQ is a versatile and good-sounding piece of equipment combining a DAC, CD player, and preamp into one unit. It's easy to set up and use, making it a great way to simplify your audio setup without sacrificing sound quality.
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
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.
Read the reviews
8300CDQ
images
Manufacturer's notes
Model
8300CDQ
Finish
Fine Textured Aluminium (Black / Silver)
Display
POLED 128x64 pixels 2.7"
Standby Feature
Yes
12V Trigger
Yes
CD Mechanism
Slot-Loading
DSD Compatible
Yes (DSD64 / DSD128 / DSD256)
Disc Compatibility
CD/CDR
DAC
ESS Sabre32 9018 chip
Resolution
32 bits
Sampling Frequency
Optical,Coaxial, AES: 32kHz - 192kHz
USB:32kHz - 384kHz(PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
Maximum Sampling Frequency
Optical,Coaxial, AES: 192kHz
USB: 384kHz (PCM) / 11.2M (DSD256)
Output Voltage
4.2Vrms ±0.1 (Balanced)
2.1Vrms ±0.1 (Unbalanced)
Output Impedance
10Ω
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
<0.002% (1kHz, 0dB, 20Hz ~ 20kHz, A weighted)
Frequency Response
20Hz - 20kHz (± 0.2dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N)
<-100dB A Weighted (Balanced)
<-98dB A Weighted (Unbalanced)
Dyanmic Range (A Weighted)
>100dB (Balanced)
>98dB (Unbalanced)
Crosstalk (@1kHz)
<-130dB (Balanced)
<-120dB (Unbalanced)
Standby Power Consumption
<0.5W
Power Requirements
240V ~ 50 - 60Hz
230V ~ 50 - 60Hz
115V ~ 50 - 60Hz
100V ~ 50 - 60Hz
Dimension(mm) (W x H x D)
444 X 80 X 317
Carton size(mm) ( W X H X D)
500 x 140 x 455
Weight
6.0kg (Net)
7.5kg (Gross)
Our take on the brand
Used
Audiolab
What if you spend a bit more?
.svg)
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines a disc player, DAC, and streaming capabilities into one unit, serving as a versatile digital hub
- Excellent build quality and premium materials
- Delivers a controlled and clear sonic performance across all sources
- Supports a wide array of digital formats, including CD, SACD, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, DSF, and DFF
- Includes various connectivity options such as USB-A, USB-B, coaxial, optical, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect
Product Considerations
- The Technics app is described as clunky and underwhelming, and initial setup requires using Google Home
- The front panel display is a small monochrome display and can appear busy
- Requires careful system matching, and it may sound undemonstrative/edgy in wrong circumstances
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rotel Diamond Series DT-6000: The Technics offers streaming and SACD-playing capabilities, and the Technics build quality is also more robust
Takeaway: The SL-G700M2 offers a very versatile digital source and hub due to its ability to play many different media and file formats. The premium build quality and its excellent audio performance make it a great addition to any audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
In a world full of options for downloading music, sound formats, compression methods, and streaming services, putting on some music can feel overwhelming. What should be easy and enjoyable, suddenly becomes complex and stressful. Playing a CD on the Viking is not. It is only joy.
Viking is a true native 16/44.1 CD player developed from the ground up for optimal performance on standard (Redbook) CDs. It is designed to deliver the most faithful sound reproduction possible by optimizing its components to deliver a high-quality output that is true to the original recording.
We have called our CD player Viking because, much like our ancient Norse forefathers, we are improving on existing technology. When the Viking era began, boats had been around for thousands of years. What the Vikings did was perfect the design. Their longboats could not only sail near the coasts but also traverse the open oceans. The improvements they made took the Vikings to new shores and even new continents. The CD technology might be old, but we believe that when perfected, it is still the best digital medium available.
At first glance Viking might seem simple, but with simplicity comes excellence. Because Viking is focused solely on playing Redbook CDs it can reach unprecedented levels of fidelity. By doing only one thing there are no trade-offs. Viking consists only of high-quality components designed specifically for the task, and that makes this CD player sound truly astounding.
Viking uses a dedicated laser and CD drive to ensure optimal reading of the data. It is also equipped with a state-of-the-art DAC that delivers high-quality digital-to-analog conversion with minimal distortion, making it possible to hear all the nuances and subtleties in the music. The Viking does not upsample or tamper with the signal in any way. Because by leaving the signal as it is on the disc, the already excellent DAC is optimized to perform at its absolute best.
The drive and the DAC are directly controlled by our unique Master clock system, ensuring perfect timing between the two. Using a quartz crystal with very low phase noise and our patented SoundEngine technology, the Hegel-designed discrete clock in the Viking reduces jitter to an absolute minimum.
The Viking CD player also features an OLED display that is specifically selected for its low noise, resulting in a clearer and more detailed sound. The analog stage in Viking is developed specifically for this model. It incorporates both our analog low pass filter and Line Driver technology, ensuring fully balanced and noise-free handling of the signal all the way to your amplifier.
One of the most notable features of the Viking CD player is its cabinet design. The sleek design of Viking matches the P30A and H30A for a modern and cohesive look. But the design choices are not only aesthetical. A very reliable slot in drive and a well-engineered and solid build means this player will last for years and years.
The Viking CD player has one pair of balanced XLR outputs, one pair of unbalanced RCA outputs, and one BNC digital true 75 Ohm output, making it easy to operate and integrate into any audio system. The player also has an auto-standby feature for greater convenience, and it comes with Hegel's solid aluminum RC8 remote that can also control all other Hegel products.
The Hegel Viking is a top-of-the-line CD player designed to deliver the most faithful sound reproduction possible. With its mechanical design, advanced digital technology, our unique Master clock system, and superb analog stage, Viking is a must-have for any audiophile who wants to experience music in its purest form. Viking is a peak-performance machine. It is designed to do one thing and one thing only: To capture every single aspect of the music you are listening to. Hegel Viking is the best CD player we have ever made.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very musical and pleasant to listen to, with an analog sound and no hard edges
- Offers a multi-layered soundstage with excellent separation between instruments and vocals
- Great timing, which enhances musicality and engagement
- New design is consistent with the new products and is a good change
Product Considerations
- The play button is in a strange spot and can be hard to figure out, the remote buttons are small
- Only plays standard Redbook CDs
- Has a BNC digital output, which may not be compatible with all DACs
- No standby button
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Viking does not sparkle as much on the top end as the Cambridge Audio, but moves the heart more
- The Viking has more resolution and texture in the mid-range than the Creek
- Esoteric is more detailed, while Viking is more musical
- The Viking has better dynamic contrast and potent bass reproduction than the Marantz and Primare
Takeaway: The Viking CD player is a great choice for those who want to enjoy their CD collection without the complexities of streaming. It delivers a high level of musicality and engagement, making it a worthwhile investment for CD enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The CDi XR was designed as a reference integrated CD player, building upon the legacy of the multi award winning CDi. Housed within our iconic half-width chassis, the CDi-XR sits above the existing CDi and CDt models, offering a substantive performance upgrade. What Hi-Fi rated the CDi-XR a 5 Star product, and uses the CDi-XR in their listening room, so don’t just take our word for it, book a demo with your local Cyrus dealer to hear your CDs like never before.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers excellent clarity and detail resolution, extracting a high level of information from CDs
- Offers strong dynamics and a powerful, articulate low-end performance
- Precise and controlled sound—described as fast, agile, and with good timing
- Designed to reduce noise through power supply design, DAC optimization and component choice
- Plays CDs with a full-bodied and sophisticated character
Product Considerations
- Front panel control buttons can be inconsistent in their responsiveness
- Some reviewers feel the design is too similar to older Cyrus models and not a significant departure for a new upmarket range
- The display is small and not particularly legible from a distance
- Tonal balance can lean to the leaner side and has the ability to sound like it has too much of an edge when matched with a bright sounding system
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The CDi-XR delivers detail in a more dynamic fashion and left the OPPO standing
- It was also able to better differentiate harmonies than the OPPO
Takeaway: The Cyrus CDi-XR is a well-built CD player that pulls more data from CDs than any other and provides a great, energetic sound. This is a solid choice to make the most of a CD collection.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Rega Saturn MkIII combines well-thought-out connectivity with special performance
- Sounds fantastic across both CD and digital inputs
- Well-made and easy to use
- Delivers the musical message dynamically, emotionally, and in terms of rhythm and pace
- Rega has an enviable track record for reliability and service
Product Considerations
- The top-loading mechanism requires more space than a tray-based CD player
- The DAC is limited to 192 kHz
- Does not play SACDs
- Some reviewers found the Solaris remote control to have too many buttons
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Sounds the same as the Saturn R, with the exception of the front panel
- Compared to some Naim CD players, the Rega will sound more reserved, but it depends on the rest of the system and its tonal balance and presentation
Takeaway: The Rega Saturn MkIII is a well-built and reliable CD player/DAC that delivers a compelling and engaging musical experience from a CD collection. It is especially suitable for those who value musical timing and coherence.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What else competes at this price?
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
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
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
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
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Warm and smooth tonal character with a rich bass
- Visceral, immediate nature, rhythmically engaging, making music enjoyable
- Intricate detail retrieval, revealing nuances in recordings
- Power supplies are taken seriously, with custom power supply and multiple stages of regulation
- Simple, workmanlike, no-nonsense design
Product Considerations
- Older technology is used, including a Sony transport (KSS-213C) and Burr-Brown PCM1704 DAC from the late 90s
- Lacks modern features like digital inputs, streaming capabilities, or a motorized CD drawer
- The top-loading mechanism can feel 'agricultural' and may not appeal to those seeking a luxurious user experience
- Track search is very fast because it's a Sony mech
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 3510 CD player is considered better than the Atoll 200
Takeaway:
The Exposure 3510 CD player is a well-made, old-school CD spinner that focuses on delivering a fun and engaging listening experience. If one appreciates a warm sound signature, rhythmic accuracy, and a simple design, this player could be a great choice for a CD collection.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- It functions as a DAC, CD player, and pre-amp
- It has multiple inputs and outputs, including digital and analog options, providing flexibility for connecting various devices
- The DAC uses a cutting-edge 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chip, contributing to good sound quality
- The pre-amp section is quiet and neutral, presenting a great soundstage with lovely separation and detail
Product Considerations
- Some find the sound signature analytical, which is a matter of taste
- Navigating the filter settings can be cumbersome
- The slot-loading CD mechanism is not silent
- Some reviewers feel instruments lack a little body, and vocals a touch of warmth
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Chord Hugo 2 betters the Audiolab 8300CDQ in some respects, but the 8300CDQ gets closer than you'd think to the Chord
- The Audiolab 8300CDQ has a similar stereo image to the Mytek Brooklyn with Syntaxx power supply, but highs are slightly more present but less refined
- The Audiolab 8300CDQ exceeds the sound quality of a Meridian 557 CDP
- The Audiolab 8300CDQ offers more subtle low level dynamics than the Audiolab 8200CDQ
Takeaway: The Audiolab 8300CDQ is a versatile and good-sounding piece of equipment combining a DAC, CD player, and preamp into one unit. It's easy to set up and use, making it a great way to simplify your audio setup without sacrificing sound quality.
Want to see more similar products?
Head on over to our Search page to browse our entire database. Find the perfect hifi gear for your system.
How to buy
CD Players
.svg){kind=icon}
