AudioLab 8300CDQMQA CD Player |DAC

AudioLab 8300CDQ - MQA CD Player | DAC | Preamplifier

The AudioLab 8300CDQ is a premium high-end CD player, DAC, and preamplifier designed for audiophiles seeking exceptional sound quality and versatile functionality. Featuring the latest ESS Sabre DAC chips, it supports up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 decoding, delivering detailed and transparent audio performance.

Key Features

• High-performance ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC chip with 32-bit resolution
• Supports PCM up to 384kHz and DSD64/128/256 formats
• Slot-loading CD mechanism for quiet and reliable playback
• Dedicated headphone amplifier with high output power
• Three stereo pairs of line-level RCA inputs for versatile connectivity
• Minimalist circuit design with separate DAC PCB to reduce interference
• Transparent sound with excellent dynamics and wide soundstage
• Can function as a standalone CD player, DAC for computers or streamers, and preamplifier for power amplifiers
• Modern brushed aluminium finish available in black or silver

Specifications

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)
Dynamic 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
Dimensions (W x H x D)	444 x 80 x 317 mm
Carton Size (W x H x D)	500 x 140 x 455 mm
Weight	6.0 kg (Net) 7.5 kg (Gross)

Overview

The AudioLab 8300CDQ is engineered for transparency and minimal sound coloration, using high-quality components and a simple circuit design. The DAC chips are mounted on a separate PCB to reduce interference, ensuring pristine audio reproduction. Its versatile functionality allows it to serve as a standalone CD player, a high-resolution DAC for computers or network streamers, and a preamplifier to drive power amplifiers. The dedicated headphone amplifier delivers powerful, detailed sound for private listening sessions.

Compared to the previous 8200 series, the 8300 series offers a modern brushed aluminium design, improved ESS Sabre DAC chips, a quieter and more reliable slot-loading CD mechanism, an enhanced headphone amplifier, and an additional stereo RCA input pair for greater connectivity options.

For audiophiles seeking a well-built, versatile, and high-performance CD player, DAC, and preamplifier, the AudioLab 8300CDQ is an outstanding choice that promises years of enjoyment.