after watching that youtube video blind testing from Harley [ pearl acoustics ] one gets the impression many transports sound the same
the audiophile man has to justify his wages i guess and mentioned this when compared to a heed transport
The Heed offered the better bass response in absolute terms but, like earlier models, the 9000CDT provided the better tonal balance. So the 9000CDT bass was here in abundance. The 9000CDT is certainly not bass light. There’s plenty here in the lower frequencies but the bass integrates itself into the mids and treble very well indeed so that that each frequency type easily slots into each other.
certainly is very tempting to try one
And then in his final video he decides that his preferred CD player is a two box with a £2k+ transport.after watching that youtube video blind testing from Harley [ pearl acoustics ] one gets the impression many transports sound the same
I have one. I use it as a basis for my headphone system. It plays into a Chord Hugo tt2.
Interconnect cable by Mark Grant.
I wanted a tray loader or top loader and it seems to work quietly and seamlessly with the aid of the remote.
The sound I suppose is controlled by the dac but the eventual balance through the Empyreans seems warm,relaxed and not overly analytical. The front screen can be turned off but I like the whirling cd image and Hugo’s coloured balls.So shallow!
Well constructed and neat.
I thought about jays audio cd but that was about a further £1000. more at the time.
After 6 months still pleased with the purchase
I've had mine for a couple of months now, previously using a Marantz CD6005 as a transport into a Qutest. The Audiolab really does sound better despite the "all transports sound the same" brigade. Much better sound stage and sense of depth. Really happy with it and will probably use it until it breaks.
I'm using one with a Chord TT2. Use rather old Chord Reference digital ic. The red double barrelled one.
Absolutely superb pair , and so they should be of course. Got the 9000 new but out box unit big discount from a local dealer. 5 year warranty included.
Both replaced a much loved Cds3 I'd had for many years.
Playing now. Into a Nac52 , Chord 1200c, Dynaudio Evoke 30s. So good. No thoughts of an Mscaler. No need. Maybe in a year or three.
Only issue is that digital phono out socket on the Audiolab is not a more robust high quality one. Thats disappointing. The Chord Ic is a pretty hefty thing.
I have the Audiolab 7000 CD transport and equally no reviews ..a lot cheaper but so far I am really pleased with mine .. assuming the 9000 CD transport is better.
It is not a review just a summary of the 7000cdt's features.AVforum has the short review of it along with the review of the 7000A.