audiolab 8300CD – CD Player & High-Resolution DAC/ Digital Preamp
One component, three roles: reference CD playback, a serious external DAC, and a digital preamp with variable output. The audiolab 8300CD is built around the acclaimed ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC and combines a precision slot-loading transport with high-resolution digital inputs up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 via USB. With balanced XLR outputs, selectable digital filters and a clean, low-jitter digital output stage, it’s the perfect disc-and-digital hub for an audiophile system.
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ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC with 32-bit processing and advanced filter options
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Hi-res inputs: Optical/Coax/AES up to 192kHz, USB up to 384kHz PCM + DSD256
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Balanced XLR & RCA outputs with variable level for direct power-amp connection
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Slot-loading CD mechanism plus digital outputs including AES (XLR)
Product Overview
The audiolab 8300CD is designed for listeners who still love their CD collection but want modern connectivity and true high-resolution decoding. It plays CDs with audiolab’s trademark precision, while also acting as an external DAC for digital sources like streamers, TV optical outputs, CD transports and computers.
Beyond that, the 8300CD can operate as a digital preamplifier thanks to its fully variable output in the digital domain, with mute and balance controls. This makes it a powerful building block for minimalist systems: connect sources digitally, set the volume on the 8300CD, and feed a stereo power amplifier directly.
Listening Experience
The 8300CD delivers a clear, spacious and finely detailed listening experience with excellent timing and image stability. Bass is tight and controlled, giving rhythm sections strong definition and drive. The midrange is clean and transparent, with vocals and acoustic instruments presented with natural texture. Treble is extended and refined, revealing ambience and micro-detail without sounding etched.
A key advantage is the seven selectable digital filters, allowing subtle tuning of transient character and tonal balance to match your system and taste. In a revealing setup, this can help you optimise the presentation for different recordings or sources.
Recommended Room Size
As a source component, the 8300CD scales from small listening rooms to large living spaces. The audible result depends primarily on the quality of your DAC-to-amp chain (or the 8300CD’s direct-to-power-amp configuration) and the resolution of your loudspeakers.
Use Cases
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Premium CD playback: extract maximum detail and musical flow from your disc collection
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External DAC upgrade: improve a streamer, TV, console or transport via optical/coax/AES inputs
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Minimalist separates: run variable output directly into a power amplifier
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Computer audio: connect via USB and enjoy hi-res PCM and DSD playback
System Matching
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Direct to power amplifier: use the variable output for a clean, simplified system architecture.
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Into an integrated amplifier or preamp: set the 8300CD to a fixed output level for consistent gain structure.
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Balanced connection: XLR output is ideal for longer cable runs and a lower-noise chain.
In all cases, the 8300CD rewards transparent amplification and well-matched loudspeakers, revealing improvements in separation, soundstage depth and low-level detail.
Technical Specifications
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General description: CD Player, Digital-to-Analogue Converter
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CD mechanism: Slot-loading
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Disc compatibility: CD / CD-R
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DAC: ESS Sabre32 9018 chip
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Resolution: 32-bit
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DSD compatibility (USB): DSD64 / DSD128 / DSD256
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Sampling frequency: Optical/Coax/AES: 32kHz – 192kHz; USB: 32kHz – 384kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
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Maximum sampling frequency: Optical/Coax/AES: 192kHz; USB: 384kHz (PCM) / 11.2M (DSD256)
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Digital inputs: 2 × Coaxial, 2 × Toslink Optical, 1 × AES/EBU, 1 × USB for PC
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Digital outputs: 1 × Coaxial, 1 × Toslink Optical, 1 × AES
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Analogue outputs: Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA)
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Output voltage: 4.2Vrms ±0.1 (Balanced); 2.1Vrms ±0.1 (Unbalanced)
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Output impedance: 10Ω
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THD (1kHz, 0dB, 20Hz–20kHz, A-wtd): < 0.002%
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Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz (±0.2dB)
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Signal-to-noise ratio (A-wtd): RCA: < -98dB; XLR: < -100dB
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Dynamic range (A-wtd): RCA: > 98dB; XLR: > 100dB
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Crosstalk @ 1kHz: RCA: < -120dB; XLR: < -130dB
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Display: POLED 128 × 64 pixels, 2.7"
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12V trigger: Yes
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Standby feature: Yes
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Dimensions (H × W × D): 80 × 444 × 317 mm
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Weight: 6 kg
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Finish: Fine textured aluminium (Black / Silver)
Why Choose the audiolab 8300CD?
The audiolab 8300CD is ideal if you want a premium disc source that also modernises your system: an exceptional CD player, a capable high-resolution DAC for external digital sources, and a flexible digital preamp with balanced outputs. It’s a smart, performance-driven hub for anyone who values clarity, control and musical flow—whether you’re rediscovering CDs or building a streamlined digital-focused system.
