Audiolab 8300CDQ CD Player DAC Preamplifier Silver

The Audiolab 8300CDQ sits at the top of the 8300 Series, combining a high-performance CD player, DAC and preamplifier in a single chassis. It builds on the acclaimed 8300CD by adding analogue preamplifier circuitry with three line-level inputs and a high-quality volume control, enabling it to serve as the complete front end of a high-fidelity system. Below it in the range, the 8300CD offers the same CD transport and DAC without the preamp stage, while the 8300A integrated amplifier provides the partnering power amplification.

ESS Sabre DAC and Digital Processing

At the heart of the 8300CDQ is an ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018 DAC, employing HyperStream architecture and ESS Technology’s Time Domain Jitter Eliminator to deliver ultra-low noise and wide dynamic range. The DAC accepts PCM audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to DSD256, and includes full MQA decoding for playback of MQA-encoded files and streams. Seven user-selectable digital filters are available for PCM audio — Optimal Spectrum, Optimal Transient, Optimal Transient XD, Optimal Transient DD, Sharp Roll Off, Slow Roll Off and Minimum Phase — along with four dedicated ultrasonic filters for DSD content, allowing listeners to fine-tune the presentation to their preferences.

CD Transport

The slot-loading CD transport mechanism incorporates a read-ahead digital buffer that reduces disc-reading errors and enables playback of damaged or scratched discs that conventional mechanisms may struggle with. High disc stability and low susceptibility to mechanical resonance contribute to clean, reliable CD playback.

Preamplifier and Connectivity

The analogue preamplifier section uses high-quality components in a deliberately simple signal path to maintain signal purity. Three stereo pairs of line-level RCA inputs accommodate analogue sources alongside the five digital inputs (two coaxial S/PDIF, two optical TOSLINK and one asynchronous USB-B). Both RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs are provided, together with coaxial and optical digital outputs for passing the digital signal to an external device. A dedicated direct-coupled headphone amplifier drives a front-panel 6.35mm socket. Trigger sockets and a switched IEC mains inlet complete the rear panel connectivity.