Audiolab 8300 Series CD Player / DAC / Preamplifier
We are an authorized Audiolab dealer!
Email Your Question
Pairs well with
Free Shipping
We only ship within Canada. Items purchased online qualify for free shipping!
30 Day Returns
All products are eligible for returns within 30 days. All original packaging is required.
Installation & Calibration
Ask about our installation services on home theatre & stereo equipment along with automation.
Audiolab 8300 Series CD Player / DAC / Preamplifier
Overview
One slim component can play your CDs, decode your computer and TV audio, switch your analog sources, and drive your headphones. The Audiolab 8300CDQ is a CD player, DAC, and preamplifier from Audiolab's 8300 Series, built to sit at the centre of a system with just a power amplifier and speakers after it.
It starts with the CD player circuitry of the Audiolab 8300CD: a fast, slot-loading transport with a read-ahead digital buffer that lets it play scratched discs conventional mechanisms can't read, feeding a 32-bit ESS Sabre32 DAC. Five digital inputs (asynchronous USB, two coaxial, two optical) handle hi-res audio up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256.
To that, the 8300CDQ adds analog preamp circuitry with three pairs of line-level RCA inputs and a precision analog volume stage, plus a direct-coupled, current-feedback headphone amplifier on a front 6.35mm socket. Seven selectable PCM filters and four DSD filters let you tune the sound to your system and recordings.
Simcoe Audio Video Insight
The 8300CDQ is a good fit when you want a CD player and DAC but also have a turntable with an outboard phono stage, a tuner, or another line-level source to switch. Because volume is handled in the analog domain, it can feed a power amplifier directly through its balanced or unbalanced outputs, keeping the system to fewer boxes.
More Info
Why the Audiolab 8300CDQ Stands Out
Analog Preamp Section
Three stereo pairs of line-level RCA inputs pass through a precision analog volume stage, with the circuit layout designed to protect the preamp from noise interference.
Slot-Loading CD Transport
A read-ahead digital buffer reduces disc-reading errors, so scratched CDs that conventional mechanisms can't read can still be played.
ESS Sabre32 DAC
A 32-bit Sabre32 chip with 512 DAC elements (256 per channel), supported by jitter-reduction measures and Audiolab's CATDA time domain isolation circuit.
Hi-Res Digital Inputs
Asynchronous USB plus two coaxial and two optical inputs, with support up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 over USB.
Headphone Amplifier
A dedicated direct-coupled amplifier with current-feedback circuitry, accessed through a front 6.35mm socket.
Selectable Digital Filters
Seven filters for PCM audio, including CD, and four ultrasonic filters for DSD.
Discrete Class A Output Stages
Discrete transistor output stages and a power supply with 29 regulated rails and a large low-noise toroidal transformer.
Buyer's Guide
Who It's For
- The CD Collector: Wants a CD player with a capable DAC that also handles music from a computer.
- The Minimalist: Wants one component to handle CD, digital, and analog sources before a power amplifier.
- The Headphone Listener: Wants a dedicated headphone amplifier built into a CD player and DAC.
How It Compares
The 8300CDQ uses the same CD transport, DAC, and digital input circuitry as the Audiolab 8300CD and adds the analog preamp with three line inputs, a precision analog volume stage, and a dedicated headphone amplifier. Choose the 8300CD if you only need a CD player and DAC; choose the 8300CDQ to manage analog sources too.
Audiolab 8300 Series CD Player / DAC / Preamplifier Specifications
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Model | Audiolab 8300CDQ |
| Brand | Audiolab |
| Product Type | CD Player, DAC, and Preamplifier |
| Display | POLED 128 x 64 pixels, 2.7" |
| CD Mechanism | Slot-loading |
| Disc Compatibility | CD, CD-R |
| 12V Trigger | Yes |
| Audio Performance | |
| DAC | ESS Sabre32 9018 |
| Resolution | 32-bit |
| Sampling Frequency (Optical, Coaxial) | 32kHz - 192kHz |
| Sampling Frequency (USB) | 32kHz - 384kHz PCM; DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 |
| Output Voltage | 4.2Vrms ±0.1 (balanced), 2.1Vrms ±0.1 (unbalanced) |
| Output Impedance | 10Ω |
| THD | <0.002% (1kHz, 0dB, 20Hz - 20kHz, A-weighted) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.2dB) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | <-100dB (balanced), <-98dB (unbalanced), A-weighted |
| Dynamic Range (A-weighted) | >100dB (balanced), >98dB (unbalanced) |
| Crosstalk (1kHz) | <-130dB (balanced), <-120dB (unbalanced) |
| Connectivity | |
| Digital Inputs | 1 x asynchronous USB, 2 x coaxial, 2 x optical |
| Analog Inputs | 3 x RCA (line level) |
| Headphone Output | 6.35mm (front) |
| Physical Specifications | |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 444 x 80 x 317 mm |
| Net Weight | 6.0 kg |
| Standby Power | <0.5W |
| Power Requirements | 100V, 115V, 230V, or 240V ~ 50-60Hz (region dependent) |
| Finish | Fine textured aluminum |
| Colours Available | Black, Silver |
Simcoe Audio Video Installation
Our professional team of designers and installers provide custom design solutions and installation for existing homes and new builds. We work with home owners, home builders and designers to create scalable solutions tailored to you.
Home Theatre & Media Rooms | Home Audio Solutions | AV Automation