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Audiolab 8300CDQ (Black) is rated
out of
5 by
6.
Audiolab 8300CDQ (Black)
CD Player/DAC/Pre-Amp
£995
Our price history:
£1,199
from 07/12/21 to 02/06/22
SAVE£204
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For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
Make the most of your CD player. View our hottest deals on hi-fi racks and interconnects.
Top quality CD player
At its heart, this player is based around the award-winning 8300CD player. This means the same, top quality ESS Sabre 32-bit DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) for sensational detail. Working with the ESS DAC, a Hyperstream modulator offers optimal transient response for a punchy, powerful sound. In summary, the CD player has the crisp, precise resolution and effortless dynamics that you’d expect from Audiolab.
Slot-load mechanism
Using a slot-load mechanism makes the 8300CDQ faster to load and cleaner in style. Doing without the traditional loading tray also reduces the chance of resonance, improving sound quality still further. The mechanism is also tolerant of imperfect discs that might be scratched or dirty, letting you play your most loved discs that other players might simply refuse.
It’s also ideal as an external DAC
Featuring a wide range of digital inputs, the 8300CDQ is also perfect for upgrading the sound of your other digital components. With twin optical and coaxial inputs, you can connect up a wide range of products. Hugely improve the sound of your TV and games console or maybe your Blu-ray/DVD player or network streamer. Whatever you hook up gets an instant gain with the ESS DAC providing its magic to all sources.
USB input and MQA for Hi-Res music
The DAC can also be accessed via a USB input. This is the ideal way to connect your PC or laptop and listen to your digital music library. Compatible with many Hi-Res music files, including DSD (Direct Stream Digital), the USB input turns this player into a powerful Hi-Res player. The 8300 CDQ is also compatible with Hi-Res MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) music files. Although studio master quality, the beauty of MQA is that files are small enough to easily stream and don't take up so much storage space on your player.
Plus, it’s a pre-amp, too
If all this digital wizardry weren’t enough, the 8300CDQ even makes for an effective analogue pre-amp, too. Three analogue RCA phono inputs let you connect any devices without a digital output you may have – such as a turntable (with pre-amp built-in), tape deck or other source. With a volume control on the player and remote, simply connect to your choice of power amp or active speakers and you’re ready to go.
Quality headphone amp
If you’d rather listen through headphones, then the 8300CDQ has that covered, too. The easily accessible headphone socket is connected to a dedicated, Class-A amplifier. This means there’s enough power for all types of headphones and a smooth, powerful sound that’s an easy match for many basic, stand-alone headphone amps.
Fully connected
USB, four digital and three analogue inputs are just the beginning with this flexible player. Output to your power amp or active speakers can be via regular RCA phono or studio quality, balanced XLR. For digital amplification, such as AV receivers, there’s also the option of outputting the sound via optical or coaxial.
Great sound
Whatever the source and application, the 8300CDQ is guaranteed to sound impressive. Thanks to its ESS DAC with Hyperstream Modulator, balanced pre-amp design and use of quality components throughout the audio chain, the player always sounds smooth, precise and natural.
Sleek, minimalist design
Finished to the highest standards, the 8300CDQ uses a blasted a aluminium front panel and CNC routed aluminium control knobs to give a sleek style and quality feel. The crisp display, minimal button count and slot loading also give it a minimalist appeal. Available in black or silver, the 8300CDQ blends well with a wide range of other components.
Give your entire system a boost, with the multi-talented Audiolab 8300CDQ.
Connectivity
Analogue RCA Inputs
3
Coaxial Digital Input
2
Coaxial Digital Output
Yes
Headphone Output
Yes
USB
1
XLR Balanced Outputs
Yes
XLR Balanced Outputs
Yes
Audio
Frequency Response (Hz)
20 - 20,000
High Resolution Audio
Yes
Features
Cd Memory
Yes
Cd Number Of Discs
1
Gapless Playback
Yes
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
444 x 80 x 317
Weight
Weight (KG)
6.0
Accessories
Remote Control
Yes
Rated 5 out of
5
by
juh55 from
Accurate & uncoloured sound makes this special!
A n excellent CD player combined with a digital & analogue preamp in one unit!
Vast amounts of detail are extracted from the music,soundstage is incredible & music flows naturally.
Extensive digital filtering & a very good headphone amp are included as well as DSD playback facility.
A comprehensive & well designed product for the audiophile!
Date published: 2022-05-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Tony H 57 from
Audiolab 8300CDQ WOW
I bought this cd player a couple of weeks ago due to my Arcam CD17 FMJ starting to play up, not reading some new CDs. Have bought Arcam cd players for years, however have lost total confidence in their products and customer service past and present. Now in my honest opinion l feel l have definitely moved up a gear in terms of the Audiolab purchase , it has given my cd collection a new lease of finesse in terms of listening pleasure in so many ways. Many thanks Audiolab and also thanks to Richer sounds for the advice and great service and price, a definite recommendation.
Date published: 2022-04-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Pelterrie from
Loads of features, great sound and well built
This is not just a CD player but a high quality DAC and pre-amp too. Because I use active speakers I needed a player that I could connect directly without the need for a separate amp and this seemed to fit the bill perfectly.There are multiple inputs and outputs both analogue and digital although at the moment I only use the RCA phono inputs, of which there are three. The first thing that impressed me was the level of detail that could be retrieved from a CD. I could hear things that I had never been aware of on my previous player. It is easy to use with the remote control provided and the slot loading mechanism works impressively smoothly. In fact the build quality, for what is a mid priced player, is superb. A great overall player.
Date published: 2022-03-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
szoze from
Simply breathtaking value
Audiolab 8300CDQ is a masterpiece of engineering. A breathtaking CD-player and an amazing DAC. The great thing is that it is a full package but every component on it's own is worth the price. Highly recommended!
Date published: 2021-01-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JimJamJon from
Great cd player, Amazing DAC!!
I bought the 8300cdq to partner the matching Amp and bluesound node I already had. The idea was to gain a CD player whilst giving better digital options and adding a higher quality DAC. The CD player certainly did not disappoint but what has literally left me stunned is the quality of the dac, it has completely changed the experience from the dac on the node 2i. Soundstage has been vastly improved and provides a more natural sound now. The node was good but this is on another level whilst still retaining the control system of the bluesound app. The unit feels solidly built and (in my opinion) is beautiful in a timeless and simple way so I believe it will age well. Haven’t used the headphone connection yet but will do in future so good to have, I can’t comment on the preamp function as i am not using that.
Overall i am very, very pleased with my purchase.
Justin and Chris at Liverpool store were fantastic as usual. 10/10
Date published: 2020-11-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
AlexJG from
Superb Product
Ordered the 8300 CDQ along with the 8300XP as a system upgrade. As the hub component of a modern system the CDQ is simply superb. It allows me to hook up my Turntable (Phono Amp is required), CD (integrated) and any type of Digital music input except Bluetooth, and who wants that anyway! The sound quality from the CD in particular is exceptional.
Date published: 2020-04-07
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