CD / SACD players and transports — Audionet ART G5

The ART G5 is a CD and SACD player from Audionet, built with an exceptionally wide rated bandwidth. Audionet is a German manufacturer with a serious reputation for measurement-focused electronics engineering, and the ART G5 represents a substantial expression of that broader house philosophy applied specifically to disc playback.

Position in line

It sits alongside the Planck2 in Audionet's digital source hierarchy. This positioning alongside the Planck2 suggests Audionet offers more than one route into its digital source catalogue, likely differentiated by specific disc-playback capability versus a streaming-focused design.

Key specs that matter

CD bandwidth is 0 Hz to 90 000 Hz, an exceptionally wide window. Output impedance is 33 ohms for both balanced and single-ended connections. Signal-to-noise exceeds 110 dB. At 430 x 120 x 360 mm and 22 kg it is a substantial, heavy chassis, consistent with Audionet's characteristically serious build quality across its electronics range.

Sound and use context

Expect a clean, wide-bandwidth presentation typical of Audionet's measurement-focused engineering approach - a capable performer reflecting the brand's considerable reputation for combining serious measured performance with genuine musicality within German electronics engineering.

Pairing

Both balanced and single-ended outputs at a low 33 ohm impedance suit either type of preamplifier without a gain shortfall, giving flexibility regardless of what preamplifier the rest of the system already uses.

Alternatives

Audionet's Planck2 sits alongside this model in the brand's digital source hierarchy, worth comparing directly with a dealer to understand the specific feature differences before choosing between these positioned Audionet digital sources. Audionet extensive dealer network across Germany and beyond makes arranging a direct comparison against the Planck2 practical, helping clarify exactly which specific digital source approach best suits a given system and source material. A rigid, well-supported equipment shelf remains worthwhile given this substantial chassis weight. Overall this remains a capable disc player choice reflecting Audionet measurement-focused German engineering. A dealer demonstration remains worthwhile before committing to any specific purchase. A dealer visit remains worthwhile. Standard analogue outputs work with any preamplifier accepting a conventional source connection.