CD / SACD players and transports — Audio Note CDT One/II

The Audio Note CDT One/II is a CD transport, a disc player without a built-in converter that passes the data stream on to a separate converter. Audio Note (UK) places it in the middle of its Red Book CD transport range, and it plays standard audio CDs only.

Key specs that matter

The rear carries two digital outputs, a 75 ohm RCA S/PDIF socket and a balanced 110 ohm XLR AES/EBU socket, both transformer coupled. The optical pickup uses a 3-beam semiconductor laser at 780 nm. The unit measures 142 mm high, 300 mm wide and 428 mm deep and weighs 5 kg. Maximum power consumption is 40 W, with versions for 100-120 V and 220-240 V mains at 50 or 60 Hz.

Engineering and use context

Audio Note modifies a Philips front-loading CD mechanism for this model. Two fascia finishes exist, black acrylic and anodised aluminium.

Pairing

Without an internal DAC, the CDT One/II needs an outboard DAC that accepts either coaxial S/PDIF or balanced AES/EBU.