CD Transports: News, Reviews & Models

Audiolab 6000CDT MKII - an Updated Version of the CD Transport

Audiolab has released a new CD transport, the 6000CDT MKII. This model features a new slot-loading disc mechanism, a significantly redesigned power supply, and improved control systems. Drawing on design elements from the higher-end 7000 and 9000 series, the 6000CDT MKII promises exceptional sound quality.

Shanling Updates the ET3 CD Transport

Shanling has introduced the ET3 EVO digital optical disc transport, an upgraded version of the popular Shanling ET3. The manufacturer has not completely redesigned the device: the hardware platform and core feature set remain unchanged, while the main improvements concern the chassis design and selected circuit components.

Quad Platina CDT CD Transport Expands the Platina Line-Up

British company Quad Hifi has expanded its Platina series by introducing its third component – the Platina CDT CD transport. The model was announced earlier and has now officially reached the market. The unit does not feature a built-in digital-to-analogue converter, which is entirely logical: the DAC section is already included in the Quad Platina Integrated amplifier.

Mission 778CDT – CD Transport and Digital Audio File Player Goes on Sale

The compact optical disc transport Mission 778CDT was first unveiled in May last year at the High End Show in Munich, and the model has now officially gone on sale. The new product is part of the Mission 778 Series lineup, which also includes the 778X integrated amplifier and the recently announced 778S network player. The transport features an OLED display with adjustable brightness and is housed in a compact aluminium chassis.

ONIX Zenith XST20 - Next-Generation SACD/CD Transport

The ONIX Zenith XST20 SACD/CD transport has been unveiled, offering what the company claims is the unique ability to play any SACD disc in true DSD quality with any compatible external DAC. The ONIX Zenith XST20 is the start of a new signature product series that will soon consist of three corresponding desktop components, with a digital-to-analog converter and a network streamer to follow soon.

SMSL PL200T – CD transport with USB DSD streaming support

SMSL presented the SMSL PL200T CD transport – the highlight of the model was the proprietary SMSL PASS Servo system, which ensures very accurate reading of information from optical media. The SMSL PL200T also has the ability to play MQA-CDs and a very interesting function of working as a digital transport - the device can be used as a digital interface with a USB-C input, supporting digital streams in PCM format with a resolution of up to 32 bit/768 kHz and in DSD format up to DSD512.

TOTALDAC d1-CD – Top-Loading Compact Disc Transport

French company TOTALDAC has released the d1-CD CD transport, the “ultimate solution” for High End disc-based systems. The TOTALDAC d1-CD transport is based on the top-loading CD-PRO8 drive, and also features separate clock generators for the drive and audio outputs, as well as an intelligent ground distribution system.

What a CD transport is & why it matters

A transport contains the drive mechanism, servo electronics, clocking and a digital output stage, but no digital-to-analogue converter. Outputs are usually coaxial S/PDIF, optical, AES/EBU or I2S. Some models also handle SACD (Super Audio CD) or add USB playback and streaming. A rigid chassis, a quality drive and a low-jitter clock are the main design priorities, and top-loading lids are common in this class.

What you'll find in this tag

The tag collects launch news for dedicated CD and SACD transports and universal disc and file transports. Coverage includes updated models, top-loading designs, a transport that doubles as a file player and a streaming processor with a built-in drive. Brands include Shanling, Quad, Mission, ONIX, Métronome, SMSL, TOTALDAC, Atoll, AURALiC, Magnetar, dCS and CH Precision.

Key transports to know

Shanling ET3 is a compact transport that received an update. TOTALDAC d1-CD and Atoll DR400 use top-loading mechanisms. ONIX Zenith XST20 reads both SACD and CD. dCS Varèse Transport completes the Varèse system, and CH Precision D10 is a universal reference transport. Magnetar Ultima plays optical discs and digital files. SMSL PL200T adds USB DSD output.

CD Transports