Audio Note CDT One/II CD transport & DAC 2.1x Signature D/A processor Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Audio Note CDT One/II: Two-channel CD transport. Output 1 single-ended S/PDIF (RCA), 1 AES/EBU (XLR). Optical pickup: 3-beam laser. Weight: 11lbs (5kg).
Serial number of unit reviewed: CDT1-033.
Price: $4100.

Audio Note DAC 2.1x Signature: Two-channel digital-to-analog converter. Tube complement: one 6X5, two 6H23N. Inputs 1 AES/EBU (XLR), 1 S/PDIF (RCA). Maximum resolution/sample rate: 18 bits/96kHz. Channel balance: <0.25dB. Analog output impedance: <2k ohms. Reference output: 3.0V RMS (approximate). Weight: 17.6lbs (8kg).
Serial number of unit reviewed: Y2SV2-23.
Price: $5500.

Both
Dimensions (each): 11.7" (300mm) W by 5.7" (145mm) H by 16.2" (415mm) D.
Finishes (front panel): Brushed Aluminum, Black Acrylic.
Approximate number of dealers: 5. Warranty: 2 years (90 days for tubes).
Manufacturer: Audio Note UK, Ltd., 25 Montefiore Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 1RD, England, UK. Tel: (44) 1273-220-511. Web: www.audionote.co.uk. US distributor: as above.

COMPANY INFO
Audio Note UK
25 Montefiore Road
Hove, East Sussex BN3 1RD
England, UK
(44) 1273-220-511
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
wozwoz's picture

Can't see why someone would spend this kind of money on a CD player that can't even play hi-res formats like SACD. What were they thinking?

Glotz's picture

Wait! NO USB?!? Sacrilege! This will require additional effort!!!

Someone purchasing this unit will have a huge cd collection, and want those discs to sound like only AN gear can. Given the likelihood that same collector probably has 1/20 as many SACD recordings, the 'oversight' is understandable.

It's like a mono-only turntable rig- audiophiles want and need greatness, and they are willing to pay for it- even if it sacrifices functionality in other areas. If they have to buy another dedicated turntable system for stereo discs, they do it. Compromises are made in every decision humans make.

Allen Fant's picture

Thanks! for sharing- AD. As a believer in both CD and SACD, these formats are not going away anytime soon. Second, it was okay reading about a former statement spinner (Sony ES) compared to this newer one in your review. No doubt that the Sony's DAC is old in comparison.

MALT's picture

With a hypothetical 1000 CD library several are likely to be SACD. And once these are played on a good SACD transport I'm sure more would be added to collection. Hence, I strongly agree with the comment indicating that a product at this price point should not have SACD capability is ridiculous especially for someone listening to classical music, which is not the case with the Stereophile reviewer here -a Chopin waltz doesn't cut it.

SNI's picture

This is probably the worst measured performance I´ve ever seen.
Experience tells me, that this will beyond any reasonable doubt, be recognised in the musical performance.
My goodness this is bad.

NickCharles's picture

You'll find much worse measured performance on some parameters on at least 3 other devices reviews on this site check out
http://www.stereophile.com/content/lector-strumenti-audio-digitube-s-192-da-converter-measurements#EQ4S4D26TjZCfsjk.97

for starters

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