The Audiolab 8300CDQ builds upon the foundation of the 8300CD model, setting itself apart with the inclusion of three linear analog inputs, which allow it to function as a preamplifier. It is equipped with an ES9018 digital-to-analog converter that can handle PCM signals with a resolution of up to 32 bits / 384 kHz and DSD signals at frequencies up to 11.2 MHz through USB. Furthermore, it offers both optical and coaxial inputs. A key enhancement over the earlier Audiolab 8200CDQ is its support for the MQA format. The balanced output voltage exceeds 4 V, and the output impedance is only 10 Ohms, facilitating smooth integration with most power amplifiers or active speakers while reducing the influence of interconnect cables. Additionally, this model features a headphone amplifier, a capability not found in its predecessor.
The sound profile of the Audiolab 8300CDQ closely mirrors that of the 8300CD, which is expected due to their shared component architecture. Consequently, we will focus more on the functionality of the preamplifier section in both its analog and digital configurations. The digital preamplifier is characterized by its exceptionally transparent sound, offering remarkable detail and resolution. The audio is precise and tonally smooth, yet sophisticated. From a technical perspective, there are few shortcomings to note. The soundstage is well-defined, deep, and features accurate instrument placement with appropriate width. When transitioning to the analog mode, the sound becomes more expansive, and the playback takes on a certain languid quality. The midrange gains a touch more liveliness, with vocal delivery becoming more pronounced and melodious. The articulation is outstanding. The soundstage transforms as well, becoming denser, with images that are fuller and more substantial, while the depth of the panorama slightly increases.
Additionally, the Audiolab 8300CDQ now incorporates MQA technology, enabling playback of MQA audio files and streams, which faithfully reproduce the sound of the original master recording. MQA, or Master Quality Authenticated, is a renowned British technology that ensures the authenticity of the master file while maintaining a compact size suitable for streaming or downloading. To complement the Audiolab 8300CDQ, the Audiolab 8300XP power amplifier has been specifically designed, delivering an output power of 230 watts at a 4-ohm load.
The 8300 series enables control of music playback from a PC, Mac, or media device through a USB connection. When linked to a computer, the 8300CDQ is recognized not only as an asynchronous DAC but also as a HID-compliant device (Human Interface Device). This functionality allows users to manage playback from a PC, Mac, or media player, including options for Play, Pause, Stop, and Track Selection.
The Audiolab 8300CDQ features an innovative slot-loading mechanism that is significantly faster and more precise than the traditional tray design. This new mechanism minimizes the chances of disc reading errors and can successfully play CDs that may be rejected by other players due to dirt or damage. Additionally, its digital buffer circuit complements the asynchronous DAC input, enhancing performance in this area. Another benefit is the improved stability of disc rotation and a reduced sensitivity to resonances, which collectively enhance the overall sound quality.
The Audiolab 8300CDQ is equipped with a 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC, renowned for its exceptional sound quality. It is noteworthy that many CD players utilizing this DAC are priced significantly higher than the 8300CDQ. Furthermore, extensive efforts have been made to minimize jitter to an almost imperceptible level, a feature typically found only in high-end players.
In the Audiolab 8300CDQ, the digital-to-analog conversion is executed by 512 DAC elements (256 per channel), each functioning at a frequency of 84.672 MHz. This design ensures that all digital audio sources, regardless of their original sampling frequency, are reclocked to this standard. Consequently, the conversion process operates at a switching frequency that is 3840 times greater than the conventional upper limit of the audio frequency range, which is 22 kHz. Without upsampling, analog filters may influence the audible range, leading to undesirable variations in level and phase throughout the audio spectrum.
Activating the Hyperstream modulator enhances transient response, effectively addressing dynamic response issues and noise floor modulation—artifacts that are often associated with traditional delta-sigma DAC architectures.
The Audiolab 8300CDQ player is capable of accepting and processing data at an impressive resolution of up to 32-bit/384 kHz. This exceeds the requirements of current high-resolution music formats, ensuring that the Audiolab 8300CDQ is well-prepared for future advancements in ultra-high-resolution digital audio.
Additionally, the USB input now supports DSD streams alongside PCM-encoded data. This enhancement is crucial, as DSD is vital for downloading high-resolution files. Furthermore, the filter section has been upgraded to include four extra filters specifically for DSD playback, enabling users to fine-tune the noise floor based on the quality of the source file and the capabilities of their amplifiers and speakers.
Audiolab 8300CDQ Specifications
- Display: OLED 128×64 pixels, diagonal 2.7″
- CD loading mechanism: slot type
- DSD compatibility: yes (DSD64 / DSD128 / DSD256)
- MQA format support
- Disc compatibility: CD / CDR
- DAC: ESS Sabre32 9018
- Resolution: 32 bit
- Sampling frequencies: Optical, Coaxial, AES: 32kHz – 192kHz, USB: 32kHz – 384kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
- Max. sampling frequency: Optical, Coaxial, AES: 192kHz, USB: 384kHz (PCM) / 11.2M (DSD256)
- Analog inputs: 3 x Aux
- Digital inputs: 2 x Coaxial, 2 x Toslink Optical, 1 x AES/EBU, 1 x USB for PC USB,
- Digital Outputs: 1 x Coaxial, 1 x Toslink Optical,1 x AES
- Output Voltage: 4.2Vrms ±0.1 (balanced), 2.1Vrms ±0.1 (unbalanced)
- Output Impedance: 10 Ohm
- THD (1kHz, 0dB, 20Hz – 20kHz, A-weighted): <0.002%
- Frequency Response (+/-0.2dB): 20Hz – 20KHz (± 0.2dB)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N) A-weighted: RCA:<-98dB ,XLR<-100dB
- Dynamic Range: (A-weighted): RCA:>98dB ,XLR>100dB
- Crosstalk (at 1 kHz): RCA:<-120dB , XLR <-130dB
- 12V trigger output: yes
- Dimensions: 80 x 444 x 317 mm, weight: 6 kg
