Audiolab updates its entry-level disc hardware with the 6000CDT MKII transport

Audiolab has unveiled the 6000CDT MKII, an updated version of its entry-level CD transport that will go on sale in late November. The unit carries a price of £399 in the UK, while What Hi-Fi? lists international pricing at $799 and AU$1099. Buyers will be able to choose between black and silver finishes. [1][2]

Because it functions as a dedicated transport rather than an integrated CD player, the 6000CDT MKII lacks a built-in digital-to-analogue converter and requires an external DAC or amplifier to output music. In place of analogue jacks, the unit provides optical and 75-ohm coaxial digital outputs alongside an OLED screen, auto standby, and 12V trigger connections. Audiolab says the device features a new slot-loading mechanism to reduce noise and physical movement, accompanied by updated servo controls, revised power circuitry, a custom transformer, and a new master clock to curb timing errors. Beyond standard Red Book CDs, it reads CD-R and CD-RW media, as well as data discs with FLAC, WAV, WMA, MP3, or APE tracks at sample rates up to 96kHz. [1][2]

The release arrives as interest in physical music media continues to rebound. What Hi-Fi? notes that the revised player faces direct competition from Cambridge Audio's CXC transport, which sells for £499, $599, or AU$959. [1][2]