Audiolab 8300CDQ CD Player + Audiolab 8300XP Power Amplifier

8300CDQ

Overview

CD Player / DAC / Preamplifier

To this specification the new 8300CDQ adds high-quality analogue preamp circuitry, coupled to three stereo pairs of line-level RCA inputs to connect analogue sources. The preamp circuitry is kept as simple as possible using high-quality components to maintain signal purity, with line input signals passing to a precision analogue volume stage. Much effort has gone into the physical layout of the 8300CDQ’s circuitry, protecting the sensitive preamp section from noise interference.

Technology

MQA

Taking it to the next level the 8300CDQ now includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download.

The Sound of Science

The 8300CDQ adds further flexibility by incorporating a dedicated direct-coupled headphone amp with current-feedback circuitry. Accessed via a front-mounted 6.35mm socket, its gain bandwidth and high slew rate ensure a dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types.

The final key feature introduced in the 8300CDQ is decoding of MQA (Master Quality Authenticated). The brainchild of Meridian Audio co-founder Bob Stuart, MQA is a digital audio format designed for high-resolution music streaming and is available via subscription to Tidal’s ‘HiFi’ tier (among other sources). The 8300CDQ unpacks MQA data – received via the USB input – at the original file’s full resolution and passes the signal through its DAC and preamp stages, ready to feed a power amp or active speakers.

Audiolab’s MQA decoding solution was developed by John Westlake, one of Britain’s foremost digital audio experts. There are various ways to enable MQA playback on audio devices, and not all are equal sonically. Westlake’s solution maximises the format’s potential, just as the 8300CDQ’s design draws the best sound quality from other audio codecs and, of course, CDs

Launched in 2010, the original Westlake-designed Audiolab CD players – the 8200CD and 8200CDQ– were universally acclaimed for their superb sound quality and flexible facilities. In 2015, the 8300 Series arrived and both 8200 Series players were replaced by the 8300CD, building upon its predecessors’ formidable reputation. It has taken until now for this player to be joined by the enhanced 8300CDQ, further developing Audiolab’s classic line of CD players to reach still greater heights.

8300XP

Overview

Power Amplifier

The 8300XP is a classic audiolab stereo power amplifier, with a sound as clean and crisp as its minimalist exterior.

Delivering 140W per channel into 8 Ohms, the 8300XP is capable of driving even the toughest of loudspeakers with sure-footed authority, combining audiolab’s class-leading neutrality with an unerring ability to engage the listener throughout a musical performance.

Minimalist exterior

Exemplary build quality and reliability ensure that this is a power amp for all seasons, its versatility increased by a choice of balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs, bi-wire speaker terminals and a pair of 12v trigger inputs. Internal circuit components are of the highest quality, right down to the power and signal wiring, which is made of ultra-pure OCC (Ohno Continuous Cast) copper – all in aid of minimising distortion and maximising sonic clarity.

Flexibility is further enhanced by the ability to add a second 8300XP and operate in bridged mode, thus increasing the power output to 480W per channel into 8 Ohms. All audiolab amplifiers are gain-matched, ensuring perfect integration with other audiolab components.

Thrilling to listen to and uterly dependable, the 8300XP is a genuine audio thoroughbred – the perfect partner for audiolan’s 8300CD, or peerless M-DAC range.

Specification

8300CDQ Specifications

8300XP Specifications