The Audiolab 8200CD is a high-quality CD player and standalone DAC designed to give excellent flexibility and sound performance. It was built to serve not just as a CD transport, but as a fully functional DAC for external digital sources, making it very suitable for hybrid systems that mix old media (CDs) with newer digital files (from computers, media streamers, etc.).

The heart of the unit is the Sabre 32-bit DAC from ESS, which delivers excellent resolution, low noise, and low distortion. It has both unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) outputs, the balanced path offering even better performance in terms of noise floor and dynamic range.

One of the features that sets the 8200CD apart is its selectable digital filters. Users can choose between multiple filter options (such as slow roll-off, sharp roll-off, optimal transient, optimal spectrum, etc.) to suit different tastes or different kinds of music. These filters affect the shaping of high frequencies and transients, providing some flexibility in sound character without changing the core performance.

It also has very low distortion and high fidelity: frequency response is essentially flat across the audible band (20-20,000 Hz) to a tight tolerance, and the THD is extremely low, especially through the balanced output. The dynamic range is excellent, giving quiet passages a lot of detail and textures, while also handling louder moments without strain (within the normal operating levels).

On the connectivity side, the USB input is asynchronous, so the 8200CD uses its own master clock and timing rather than relying on the source’s clock; this helps reduce jitter and maintain more accurate digital-to-analog conversion. In addition to USB, there are standard optical and coaxial digital inputs and outputs, making it usable with external sources and external DACs or digital devices if desired.

Build quality is high: solid chassis, good internal power supply regulation, quality components. The front display and remote give decent control, and the device is well respected for sound quality in its class. Its only real compromises might be the speed of seeking (i.e. how fast it loads or switches tracks) and cost relative to simpler players, but for someone who values sound fidelity and wants DAC flexibility, it's a strong choice.

Condition, Warranty and shipping

Overall great condition, no remote supplied. This unit comes with a 3 month break down warranty. This does not qualify for free shipping so please contact the store with any shipping enquiries.