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Audiolab 9000 CDT Upgrade
Why do we upgrade equipment?
Almost any Hi-Fi component can be upgraded to higher performance using our techniques and components. The two things go together – the know-how and the right component. A designer will always be somewhat restrained by cost which is often reflected in the quality of the parts used, that's not to say that they're bad but we of course, are not restrained by any such burdens, so can really go to town on the upgrade. Specifying much higher quality parts (which come at a higher cost).
Over the last 30 years, we have developed our knowledge of where the biggest problems lie and how to overcome them to unleash better performance from a given piece of equipment.
Our upgrades build on the strengths of the component. Everything you love about the sound remains – it just gets so much better.
Audiolab 9000 CDT Upgrade
As January 2025, the 9000CDT is Audiolab's flagship disc spinner. Successor to the 6000CDT, which we've already upgraded - see here. The 9000CDT is a dedicated CD transport sporting an upgraded tray mechanism (vs. the 6000 slot loading mech), revised laser and servo decoder circuitry, plus an enhanced power supply with an uprated transformer. Digital outputs, both coax and optical are fed from a differential line driver which according to Audiolab, feature extremely low levels of jitter (time domain errors). The master clock is controlled by a high-accuracy crystal oscillator. So, a great foundation on which to upgrade!
We were extremely happy with this upgrade. In stock form the 9000DCT is a really good transport. When upgraded we heard more detail, musicality, bass and dynamics….lovely…
Component Upgrades
As you can see, being just a transport, the design is simple and well thought out. But, 25 significant component upgrades/changes are made across the power supply and digital audio circuit. Post upgrade, the unit is then soak tested for 24 hours.
The unit is completely disassembled to gain access to key areas of upgrade.
Upgrades primarily include Russ's favoured audio grade Panasonic capacitors which give a smooth and detailed sound. Where possible, we will endeavor to use the superb Kimber Kaps. If we cannot source a value to replace the original capacitors, we'll use a combination to bypass the originals as you can see here.
Master Clock
A major source of improved sound quality is made by upgrading the original master clock. The clock is in charge of the distribution and timing of the digital audio data. The greater the accuracy of the clock then the lower the jitter (digital distortion) is.
On the left is the upgraded Trichord Master clock we use. On the right is a typical clock that's removed. Quite a difference!
Power
We can often add additional mains conditioning modules, these work exceptionally well when fitted as close to the equipment's transformer as possible. Here we have added one of our Mains Silencer's to further smooth the mains supply.
The Audiolab 9000CDT is fitted with an internal fuse so that was of course, upgraded to a SuperFuse™ !
Sockets
The customer who owns this 9000CDT is using a a Kimber D60 pure silver digital interconnect and knowing how important the contact points are wanted the coax socket upgrading. We recommended the superb, pure silver WBT-0210Ag socket.
A small modification is required to the casework to make it fit.
So the 9000CDT can be easily integrated into our grounding ecosystem, an external Grounding post is fitted to facilitate this.
Different Model?
If you don't have exactly the same model as listed above, but a very similar unit, then it's highly likely that the same or similar upgrades will apply. But we can't guarantee that until we have the unit here for inspection. Get in touch and let us know what you have.
How the service works
Equipment upgrades are proving hugely popular. During peak times there may be a wait of several weeks before we can carry out the upgrade. So before we get your equipment here, it must be booked in so we can ensure a speedy turnaround of the upgrade. Once you have placed your order, we will contact you to arrange a suitable week and getting the equipment here.
In Person
For those of you who are local enough or if you fancy a trip to the lakes, you can drop off your equipment personally and then collect it when it’s complete or we can ship it back to you.
By Courier
We can arrange a courier collection of your equipment for an additional cost. We currently use UPS.
To make things easier, we can offer several collection options.
1. We can arrange a specific day for the courier to call and collect your equipment. Someone will need to be available all day at the collection address as we’re unable to arrange a time slot for collections.
2. Dropping off at a UPS Access Point. UPS use a network of local shops to deliver and collect parcels from and to. We can either post you a collection label or email you the label (you will need to print the label at home/work). Securely box up your equipment, affix the collection label to the outside of the box and take it to your preferred Access Point where you will be issued a receipt. UPS Access Points can be found here (link opens in a new window), simply enter you postcode to find your nearest one.
Please note this is just an upgrade modification, it does not include the Audiolab 9000CDT Player
