Audio Analogue Pure AADrive CD Transport, Black

The Audio Analogue Pure AADrive is a pure CD transport that reads CDs and passes the signal exclusively in digital form, via coaxial and AES/EBU output, to an external D/A converter. It deliberately has no converter of its own and no analogue output.

Inside the satin black chassis sits a front-loader based on the Teac CD5020A, held by a solid-aluminium clamping mechanism. A device that does exactly one thing — and therefore doesn't have to compromise.

Why the Pure AADrive?

Because separating reading from converting brings the most benefit in the digital chain. The transport generates mechanical vibration and electrical noise; if the converter sits in the same chassis, it has to live with that. The AADrive keeps these tasks apart and also runs separate power supplies for the digital and control sections. Output is via coaxial at 75 Ω or AES/EBU at 110 Ω, and an LCD display shows what's currently playing.

What you hear

Strictly speaking, nothing at all just yet — for that you need the converter behind it. That's exactly the point: you determine the tonal character of your digital chain through the DAC, and can swap it later without touching the transport. In practice, the AADrive works calmly and without fuss, loads the disc quietly, and copes fine even with older, no-longer-pristine silver discs.

Who is the Pure AADrive for?

For anyone who wants to build their digital chain modularly and optimise transport and converter separately. Plainly put: if you're after a ready-made CD player you can simply plug into an amplifier, you're in the wrong place — without an external DAC it stays silent. Headphones can't be connected directly either, and there's no volume control.

Our verdict

A consistent transport for people who take their CD collection seriously and want to choose their own converter. Solidly built, clear in concept, without unnecessary ballast. Which DAC really suits it is the more interesting question — one we're happy to answer for you: HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, 044 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical specifications

• Device type: pure CD transport, without built-in D/A converter
• Transport: front-loader based on Teac CD5020A, solid-aluminium clamping mechanism
• Digital outputs: coaxial 75 Ω, AES/EBU 110 Ω
• Analogue outputs: none
• Output level: not adjustable, pure digital output with no volume control
• Headphone output: not present
• Channels: 2
• Power supply: separate supplies for digital and control sections
• Display: LCD display
• Standby consumption: 0.5 W (230 V)
• Finishes: Satin black, natural aluminium
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 220 × 100 × 390 mm
• Weight: 5.5 kg
• Included: CD transport, RC10000 solid-aluminium remote control

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the AADrive without a DAC?

No. The AADrive outputs exclusively a digital signal and has neither an analogue output nor a built-in converter. You absolutely need an external DAC with a coaxial or AES/EBU input behind it to turn the signal into music. We're happy to put the combination together with you.

Can I connect headphones directly?

No, the AADrive has no headphone output. You connect headphones to the downstream converter or your amplifier, provided they have a suitable output. There's also no volume control — the transport passes its signal on unchanged.

What are the advantages of a separate transport?

Mechanical vibration and electrical noise from the transport mechanism stay away from the sensitive converter. You can also swap or upgrade both components independently of each other. The AADrive supports this with separate power supplies for the digital and control sections.

Which converters can it connect to?

Practically any DAC with a 75 Ω coaxial input or a 110 Ω AES/EBU input. That covers the great majority of current converters. Whether your existing unit is a good tonal match, or a change would bring more, is something we'll look at together.

Why buy the Pure AADrive from HD Zürisee?

Because a transport without the right converter is just an attractive CD-eater. We know which combinations work out sonically, sort out the right digital connection with you, and keep looking after your device through our own technical department long afterwards too.

Pairs well with

A transport alone doesn't make a chain: find the matching converter among the D/A Converters, more sources under All Sources, the amplifier under All Amplifiers, and the digital link at Cables & Connectors. Or browse the whole Audio Analogue world.