Brauche ich zwingend einen externen Wandler?

Ja. Der AADrive besitzt keinen eingebauten D/A-Wandler und keinen Analogausgang, er liefert nur ein Digitalsignal. Ohne DAC dahinter bleibt die Anlage stumm. Welcher Wandler zu deiner Kette und deinem Hörgeschmack passt, besprechen wir gern in Ruhe mit dir.

Lässt sich die Lautstärke am Laufwerk regeln?

Nein. Der Ausgangspegel ist nicht regelbar, das Laufwerk gibt sein Digitalsignal unverändert weiter. Die Lautstärke bestimmt der Wandler mit Pegelregelung oder der Verstärker dahinter. Einen Kopfhörerausgang gibt es aus demselben Grund ebenfalls nicht.

Welche Digitalverbindung soll ich wählen?

Beide Wege funktionieren gut. AES/EBU mit 110 Ω ist symmetrisch aufgebaut und auf längeren Strecken unempfindlicher gegen Störungen, Koaxial mit 75 Ω ist verbreiteter und günstiger. Entscheidend ist, was dein Wandler anbietet – und ein ordentliches Kabel.

Wie gross ist der AADrive?

Er misst 220 × 100 × 390 mm bei 5,5 kg und ist damit nur halb so breit wie ein klassisches HiFi-Gerät. Das macht ihn flexibel im Rack, verlangt aber ein Fach mit rund 40 Zentimetern Tiefe. Im Standby zieht er 0,5 Watt.

Warum den Pure AADrive in Silber bei HD Zürisee kaufen?

Weil die Kombination aus Laufwerk, Wandler und Kabel über das Ergebnis entscheidet, und wir diese Konstellationen aus vielen Kundenanlagen kennen. Wir beraten dich dazu, liefern und richten auf Wunsch vor Ort ein – und unser Techniker bleibt danach dein direkter Draht.

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Audio Analogue Pure AADrive CD Transport, Silver

CHF 2'650.00

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The Audio Analogue Pure AADrive is a pure CD transport that reads the disc and passes the result on purely digitally, via coaxial and AES/EBU output. A built-in D/A converter, an analogue output, or a volume control are not provided.

In natural aluminium, the slim chassis looks almost dainty, yet the front-loader based on the Teac CD5020A and the solid-aluminium clamping mechanism are executed with real maturity. Specialists rarely look spectacular.

Why the Pure AADrive?

Because a transport and a converter solve two very different problems. One spins a disc and generates vibration and noise while doing it, the other needs quiet. The AADrive takes that separation seriously and additionally runs separate power supplies for the digital and control sections. Outward-facing are a coaxial output at 75 Ω and an AES/EBU output at 110 Ω, and the LCD display shows track and running time.

What you get

The free choice of your converter — today, tomorrow, and in five years. If you want to change the tonal character of your digital chain, you swap the DAC and keep the transport. On top of that you get a device that loads the disc quietly, tracks cleanly, and handles discs that already have a few years and fingerprints behind them.

Who is the Pure AADrive for?

For collectors and modularists who want to choose transport and converter independently. Plainly put: as the only digital device next to the amplifier, it doesn't work, because without an external DAC you hear nothing. And if you occasionally listen through headphones, you'll need to find that connection elsewhere — there isn't one here.

Our verdict

A device with a clear division of labour and no distractions, cleanly built and pleasantly unobtrusive in operation. The real decision lies with the converter behind it — and that's exactly where a conversation is worthwhile. Get in touch with 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: Natural aluminium, satin black
Dimensions (W×H×D): 220 × 100 × 390 mm
Weight: 5.5 kg
Included: CD transport, RC10000 solid-aluminium remote control

Frequently asked questions

Do I absolutely need an external converter?

Yes. The AADrive has no built-in D/A converter and no analogue output — it delivers only a digital signal. Without a DAC behind it, the system stays silent. Which converter suits your chain and your listening taste is something we're happy to discuss with you in detail.

Can the volume be adjusted at the transport?

No. The output level is not adjustable — the transport passes on its digital signal unchanged. Volume is set by the converter with level control, or by the amplifier behind it. There's no headphone output either, for the same reason.

Which digital connection should I choose?

Both routes work well. AES/EBU at 110 Ω is balanced and less susceptible to interference over longer runs, coaxial at 75 Ω is more common and cheaper. What matters is what your converter offers — and a decent cable.

How big is the AADrive?

It measures 220 × 100 × 390 mm at 5.5 kg, making it only half as wide as a classic hi-fi component. That makes it flexible in the rack, but calls for a shelf with roughly 40 centimetres of depth. In standby it draws 0.5 watts.

Why buy the Pure AADrive in Silver from HD Zürisee?

Because the combination of transport, converter and cable decides the outcome, and we know these constellations from many customer systems. We advise you on this, deliver and set up on-site on request — and our technician remains your direct line afterwards.

Pairs well with

The transport is the start, the rest decides the rest: add a D/A converter, compare other CD players, add a streamer as a second digital source, or find the right link from Cables & Connectors. Find everything from the brand in the Audio Analogue world.