NuPrime CDT-9 CD Transport, Black

The NuPrime CDT-9 is a CD transport that reads audio CDs and passes the signal purely digitally to your external D/A converter or to an amplifier with a digital input.

In other words: it does one thing, and does it properly. No built-in converter, no streaming frills, no compromises between ten functions. If your CD collection hasn't been banished to the cellar, this gives you a drive that lets the rest of the chain get on with its job.

Why the CDT-9?

Inside the CDT-9 sits a single-speed Sony drive that keeps vibration and the spinning of unbalanced discs in check. Red Book error correction takes place in a decoder controlled by the master clock of the whole decoding system. That lowers jitter, the timing fluctuations in the digital signal to which a good converter is ultimately very sensitive.

On top of that comes a selectable sample-rate converter: if you wish, it upsamples the CD signal to as much as PCM 24 bit / 768 kHz or DSD256. Whether that sounds better is up to your converter and your ears, which is why the function can simply be bypassed and the CD output bit-perfect at 16 bit / 44.1 kHz. The trade press liked the concept: in 2021 LowBeats awarded it 4.8 points in its test and wrote in its verdict «Ein Hurra für die CD» (a cheer for the CD).

What you get

On the output side you have a choice: coaxial (with its own isolation transformer), AES/EBU via XLR, optical via Toslink and an HDMI I²S output for other NuPrime devices. Coaxial, AES/EBU and I²S deliver up to PCM 24 bit / 768 kHz and DoP256, optical goes up to 192 kHz. The small front display shows playback mode, track count and total time; you operate it with the buttons on the unit or with the supplied aluminium remote. Power comes from an external power supply; if you want more, you can add the linear NuPrime LPS-212 later.

Who is the CDT-9 for?

Ideal if you already have a good DAC or an amplifier with a digital input and still want to enjoy your CDs, for example with a NuPrime DAC-9X or Evolution DAC-2. It is also right for anyone who wants to add a decent drive to their streaming chain.

Plain talk: The CDT-9 plays only audio CDs, CD-R and CD-RW. SACD, DVD-Audio and MP3 data discs are out, and without an external converter it stays silent, as there is no analogue output. If you want a plug-and-play device, a classic CD player is the better choice. If you like things deliberately modular, this is the clean solution.

Our verdict

The CDT-9 is a compact, uncompromising CD drive with clean digital output for everyone who wants to hear their CDs through a good converter. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil are happy to advise you whether it suits your converter and which connection is worthwhile, so that your CD collection doesn't gather dust on the shelf.

Technical data

• Type: CD transport (pure CD drive with digital outputs)
• Drive: Sony KHM-313, single-speed; Red Book error correction with master-clock control of the whole decoding system
• Supported discs: audio CD (CD-DA), CD-R, CD-RW; no SACD, no MP3/data discs
• Digital outputs: coaxial (with isolation transformer), AES/EBU (XLR), optical (Toslink), HDMI I²S (for NuPrime devices)
• Output formats: coaxial, AES/EBU and I²S up to PCM 24 bit / 768 kHz and DoP256; optical up to PCM 24 bit / 192 kHz and DoP64
• Sample-rate converter: selectable: upsampling of the CD to up to PCM 24 bit / 768 kHz or DSD256 (DoP); bit-perfect output at 16 bit / 44.1 kHz also possible
• Output level: no analogue output, digital outputs only (level and volume are handled by the downstream DAC or amplifier)
• Headphone output: not available
• Display: front display with playback mode, track count and total time
• Remote control: aluminium remote included
• Power supply: external power supply (100–240 V AC), DC input 12–15 V DC; can optionally be upgraded with the linear NuPrime LPS-212 power supply
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 235 × 55 × 281 mm (incl. feet)
• Weight: 4 kg
• Colour: black
• Warranty: 2 years
• In the box: CDT-9; external power supply; aluminium remote; further accessories on request

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a CD transport and a CD player?

A CD transport such as the NuPrime CDT-9 reads the disc and outputs the signal purely digitally. The conversion is handled by an external DAC or an amplifier with a digital input. A CD player, by contrast, has the converter built in and delivers finished analogue signals.

What else do I need with the NuPrime CDT-9?

You need a D/A converter or an amplifier with a digital input, because the CDT-9 has no analogue output. Connection is via coaxial, AES/EBU or optical. The I²S output is intended for other NuPrime devices and, according to the manufacturer, does not necessarily work with third-party devices.

Which discs does the NuPrime CDT-9 play?

The CDT-9 plays audio CDs as well as self-burned CD-R and CD-RW in Red Book format. It does not recognise SACD, DVD-Audio, MP3 data discs or other formats. In return, the drive concentrates entirely on the classic CD and reads it simply and quietly.

Does the CDT-9 have a headphone output or a variable output?

No. The CDT-9 has neither a headphone output nor an analogue output. It outputs digital signals only: coaxial, AES/EBU, optical and I²S. Headphones and volume control are handled by your DAC, your preamplifier or your amplifier.

Why buy the NuPrime CDT-9 from HD Zürisee?

Because a CD transport sounds only as good as the converter behind it. We tell you honestly whether your DAC or amplifier suits the CDT-9, which connection is worthwhile and what you can save yourself. Setup and service are handled by our technician Mauri. Call us, write to us or use WhatsApp.

Goes well with

The CDT-9 is the source; the rest of the chain turns it into music:

• Converter: A good DAC is a must. From the same brand, the DAC-9X and the Evolution DAC-2 fit; which connection sounds best, we are happy to work out with you.
• Connection: High-quality digital cables for coaxial or AES/EBU, matched to your converter.
• Power: A mains filter calms the power supply of the whole chain; how much of it you hear depends on the rest of your system.
• More from the brand: NuPrime