Audio T Verdict
The Audio Note CDT Two/II is a serious Level 2 CD transport for listeners who want to build a separate transport and DAC system around a valued collection of physical discs.
Its top-loading Philips CD Pro2LF mechanism, three-transformer power supply, AN-V internal silver cable and transformer-coupled RCA and AES/EBU outputs demonstrate a far more focused approach than its compact fascia initially suggests.
It requires a separate digital-to-analogue converter and careful system matching, but it also provides a clear upgrade path and allows the transport and DAC to be selected independently.
Audio Note CDT Two/II Level 2 CD Transport
The Audio Note CDT Two/II is a Level 2 top-loading CD transport designed specifically for Red Book audio CD playback.
It reads the digital information from a compact disc and sends it to a separate DAC through either a 75O RCA S/PDIF output or 110O XLR AES/EBU output.
It does not include a DAC, analogue output stage or volume control and therefore cannot operate as a complete CD player by itself.
A Separate DAC Is Required
The CDT Two/II produces a digital output rather than the analogue signal required by a standard amplifier line input.
It must connect to a compatible standalone DAC or an amplifier with a suitable digital input. The DAC then provides the analogue output for the rest of the system.
What Does a CD Transport Do?
An integrated CD player combines a disc-reading mechanism, digital-to-analogue converter and analogue output stage in one component.
A CD transport concentrates on reading the disc and delivering its digital data to a separate converter.
This approach allows the transport and DAC to have independent casework and power supplies while giving the owner greater freedom when choosing or upgrading the converter.
Complete Signal Path
- Red Book audio CD
- Audio Note CDT Two/II
- 75O RCA or 110O XLR digital cable
- Compatible digital-to-analogue converter
- Amplifier line-level input
- Loudspeakers
Not Included
- Digital-to-analogue converter
- Stereo analogue outputs
- Volume control
- Headphone amplifier
- Network streaming
- USB file playback
Modified Philips CD Pro2LF Mechanism
The CDT Two/II uses a Philips CD Pro2LF mechanism modified by Audio Note for dedicated Red Book CD playback.
The transport uses a three-beam optical pickup and 780nm semiconductor laser to retrieve the digital information stored on the disc.
Audio Note integrates the modified mechanism with its own power supply, internal wiring, output transformer and supporting components.
Top-Loading Design
Discs are loaded through the top of the CDT Two/II instead of being placed in a conventional front-mounted tray.
The CD is positioned directly on the transport mechanism and secured using the supplied magnetic clamp before the lid is closed.
This arrangement requires clear access above the transport whenever a disc is loaded or removed.
Allow Enough Clearance Above the Transport
Do not place the CDT Two/II on a tightly spaced shelf that prevents the top-loading mechanism from opening fully.
Enough room must be left for the lid, the disc, the magnetic clamp and your hand when loading or unloading the transport.
Three-Transformer Power Supply
The internal power supply uses three separate mains transformers.
This allows different areas of the transport to receive dedicated power rather than relying on a single transformer for the entire mechanism and digital output circuit.
The substantial power supply contributes to the CDT Two/II’s 7.5kg weight despite its relatively narrow 300mm-wide fascia.
AN-V Silver Internal Digital Cable
Audio Note AN-V silver cable carries the digital signal internally within the CDT Two/II.
This is an important distinction between the CDT Two/II and CDT Three. The Level 2 CDT Two/II uses AN-V, while the Level 3 CDT Three moves to the higher-grade AN-Vx cable.
The internal cable is fitted during manufacture and does not need to be selected or installed separately.
Silver-Wired Digital Output Transformer
The digital outputs are transformer coupled using an Audio Note output transformer with silver wiring and a thin laminated core.
This transformer forms part of the electrical interface between the transport and connected DAC while providing isolation at the digital output.
Both the RCA S/PDIF and balanced XLR AES/EBU connections use the transformer-coupled output design.
Audio Note Tantalum Resistors
Audio Note tantalum resistors are used within the CDT Two/II’s circuitry.
These custom components form part of the manufacturer’s wider approach of selecting particular resistor, capacitor and conductor materials for their position within the circuit.
Audio Note custom electrolytic capacitors are also used within the current production design.
75O RCA S/PDIF Output
A single-ended RCA connection provides a 75O S/PDIF digital output.
This should be connected to a corresponding RCA coaxial input on the selected DAC using a purpose-designed 75O digital cable.
Although the connector resembles an analogue RCA socket, it carries a digital signal and should not be connected to an amplifier’s normal CD, AUX or line input.
110O XLR AES/EBU Output
The three-pin XLR connection provides a balanced 110O AES/EBU digital output.
It requires a DAC with a compatible AES/EBU digital input and a properly specified 110O digital cable.
An analogue balanced XLR input is not compatible even though it uses the same physical style of connector.
RCA S/PDIF
- Single-ended digital output
- 75O specified impedance
- Requires a digital coaxial RCA cable
- Connects to an RCA S/PDIF DAC input
XLR AES/EBU
- Balanced digital output
- 110O specified impedance
- Requires an AES/EBU XLR cable
- Connects to an AES/EBU DAC input
Choosing the Correct Digital Connection
The best connection will depend on the digital inputs and internal design of the selected DAC.
AES/EBU should not automatically be assumed to outperform RCA S/PDIF in every system. Input implementation, impedance matching and cable design all influence the final result.
If the DAC accepts both formats, comparing the two connections within the intended system is the most useful approach.
CDT Two/II or CDT Three?
The CDT Two/II and CDT Three share several important features, including the modified Philips CD Pro2LF mechanism, three-transformer power supply, silver-wired digital output transformer and RCA and AES/EBU outputs.
The principal published difference is the internal digital cable. The Level 2 CDT Two/II uses Audio Note AN-V silver cable, while the Level 3 CDT Three uses higher-grade AN-Vx silver cable.
The appropriate model will depend on the partnering DAC, the overall level of the system and the available budget. A comparative demonstration is recommended where possible.
Designed for Red Book Audio CDs
The CDT Two/II is designed for conventional Red Book audio CDs containing 16-bit, 44.1kHz stereo audio.
It is not an SACD, DVD, Blu-ray or data-disc transport and does not provide direct playback of downloaded or streamed music.
Recordable-disc compatibility can vary according to the CD-R media, recording method and physical condition. Testing representative discs is advisable if this is important.
Front-Panel and Remote Operation
Front-panel controls provide direct access to the essential playback functions, including play, pause, stop and track selection.
The supplied remote control adds search, direct track selection, repeat, random playback, time-display and programmed-playback functions.
The display can also be dimmed or switched off during listening.
Compact Width and Deep Casework
The CDT Two/II measures approximately 300mm wide and 142mm high, giving it a relatively compact half-width fascia.
However, its 428mm depth means that a full-depth equipment shelf is still required. Extra space must also be allowed behind the unit for the digital and mains cables.
Its dimensions should therefore be checked carefully before assuming that it will fit on a compact equipment rack.
Check the Shelf Depth as Well as the Width
The CDT Two/II is narrow but unusually deep. It also needs clear access above its top-loading mechanism.
The intended support must provide sufficient width, depth, top clearance and room for rear cable connections.
Black or Aluminium Finish
The CDT Two/II is available with a black acrylic or anodised aluminium fascia.
The finish does not alter the mechanism, internal cable, power supply or digital output specification.
Current availability and expected supply time should be confirmed before ordering.
Placement and Disc Handling
Position the transport on a stable, level equipment support away from strong vibration, direct sunlight, excessive dust, moisture and sources of heat.
Place the disc correctly on the spindle and fit the supplied magnetic clamp before closing the lid and starting playback.
Always remove the disc and magnetic clamp before moving or transporting the unit.
Initial Running-In Period
The performance of the CDT Two/II may change during its initial period of use as the internal capacitors and other components bed in.
Allow the transport time to settle before making final decisions about DAC matching or digital cable changes.
Normal use is sufficient. The transport should not be left running unattended purely to accelerate the process.
Looking After Your CDs
Dirty, scratched or damaged discs can cause skipping or prevent the mechanism from reading the disc correctly.
Handle CDs by their edges, avoid touching the playing surface and return discs to their cases after use.
When cleaning is required, wipe gently from the centre towards the outside rather than following a circular path around the disc.
Key Features
- Audio Note Level 2 CD transport
- Dedicated Red Book audio CD playback
- Top-loading design
- Custom-modified Philips CD Pro2LF mechanism
- Three-beam optical pickup
- Power supply with three separate mains transformers
- Audio Note AN-V internal silver digital cable
- Silver-wired digital output transformer
- Thin laminated output-transformer core
- Transformer-coupled digital outputs
- Audio Note tantalum resistors
- Audio Note custom electrolytic capacitors
- 75O RCA S/PDIF output
- 110O XLR AES/EBU output
- Front-panel and remote operation
- Display dimming and switch-off functions
- Compact 300mm-wide fascia
- Black acrylic or anodised aluminium finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CDT Two/II a complete CD player?
No. It is a transport without an internal DAC or analogue output stage. A compatible digital-to-analogue converter is required.
Can it connect directly to an amplifier?
Only when the amplifier has a compatible RCA S/PDIF or XLR AES/EBU digital input and an internal DAC. It cannot connect directly to a normal analogue line input.
Which digital outputs are included?
It provides a 75O RCA S/PDIF output and a 110O XLR AES/EBU output. Both connections are transformer coupled.
Does it use AN-V or AN-Vx internal cable?
Audio Note’s current specification lists AN-V silver cable. The higher-level CDT Three uses AN-Vx.
What is the difference between the CDT Two/II and CDT Three?
Their published construction is closely related, but the Level 2 CDT Two/II uses AN-V internal silver cable while the Level 3 CDT Three uses higher-grade AN-Vx.
Can I use a normal RCA interconnect?
A purpose-designed 75O digital coaxial cable is recommended for the RCA S/PDIF output.
Can the XLR output connect to an analogue XLR input?
No. It carries a digital AES/EBU signal and must connect to a compatible digital input.
Does it play SACDs?
No. The CDT Two/II is designed for conventional Red Book audio CDs and does not read the high-resolution SACD layer.
Will it play CD-R discs?
Compatible recordable discs may play, but performance can vary according to the media, recorder, recording method and physical condition.
Does it provide streaming or USB playback?
No. It is a dedicated physical-disc transport without network streaming, Bluetooth or USB file playback.
How much space does it need?
It measures approximately 300mm wide, 142mm high and 428mm deep. Extra room is required behind it for cables and above it for disc loading.
What finishes are available?
It is available with a black acrylic or anodised aluminium fascia, subject to current availability.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced Audio Note digital-system specialists
- Help selecting a compatible DAC
- CDT Two/II and CDT Three comparison advice
- RCA S/PDIF and AES/EBU connection guidance
- Suitable digital cable recommendations
- Equipment rack and top-clearance checks
- In-store demonstrations through participating branches
- Ongoing mechanism, laser and servicing assistance
Contact your local Audio T store
to discuss DAC compatibility, connection options, availability or a demonstration of the Audio Note CDT Two/II.