Audio T Verdict
The LEAK CDT is a beautifully presented CD transport for listeners who still value their physical music collection but want the flexibility to choose their own DAC or digital amplifier.
Its slot-loading mechanism, read-ahead buffering, isolated transport assembly and carefully controlled digital clock are all designed to extract a stable digital signal from CD.
USB storage playback adds useful versatility, while the choice of Silver or Walnut allows the CDT to form a particularly attractive system with the matching LEAK Stereo 130.
LEAK CDT CD Transport
The LEAK CDT is a dedicated CD transport with coaxial and optical digital outputs, USB storage playback and classic LEAK styling.
It reads the digital information from a disc or compatible USB storage device and sends that signal to an external digital-to-analogue converter.
The required DAC may be built into an integrated amplifier, network streamer or separate digital converter.
What the LEAK CDT Includes
- Slot-loading CD transport
- Coaxial digital output
- Optical digital output
- USB storage playback
- Front-panel display and controls
What It Requires
- An amplifier or external DAC with a digital input
- A coaxial or optical digital cable
- An amplifier and speakers for complete playback
- A compatible FAT-formatted USB device for file playback
A CD Transport Rather Than a CD Player
The CDT does not contain an internal DAC and provides no analogue RCA output.
This allows the digital conversion stage within the connected amplifier or external DAC to determine the final analogue performance.
It is a natural partner for the
LEAK Stereo 130
,
which includes both coaxial and optical digital inputs and an ESS Sabre DAC.
Slot-Loading CD Mechanism
Discs are inserted directly into the front slot rather than placed in a conventional motorised drawer.
The mechanism supports standard audio CDs as well as compatible CD-R and CD-RW discs.
Read-ahead buffering stores disc data temporarily before sending it to the digital output. This helps the transport manage minor read errors and maintain more consistent data retrieval.
Shielded Transport Assembly
The CD mechanism is mounted within its own electromagnetically shielded enclosure and supplied by a dedicated power section.
This separation is designed to reduce interference reaching the sensitive transport and clock circuitry.
The complete player should still be positioned on a solid and level Hi-Fi shelf, away from excessive vibration and heat.
Temperature-Compensated Master Clock
A temperature-compensated crystal oscillator controls the CDT's digital master clock.
Accurate clocking helps reduce timing errors, commonly referred to as jitter, within the outgoing digital signal.
The connected DAC then converts that digital signal into the analogue audio used by the amplifier.
Coaxial and Optical Outputs
The rear panel provides one RCA coaxial digital output and one optical TOSLink output.
Only one connection is required. The best choice depends on the available input and the connected equipment.
Coaxial Digital
- Uses a 75-ohm RCA digital cable
- Compatible with many amplifiers and DACs
- Provides an electrical digital connection
- Should not use an ordinary speaker cable
Optical Digital
- Uses a TOSLink optical cable
- Provides electrical isolation between components
- Useful where ground-related noise is a concern
- Requires careful alignment when connecting
USB Storage Playback
A front-mounted USB socket allows compatible music files to be played from a USB memory device.
The CDT provides folder and file navigation together with normal play, pause, skip and stop controls.
Supported formats include WAV, MP3, WMA and AAC. USB sampling frequencies of 44.1kHz and 48kHz are supported, with compatible compressed files supported up to 320kbps.
The USB device must use a supported FAT12, FAT16 or FAT32 file system.
CD and USB Sampling Rates
Standard audio CD playback uses the conventional 44.1kHz sampling frequency.
USB playback supports 44.1kHz and 48kHz files. The CDT is not intended as a high-resolution USB music player for 96kHz, 192kHz, DSD or other higher-resolution formats.
Matching the LEAK Stereo 130
The Stereo 130 is the most natural system partner for the CDT.
Connect the CDT's coaxial or optical output to the corresponding digital input on the amplifier. The Stereo 130's internal ESS DAC then performs the digital-to-analogue conversion.
Both products share the same compact proportions, front-panel styling and choice of Silver or Walnut finish.
Using the CDT with Another Amplifier
The CDT can also be used with another amplifier, streamer or DAC providing a compatible coaxial or optical digital input.
It cannot connect directly to an amplifier that only provides analogue RCA inputs unless a separate DAC is placed between the two components.
Silver or Walnut Finish
The LEAK CDT is available in Silver or with a Walnut real wood veneer sleeve.
The internal electronics and playback features are the same, but the Walnut sleeve makes that version wider, taller, deeper and heavier.
The selected finish should therefore be considered when measuring the available shelf space.
Installation and Care
Place the CDT on a rigid, level and well-ventilated Hi-Fi shelf.
Avoid positioning it directly on top of an amplifier that becomes hot, and leave enough space to insert and remove discs comfortably.
Clean the exterior using a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents or conventional furniture polish on the metalwork or Walnut sleeve.
Key Features
- Dedicated CD and USB digital transport
- Ultra-smooth slot-loading CD mechanism
- Supports CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs
- Read-ahead buffering
- Electromagnetically shielded transport enclosure
- Dedicated transport power supply
- Temperature-compensated crystal oscillator
- Coaxial RCA digital output
- Optical TOSLink digital output
- USB storage-device playback
- WAV, MP3, WMA and AAC file support
- FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32 compatibility
- Folder and file navigation
- Matching LEAK Stereo 130 styling
- Available in Silver or Walnut
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LEAK CDT a complete CD player?
No. It is a digital transport and requires an amplifier or external DAC with a coaxial or optical digital input.
Does it have analogue RCA outputs?
No. The CDT provides coaxial and optical digital outputs only.
Does it contain a DAC?
No. Digital-to-analogue conversion is performed by the connected amplifier or external DAC.
Can it play CD-R and CD-RW discs?
Yes, provided the discs have been correctly recorded and are physically compatible with the transport.
Can it play SACDs?
No. The CDT is designed for standard CD, CD-R and CD-RW playback rather than SACD, DVD or Blu-ray formats.
Which USB files can it play?
It supports WAV, MP3, WMA and AAC files at compatible 44.1kHz or 48kHz sampling rates.
Can it play high-resolution 192kHz files?
No. USB playback is limited to 44.1kHz and 48kHz material.
Which connection should I use?
Coaxial and optical can both provide an effective digital connection. The best option depends on the inputs and performance of the connected amplifier or DAC.
What is the difference between Silver and Walnut?
The playback features are identical. The Walnut version adds a real wood veneer sleeve and is slightly larger and heavier.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced LEAK and digital audio specialists
- In-store demonstrations through participating branches
- Amplifier and DAC compatibility advice
- Coaxial and optical cable guidance
- Help building a matching LEAK system
- Advice on CD and USB playback
- Hi-Fi furniture and placement recommendations
- Ongoing setup and system support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss connecting the LEAK CDT to your amplifier or DAC.