Audio T Verdict
The Leema Acoustics Elements CD Player proves that a compact component does not have to compromise on engineering, connectivity or musical involvement.
Its dedicated TEAC transport and low-jitter Quattro Infinity Multi-DAC produce an open, detailed presentation with the smooth and natural character that has made the player a long-standing Audio T favourite.
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs make it easy to partner with a wide range of amplifiers, while the optical and coaxial digital outputs provide a straightforward route to an external DAC.
For anyone who wants to enjoy a serious CD collection without finding room for another full-width component, the Elements CD Player is an exceptionally neat and capable solution.
Leema Acoustics Elements CD Player
The Leema Acoustics Elements CD Player is a compact, dedicated disc player designed and built in Wales.
At approximately half the width of a conventional hi-fi component, it is easy to accommodate without sacrificing the engineering or connectivity expected from a high-quality source.
Its principal features include:
- A dedicated audio-optimised TEAC CD transport
- Leema’s 24-bit/192kHz Quattro Infinity Multi-DAC
- Jitter below 50 picoseconds at 1kHz
- A balanced stereo analogue output on XLR
- An unbalanced stereo analogue output on RCA
- Coaxial S/PDIF digital output
- Optical S/PDIF digital output
- Leema Intelligent Protocol System connectivity
- Infrared remote operation
- A compact 220mm-wide aluminium chassis
- Black or silver finish options
The Elements CD Player can form part of a complete compact Leema system or operate as a high-quality digital source with amplification from another manufacturer.
Dedicated CD Playback
The Elements CD Player is designed specifically for conventional audio CD playback.
Unlike a computer drive or general-purpose disc mechanism, its transport, digital processing, conversion and analogue output stages are developed to operate together as one complete audio component.
A dedicated player provides:
- Simple front-panel operation
- Conventional infrared remote control
- Direct access to a physical CD collection
- No dependence on a network or subscription
- A consistent internal digital signal path
- Analogue and digital output options
For listeners with an established disc collection, the Elements CD Player provides a straightforward way to continue enjoying it without adding the complexity of a computer or network music server.
Dedicated TEAC Audio Transport
The tray-loading disc mechanism is a dedicated TEAC transport selected for audio use.
It is designed to retrieve the digital information stored on a CD while maintaining secure and reliable disc handling.
The transport provides the foundation for:
- Stable disc rotation
- Accurate track access
- Low mechanical noise
- Low-jitter digital data retrieval
- Consistent communication with the conversion stage
Audio data from the transport is buffered and processed before being passed to the Quattro Infinity Multi-DAC.
Low-Jitter Digital Design
Leema specifies jitter at below 50 picoseconds when measured at 1kHz, with total correlated jitter below 150 picoseconds.
Jitter describes small timing variations within a digital audio signal. Excessive timing error can affect the accuracy with which the waveform is reconstructed by the digital-to-analogue converter.
The Elements CD Player addresses this through:
- A dedicated audio transport
- Buffered digital data
- A carefully managed digital signal path
- Low-jitter receiving and conversion circuitry
- Stable internal power supplies
The player’s low measured jitter supports precise timing, stable stereo imaging and clear separation between instruments.
Quattro Infinity Multi-DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by Leema’s Quattro Infinity Multi-DAC topology.
The design uses multiple 24-bit/192kHz delta-sigma converters rather than relying on one conversion channel for each side of the stereo signal.
This arrangement is intended to provide:
- Low noise
- Low distortion
- Excellent channel separation
- Accurate low-level detail
- A stable stereo image
- A smooth and natural tonal balance
The 24-bit/192kHz capability describes the resolution supported by the conversion architecture. Standard audio CDs remain encoded at 16-bit/44.1kHz.
Balanced Internal Data Path
The digital data retrieved from the transport is arranged to feed the conversion stage through a balanced signal architecture.
Balanced operation can help reduce common noise and improve the separation of the positive and negative parts of the audio waveform.
The complete implementation is designed to support the Elements CD Player’s low noise, low distortion and strong channel-separation measurements.
Detailed, Open and Natural Presentation
Technical performance is important, but the purpose of the Elements CD Player is to make a CD collection enjoyable to listen to.
In our own Audio T listening comparisons, the player has demonstrated:
- A detailed and open midrange
- A natural tonal character
- Clear placement of voices and instruments
- Good rhythmic control
- A smooth presentation without excessive digital hardness
- Useful weight and definition through the bass
Its balanced presentation makes it suitable for a broad range of music rather than favouring one particular genre.
Frequency Response and Noise Performance
Leema specifies a frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz within a published tolerance of +/-3dB.
The A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio is specified at 105dB, helping quiet passages remain free from distracting background noise.
Published crosstalk is:
- -118dB at 1kHz
- -100dB at 10kHz
Low crosstalk helps preserve the separation between the left and right channels, supporting a stable and clearly defined stereo image.
Low Distortion
The Elements CD Player is designed to maintain low distortion throughout the audible frequency range.
Leema publishes the following figures:
- 0.005% at 20Hz
- 0.001% at 1kHz
- 0.001% at 20kHz
- 0.001% intermodulation distortion using 19kHz and 20kHz signals
These measurements support accurate reproduction without the player adding an obvious electronic character of its own.
Balanced XLR Analogue Output
A balanced stereo analogue output is provided through separate left and right XLR sockets.
A balanced connection can provide greater resistance to interference, particularly when:
- The partnering amplifier has balanced inputs
- Longer interconnects are required
- The equipment rack contains several mains-powered components
- Signal cables must pass close to power cables
- The complete system uses balanced signal connections
The XLR outputs make the Elements CD Player a natural partner for compatible Leema amplifiers and other balanced equipment.
Unbalanced RCA Analogue Output
A conventional stereo RCA output is also provided.
This allows the Elements CD Player to connect to almost any integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier with a spare line-level input.
Suitable inputs may be labelled:
- CD
- AUX
- Line
- Tuner
- Streamer
Do not connect the player to a phono input, as this is designed for the much lower output of a turntable cartridge or phono stage.
2.3V RMS Output Level
Leema specifies an analogue output level of 2.3V RMS for a full-scale digital signal.
This is suitable for the line-level inputs found on modern integrated amplifiers and pre-amplifiers.
The partnering amplifier normally controls the listening volume.
Use a Suitable Volume-Controlled Amplifier
The Elements CD Player is a source component and does not replace a conventional pre-amplifier.
Do not connect its fixed-level outputs directly to a power amplifier or fixed-level active speaker input unless a suitable volume-control arrangement has been confirmed.
Coaxial Digital Output
A coaxial S/PDIF output allows the Elements CD Player to operate as a dedicated CD transport with a compatible external DAC, digital amplifier or digital pre-amplifier.
This can be useful when:
- The system already includes a preferred external DAC
- Digital conversion will be upgraded separately
- Several digital sources share one converter
- A digital amplifier provides the system’s conversion stage
- The internal and external DACs will be compared
A correctly specified 75-ohm coaxial digital cable is recommended.
Optical Digital Output
A Toslink optical output provides an alternative connection to an external DAC or digital amplifier.
Optical transmission provides electrical isolation between the player and receiving component, which can be useful where ground interaction or electrical noise is a concern.
Performance will depend on the optical cable and the quality of the receiving digital input.
Using an External DAC
The Quattro Infinity Multi-DAC allows the Elements CD Player to operate as a complete source, but the digital outputs provide a useful future upgrade route.
An external DAC may be considered where:
- A different conversion architecture is preferred
- Several digital sources need to share one DAC
- A balanced analogue output stage of a particular type is required
- The system’s digital section will be upgraded separately
- A digital pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier is already installed
A separate DAC should be compared with the player’s internal conversion rather than being assumed to provide an automatic improvement.
No Digital Inputs
The optical and coaxial sockets on the Elements CD Player are digital outputs rather than inputs.
The internal Quattro Infinity Multi-DAC cannot therefore be used to convert audio from a television, computer, streamer or games console.
A separate DAC or a suitably equipped amplifier is required for additional digital sources.
Leema Intelligent Protocol System
LIPS stands for Leema Intelligent Protocol System.
It allows compatible Leema products to exchange control information and operate as a coordinated system.
Depending on the connected equipment, LIPS can support functions such as:
- Coordinated power control
- Automatic input selection
- Shared remote-control commands
- Communication between source and amplifier
- Integration with compatible automation systems
The Elements CD Player can operate as a LIPS master or slave according to the system configuration.
One-Handset System Operation
When the Elements CD Player is linked to compatible Leema amplification, the products can respond together to commands from one handset.
For example, selecting CD on a linked Elements amplifier can power the player and select the appropriate input automatically.
This retains the flexibility of separate components while giving the system some of the convenience associated with an all-in-one product.
Compact Half-Width Chassis
The Elements CD Player is approximately 220mm wide, making it around half the width of a conventional full-size hi-fi component.
Its compact format provides several practical benefits:
- Reduced equipment-rack space
- Easier placement on smaller furniture
- Matching proportions with other Elements products
- A compact system without miniature internal engineering
- Greater flexibility in bedrooms, offices and smaller living rooms
The chassis remains deep enough to accommodate a dedicated tray-loading transport, power supply and full analogue output stage.
Designed and Made in Wales
Leema Acoustics was founded by former BBC engineers Lee Taylor and Mallory Nicholls.
The company is based in Welshpool, where its design and manufacturing teams combine their experience in professional monitoring, electronics and domestic hi-fi.
The Elements range was developed to bring Leema engineering into a more compact and accessible format while retaining UK production and the company’s distinctive system-control technology.
Black and Silver Finishes
Audio T currently lists the Elements CD Player in:
Both versions use the same internal specification.
The finish can be matched to the Elements Integrated Amplifier or Elements Streamer to create a coordinated compact system.
Matching Elements Integrated Amplifier
The Leema Acoustics Elements Integrated Amplifier is the natural partner for the CD player.
It provides:
- Matching compact dimensions
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectivity
- LIPS system communication
- Integrated volume control
- Power amplification for passive speakers
- Optional digital-source connectivity through its internal DAC section
The two components can be placed side by side or on separate shelves, depending on ventilation and available space.
Adding the Elements Streamer
The Leema Acoustics Elements Streamer adds network music, compatible streaming services and USB media playback in a matching compact chassis.
Using separate CD and streaming players allows:
- Each source to be upgraded independently
- CD and streaming to retain dedicated internal circuitry
- Balanced analogue connections from both sources
- A coordinated visual appearance
- A modular system that can be expanded gradually
Elements CD Player or Stream IV?
Choose the Elements CD Player When
- A dedicated CD source is required
- A compact half-width component is preferred
- Balanced XLR outputs are important
- Streaming will be added separately
- The Elements Integrated Amplifier is being used
- A modular upgrade path is preferred
Choose the Stream IV When
- CD and network streaming are both required
- One combined source component is preferred
- A full-width chassis suits the system
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet are needed within the player
- USB media playback is useful
- Reducing the number of separate components is a priority
The Leema Acoustics Stream IV combines a CD mechanism, DAC and network streamer within one full-width component.
CD Player or CD Transport?
Use the Internal DAC When
- A complete CD player is required
- The Quattro Infinity Multi-DAC suits the system
- Balanced XLR output is useful
- One component should handle transport and conversion
- Simple analogue connection is preferred
- No separate DAC is currently owned
Use the Digital Output When
- An external DAC is already installed
- A digital amplifier will perform conversion
- The DAC will be upgraded independently
- Several sources share one converter
- A different analogue output stage is preferred
- The player is required principally as a transport
Equipment Support and Ventilation
Install the Elements CD Player on a rigid, level shelf with enough space for the disc drawer and rear connections.
Avoid positioning it:
- Directly above a hot-running amplifier
- Inside a sealed cabinet without ventilation
- Where the disc drawer is obstructed
- On unstable or resonant furniture
- Where cables place strain on the rear sockets
- Where liquids can reach the player
Although the compact chassis makes placement easier, the player still benefits from the same stable support as a full-size source component.
Analogue Interconnect Selection
Choose either balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA interconnects according to the partnering amplifier.
Consider:
- The available amplifier inputs
- The required cable length
- Connector clearance behind the equipment
- Proximity to mains cables
- The overall quality and balance of the system
There is no need to connect both analogue output types unless the system has a specific requirement for two separate signal paths.
Care and Cleaning
Switch the player off before cleaning its exterior.
Use a clean, soft and dry or very slightly damp cloth.
Do not use:
- Abrasive cleaning products
- Furniture polish
- Solvents
- Aerosol cleaners
- Excessive water
Do not insert liquids, objects or unapproved cleaning discs into the transport.
Key Features
- Dedicated compact CD player
- Designed and made in Wales
- Part of the Leema Elements range
- Half-width 220mm chassis
- Dedicated audio-optimised TEAC transport
- Tray-loading disc mechanism
- Buffered digital audio data
- Leema Quattro Infinity Multi-DAC
- Multiple delta-sigma DAC architecture
- 24-bit/192kHz conversion capability
- Jitter below 50pS at 1kHz
- Total correlated jitter below 150pS
- 20Hz to 20kHz published frequency response
- 105dB A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio
- 0.001% distortion at 1kHz
- 0.001% intermodulation distortion
- -118dB crosstalk at 1kHz
- 2.3V RMS analogue output
- Balanced stereo XLR output
- Unbalanced stereo RCA output
- Coaxial S/PDIF digital output
- Optical S/PDIF digital output
- External DAC compatibility
- Leema Intelligent Protocol System
- LIPS master or slave operation
- Compatible Leema system control
- Infrared remote operation
- Front information display
- Black finish
- Silver finish
- 220mm width
- 88mm height
- 340mm depth
- 5kg weight
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Leema Acoustics Elements CD Player?
It is a compact dedicated CD player with an internal Quattro Infinity Multi-DAC, balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs and two digital outputs.
Is it sold with an amplifier?
No. It is a source component and requires a suitable integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier or volume-controlled active system.
Which CD mechanism does it use?
A dedicated audio-optimised TEAC tray-loading transport.
Which DAC does it use?
Leema’s 24-bit/192kHz Quattro Infinity Multi-DAC architecture.
Does 24-bit/192kHz mean CDs contain high-resolution audio?
No. Standard audio CDs use 16-bit/44.1kHz PCM. The higher figure describes the capability of the conversion architecture.
What is the published jitter figure?
Below 50 picoseconds at 1kHz, with total correlated jitter below 150 picoseconds.
Does it have balanced outputs?
Yes. A balanced stereo output is provided through separate left and right XLR sockets.
Does it also have RCA outputs?
Yes. A conventional unbalanced stereo RCA output is provided.
Can the XLR and RCA outputs be used at the same time?
The outputs provide flexible connection options, but the requirements and grounding of any simultaneous installation should be checked before use.
What is the analogue output level?
Leema specifies 2.3V RMS for a 0dBFS digital signal.
Does it have a coaxial digital output?
Yes. One RCA coaxial S/PDIF output is provided.
Does it have an optical digital output?
Yes. One Toslink optical S/PDIF output is provided.
Can it be used as a CD transport?
Yes. Connect either digital output to a compatible external DAC or digital amplifier.
Does it have digital inputs?
No. The coaxial and optical sockets are outputs, so the internal DAC cannot be used with an external digital source.
Does it have a USB input?
A USB audio input is not included in the current Audio T specification for the Elements CD Player.
Does it stream music?
No. Network streaming is available from the separate Elements Streamer or the combined Leema Stream IV.
Does it have Bluetooth?
No Bluetooth receiver is included in the current published specification.
Does it have a headphone output?
No headphone connection is included in the current published specification.
What is LIPS?
LIPS is the Leema Intelligent Protocol System, which allows compatible Leema components to exchange control commands and operate together.
Can it work as a LIPS master or slave?
Yes. Leema lists both master and slave operation.
Is a remote control supplied?
The Elements CD Player supports full infrared remote operation and is supplied for normal handset control.
Can it connect directly to a power amplifier?
Not normally. Its outputs are fixed line level, so a suitable volume-controlled pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier should be used.
Can it connect to active speakers?
Yes, provided the active speaker system includes safe and suitable volume control.
What is the frequency response?
Leema publishes 20Hz to 20kHz within +/-3dB.
What is the signal-to-noise ratio?
105dB A weighted.
What are the dimensions?
Approximately 220 x 88 x 340mm (W x H x D).
How much does it weigh?
Approximately 5kg.
Which finishes are available?
Audio T currently lists black and silver versions, subject to availability.
Where is it made?
It is made in Wales by Leema Acoustics.
What warranty is included?
Audio T currently lists a five-year manufacturer warranty, subject to Leema Acoustics’ full terms and proof of purchase.
Related Leema Acoustics Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Leema Elements CD Player demonstrations
- Comparisons with other dedicated CD players
- Internal and external DAC comparisons
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connection advice
- Coaxial and optical digital-output setup
- Amplifier and system-matching guidance
- Elements Integrated Amplifier demonstrations
- Leema LIPS configuration assistance
- Comparisons with the Leema Stream IV
- Compact equipment-rack planning
- Analogue and digital cable selection
- Black and silver finish selection
- Home demonstrations may be available by arrangement
- Part exchange may be available on suitable existing equipment
- Leema manufacturer-warranty guidance
- Ongoing system and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss amplification, balanced connections, external DACs and system matching for the Leema Acoustics Elements CD Player.