Audio T Verdict
The Roksan Attessa CD Transport provides a simple and focused way to continue enjoying a CD collection through a modern Hi-Fi system.
Unlike a conventional CD player, the Attessa is a dedicated transport. It reads the digital information stored on a disc and sends the original 16-bit/44.1kHz signal through its coaxial S/PDIF output to a compatible amplifier or external digital-to-analogue converter.
Removing the internal DAC makes particular sense when the partnering amplifier already includes high-quality digital conversion. It also means the final sound can benefit from whichever DAC is used elsewhere in the system.
The most natural partners are Roksan's own Attessa Integrated Amplifier and Attessa Streaming Amplifier. MaestroUnite allows compatible Attessa components to be set up as a coordinated system, while the matching dimensions, finishes and control layout make the combination feel deliberately designed rather than assembled from unrelated components.
The Attessa can also be used perfectly well outside a complete Roksan system. Its conventional coaxial digital output means it can partner a suitable DAC, digital amplifier or other component with a compatible coaxial input.
There is no internal DAC or analogue audio output, so this is not the right choice for an analogue-only amplifier. However, for a system that already includes good digital conversion, the Attessa is a substantial, elegant and refreshingly straightforward way of keeping a CD collection at the heart of the system.
Roksan Attessa CD Transport
The Roksan Attessa CD Transport is a dedicated digital disc transport designed for standard audio CDs and compatible CD-R discs.
Rather than converting the digital information from a CD into an analogue audio signal internally, it sends the original Red Book digital signal through its coaxial S/PDIF output to a compatible external DAC or amplifier.
It has been developed as part of the Attessa range, sharing its full-width styling, black or silver finish options and MaestroUnite system integration with the matching Attessa amplifiers.
What Is a CD Transport?
A conventional CD player contains both the mechanism needed to read the disc and a digital-to-analogue converter that produces an analogue audio signal.
A dedicated CD transport concentrates on reading the disc and delivering its digital information to another component for conversion.
The Attessa CD Transport can therefore be partnered with equipment such as:
- The Roksan Attessa Integrated Amplifier
- The Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier
- An integrated amplifier with a coaxial digital input
- A streaming amplifier with a coaxial digital input
- A standalone DAC
- A digital pre-amplifier
- A suitable active-speaker system with a coaxial digital input
A Digital Input Is Essential
The Attessa CD Transport does not include an internal DAC or conventional analogue audio outputs.
The connected amplifier, DAC or active-speaker system therefore needs a compatible coaxial S/PDIF digital input.
An ordinary analogue RCA input cannot accept the Attessa's digital output.
Dedicated CD and CD-R Playback
The Attessa is designed around conventional Red Book audio CD playback.
Roksan officially specifies compatibility with:
- Standard commercially produced audio CDs
- Compatible CD-R recordable discs
- Red Book CD audio
- 16-bit/44.1kHz PCM
CD-R playback can depend on the quality of the disc, how it was recorded and whether the recording session was correctly finalised.
Native 16-bit/44.1kHz Digital Output
A standard audio CD stores uncompressed stereo PCM audio at 16-bit/44.1kHz.
The Attessa sends this signal through its coaxial S/PDIF output to the connected digital-to-analogue converter.
Any subsequent filtering, conversion or processing is therefore handled by the DAC inside the connected amplifier or separate converter.
Coaxial S/PDIF Digital Output
The rear-panel coaxial S/PDIF output provides the Attessa's digital audio connection.
Although the connection uses a familiar RCA-style socket, a suitable 75-ohm digital coaxial cable should be used rather than treating it as a conventional analogue audio connection.
A digital coaxial cable is supplied with the transport, allowing it to be connected to a compatible amplifier or DAC straight from the box.
Transport or CD Player?
If your amplifier already includes a good DAC, a dedicated transport such as the Attessa can be a particularly neat solution.
If your amplifier only has analogue inputs, you will either need a separate DAC between the Attessa and amplifier or should consider a conventional CD player with analogue outputs instead.
No Internal DAC
The Attessa does not perform digital-to-analogue conversion itself.
This means there are no conventional stereo RCA or balanced analogue audio outputs.
The final sound of the system will therefore also be influenced by:
- The DAC inside the connected amplifier or converter
- The implementation of the coaxial digital input
- The amplifier and loudspeakers
- The digital coaxial connection
- The recording and mastering quality of the CD
This also gives the owner the freedom to change or upgrade the DAC separately from the disc transport in the future.
Designed for the Attessa Amplifiers
The CD Transport has been designed as the matching physical-disc source for the Roksan Attessa amplifier range.
Its 432mm cabinet width, black or silver finishes and understated front-panel design allow it to sit naturally alongside the matching amplifiers.
Using MaestroUnite, compatible Attessa products can be brought together as a coordinated system rather than operating entirely independently.
Partnering the Attessa Integrated Amplifier
The Roksan Attessa Integrated Amplifier provides the amplification and digital-to-analogue conversion required by the CD Transport.
This creates a clean two-box system for customers who want to combine traditional CD playback with analogue and digital sources without necessarily requiring built-in music streaming.
Partnering the Attessa Streaming Amplifier
The Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier combines the Attessa amplifier platform with BluOS network streaming.
Adding the CD Transport allows the same system to accommodate a physical CD collection alongside streaming services, internet radio, network music and other connected sources.
For listeners who have built up a substantial CD library but also want the convenience of modern streaming, the two products make particularly natural partners.
MaestroUnite Setup and System Control
MaestroUnite is Roksan's setup and product-management application for compatible iOS and Android devices.
With the Attessa CD Transport it can be used for functions including:
- Initial product setup
- Creating or expanding an Attessa system
- Connecting compatible products to the local network
- Accessing advanced system settings
- Checking product information
- Installing compatible over-the-air firmware updates
When used with a matching Attessa amplifier, MaestroUnite helps the separate components behave as one coordinated system.
Wi-Fi for Setup and Updates
The Attessa CD Transport can connect to Wi-Fi as part of its MaestroUnite setup and firmware-update functionality.
The CD Transport Is Not a Network Streamer
Wireless connectivity should not be confused with built-in music streaming.
The Attessa CD Transport is designed to play physical CDs. Network music services and internet radio require a separate streaming product such as the Attessa Streaming Amplifier.
Front-Panel Controls
The clean front panel provides direct access to the main functions required for everyday CD playback.
- Standby
- Disc eject
- Previous track
- Play and pause
- Next track
This keeps operation straightforward without filling the front panel with rarely used controls.
Supplied Infrared Remote Control
An infrared remote control is supplied for convenient operation from the listening position.
When the transport forms part of a matching Attessa system, the coordinated control arrangement helps reduce the feeling of operating several unrelated boxes.
Substantial Metal Construction
The Attessa CD Transport uses a formed plated-steel chassis together with a bespoke machined anodised-aluminium front panel.
At 6.1kg, it is reassuringly substantial for a dedicated disc transport and has been designed to visually complement the other products in the Attessa family.
Black and silver finish options are available.
Full-Width Attessa Design
The enclosure measures 432mm wide, 76mm high and 349mm deep including connections.
Its conventional full-width proportions make it easy to integrate with a wide range of Hi-Fi furniture while matching the dimensions and styling of the Attessa amplifiers particularly well.
Positioning and Stacking
Place the transport on a firm, stable and level equipment support with sufficient space for the front-loading disc mechanism and rear connections.
Keep it away from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight.
If the CD Transport and an Attessa amplifier are stacked together, Roksan recommends positioning the CD Transport underneath and the amplifier on top.
Stack Attessa Components Correctly
When stacking an Attessa amplifier and CD Transport, place the amplifier on top of the transport rather than the other way around.
This helps avoid obstructing the amplifier's ventilation and keeps unnecessary heat away from the disc transport.
CD Transport or Integrated CD Player?
Choose the Attessa CD Transport When
- Your amplifier already includes a suitable DAC
- You already use a separate DAC
- You want a matching Roksan Attessa system
- A coaxial digital output suits your system
- CD and CD-R cover your physical music collection
- You want the freedom to upgrade the DAC separately
- MaestroUnite system integration is useful
Choose an Integrated CD Player When
- Your amplifier only has analogue inputs
- You require stereo RCA analogue outputs
- You want the player to contain its own DAC
- You need optical rather than coaxial digital output
- You want one component to handle both disc reading and conversion
- Your system has no suitable external digital-to-analogue converter
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Roksan Attessa Integrated Amplifier systems
- Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier systems
- Amplifiers with coaxial digital inputs
- Standalone DACs
- Customers retaining a substantial CD collection
- Systems combining physical and streamed music
- Listeners who may want to upgrade their DAC separately
- Black or silver full-width Hi-Fi systems
Check Before Buying
- Your amplifier or DAC has a coaxial S/PDIF input
- You do not require analogue audio outputs from the transport
- CD and CD-R compatibility covers the discs you want to play
- There is sufficient equipment-rack space for the 349mm depth
- The front-loading disc drawer has clear access
- The equipment support is firm and level
- Attessa components will be stacked with the amplifier on top
Related Roksan Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Dedicated digital CD transport
- CD playback
- Compatible CD-R playback
- Red Book audio support
- Native 16-bit/44.1kHz PCM output
- Coaxial S/PDIF digital output
- No internal DAC
- No analogue audio output
- Digital coaxial cable supplied
- MaestroUnite setup and control
- Attessa system integration
- Wi-Fi for setup and updates
- Over-the-air firmware updates
- Infrared remote control
- Front-panel playback controls
- Formed plated-steel construction
- Machined anodised-aluminium front panel
- 432mm full-width design
- Black or silver finishes
- 6.1kg weight
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roksan Attessa a CD player or CD transport?
It is a dedicated CD transport. It reads the disc and sends a digital signal to a compatible amplifier or external DAC rather than providing its own analogue audio output.
Does the Attessa CD Transport have a built-in DAC?
No. Digital-to-analogue conversion is carried out by the connected amplifier, DAC or other compatible component.
Does it have analogue RCA outputs?
No. The Attessa CD Transport provides a coaxial S/PDIF digital output rather than analogue stereo outputs.
What digital output does it have?
One coaxial S/PDIF output carrying the CD's 16-bit/44.1kHz digital audio signal.
Does it have an optical digital output?
No. A coaxial S/PDIF output is the specified digital audio connection.
Can I connect it directly to any amplifier?
No. The amplifier must have a compatible coaxial digital input and internal DAC. Otherwise, a separate DAC is required between the transport and an analogue amplifier.
Does it play normal audio CDs?
Yes. Standard Red Book audio CDs are supported.
Does it play CD-R discs?
Yes, compatible correctly recorded CD-R discs are supported.
Can it stream music?
No. The Attessa CD Transport is a physical-disc source. Its network functionality is associated with setup, system management and compatible firmware updates rather than independent music streaming.
What is MaestroUnite?
MaestroUnite is Roksan's setup and management application for compatible products. It can be used to configure an Attessa system, manage compatible settings and install firmware updates.
Does it work with the Attessa Integrated Amplifier?
Yes. The Attessa Integrated Amplifier is one of its intended matching partners and includes the digital-to-analogue conversion required to use the transport.
Does it work with the Attessa Streaming Amplifier?
Yes. Together they provide physical CD playback alongside the Streaming Amplifier's network-music facilities.
Can I use it with a non-Roksan DAC or amplifier?
Yes, provided the connected equipment has a compatible coaxial S/PDIF digital input.
Is a digital cable included?
Yes. Roksan supplies a digital coaxial cable with the CD Transport.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. An infrared remote control is supplied.
Can the Attessa amplifier and CD Transport be stacked?
Yes. If they are stacked, Roksan recommends putting the CD Transport underneath with the amplifier on top.
What finishes are available?
Black and silver.
How large is the Attessa CD Transport?
It measures 432 x 76 x 349mm including connections.
How much does it weigh?
6.1kg.
What warranty is provided?
Roksan currently specifies a five-year manufacturer warranty, subject to its applicable warranty terms.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Roksan Attessa CD Transport demonstrations
- Attessa Integrated and Streaming Amplifier comparisons
- CD transport and integrated CD-player advice
- DAC and digital-input compatibility checks
- Digital coaxial cable advice
- MaestroUnite setup assistance
- Attessa system configuration guidance
- Disc-format and CD-R advice
- Firmware-update assistance
- Equipment-support and positioning advice
- Part exchange may be available on suitable existing equipment
- Roksan warranty guidance
- Ongoing product and system support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss amplifier, DAC and system matching for the Roksan Attessa CD Transport.