Audio T Verdict
The Lyngdorf CD-2 takes a deliberately focused approach to compact disc playback, using a dedicated audio-only mechanism rather than a multi-format drive originally designed around video.
Its carefully regulated power supply keeps the analogue and digital circuitry separate, while extensive attention to grounding, shielding and electrical noise helps preserve the information recovered from the disc.
A Wolfson WM8740 digital-to-analogue converter feeds both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, giving the CD-2 the flexibility to work directly with a wide range of amplifiers.
Coaxial and optical digital outputs also allow it to operate as a dedicated CD transport, with several selectable output sample rates for comparison with a compatible external DAC or Lyngdorf amplifier.
It does not play SACD, DVD-Audio or compressed music files, but that is precisely the point: the CD-2 is built for listeners who want a serious, purpose-designed player for a treasured CD collection.
Lyngdorf CD-2 Dedicated Audio CD Player
The Lyngdorf CD-2 is a high-performance compact disc player designed specifically for two-channel audio reproduction.
Rather than using a multi-format computer or video drive, Lyngdorf has selected a dedicated audio mechanism and developed the surrounding power supply, grounding, digital processing and analogue output stages around conventional Red Book CD playback.
Its built-in DAC and comprehensive outputs allow the CD-2 to be used as a complete CD player or as a dedicated transport feeding a compatible amplifier or external digital-to-analogue converter.
A Dedicated CD Player
The CD-2 is designed for conventional audio CDs and compatible CD-R discs.
It does not play SACD, DVD-Audio, MP3, FLAC or other computer audio files, and it does not include streaming, Bluetooth or network connectivity.
Purpose-Designed Audio Drive
Many universal disc mechanisms are derived from video or computer drives, bringing additional processing, control circuitry and clocking requirements that are unnecessary for straightforward CD playback.
The CD-2 instead uses an audio-only drive, allowing the entire player to be designed around the requirements of 16-bit, 44.1kHz compact discs.
This focused approach reduces unnecessary circuitry and helps Lyngdorf control electrical noise, grounding and digital timing throughout the player.
Red Book CD Playback
Red Book is the original technical standard for conventional audio CDs. It uses two-channel, 16-bit PCM audio sampled at 44.1kHz.
Carefully Regulated Power Supply
The CD-2 uses a Lyngdorf-designed switch-mode power supply engineered to provide a stable, low-noise and low-impedance supply to the player’s internal circuitry.
Four independent secondary transformer windings provide separate supplies for the analogue and digital sections, helping prevent unwanted digital noise from reaching the analogue output stage.
The electrically connected chassis and conductive rear panel also form part of the grounding and shielding design.
Wolfson WM8740 DAC
The built-in digital-to-analogue converter is based around the Wolfson WM8740 DAC chip.
Lyngdorf combines the converter with a balanced circuit layout and carefully selected operational amplifiers to feed the RCA and XLR analogue outputs.
The internal sample rate for the analogue output stage is 24-bit/96kHz.
Balanced XLR and RCA Analogue Outputs
The CD-2 provides both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue connections.
The RCA outputs deliver a maximum level of 3.5V, while the balanced XLR outputs provide a maximum level of 7V.
Analogue output gain can be adjusted between -12dB and 0dB in 0.5dB steps, helping the player accommodate amplifiers with different input sensitivities.
Check the Analogue Output Level
The CD-2 has a higher maximum output voltage than many conventional CD players, particularly through its balanced XLR connections.
Begin with the amplifier volume set low and reduce the CD-2 analogue output gain where necessary.
Coaxial and Optical Digital Outputs
A galvanically isolated coaxial digital output and an optical Toslink output allow the CD-2 to be connected to a compatible digital amplifier, DAC or processor.
The coaxial connection supports selectable output rates of 16-bit/44.1kHz or 24-bit signals at 48kHz, 96kHz and 192kHz.
The optical output supports 16-bit/44.1kHz or 24-bit signals at 48kHz and 96kHz.
What Does Selectable Upsampling Do?
Upsampling converts the original 16-bit/44.1kHz CD signal to a higher output sample rate before it reaches the connected DAC.
It cannot add musical information that was not present on the disc, but it may change how a particular DAC processes the signal. The best setting can therefore depend on the connected equipment.
Analogue or Digital Connection?
Use the Analogue Outputs When
- You want to use the CD-2’s Wolfson DAC
- The amplifier has high-quality RCA or XLR inputs
- A balanced connection is beneficial
- You prefer the CD-2’s analogue presentation
- The amplifier does not include a suitable DAC
Use the Digital Output When
- You are connecting a Lyngdorf TDAI amplifier
- The amplifier processes signals digitally
- You want to use an external DAC
- You want to compare selectable sample rates
- A longer interference-resistant connection is useful
Lyngdorf recommends the coaxial digital output when connecting the CD-2 to one of its fully digital TDAI amplifiers, keeping the signal in the digital domain until the amplifier’s output stage.
Simple Front-Panel Operation
A multifunction control wheel provides play, pause, track selection and access to the menu system.
Separate front-panel buttons control disc ejection and standby, while the included remote provides direct track selection and full playback control.
The player supports normal playback, whole-disc repeat, single-track repeat and random playback.
CD-Text and Display Options
CD-Text information such as album title, track name and artist can be shown when it is present on the disc.
The display can show elapsed or remaining time, while an optional ten-second timeout reduces the amount of illuminated information during listening.
An automatic standby function can switch the player off after approximately five minutes of inactivity.
External Control and Software Updates
An RS-232 control connection allows the CD-2 to be integrated with a suitable external control system.
A rear USB connection is provided for installing firmware updates from a compatible FAT32-formatted USB storage device.
The USB Connection Is for Servicing
The rear USB socket is intended for software updates. It is not a USB audio input and cannot be used to play music files from a computer, phone or storage drive.
Substantial Aluminium Construction
The CD-2 is housed in a low-profile chassis measuring approximately 450mm wide, 58mm high and 375mm deep, including the front control and rear connections.
Its 6.1kg weight provides a stable platform for the disc mechanism and internal electronics.
The exterior is finished in matte black anodised aluminium to match Lyngdorf’s amplifiers and processors.
Lyngdorf Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Dedicated audio-only CD mechanism
- CD-DA and CD-R compatibility
- Wolfson WM8740 DAC
- 24-bit/96kHz internal analogue processing
- Separate analogue and digital power supplies
- Four independent transformer windings
- Balanced internal circuit design
- Balanced XLR analogue outputs
- Unbalanced RCA analogue outputs
- Adjustable analogue output gain
- Galvanically isolated coaxial digital output
- Optical Toslink digital output
- Selectable digital output sample rates
- Up to 24-bit/192kHz coaxial output
- Up to 24-bit/96kHz optical output
- CD-Text display
- Repeat and random playback
- Adjustable display timeout
- Automatic standby
- RS-232 external control
- USB firmware updating
- Remote control included
- Matte black anodised aluminium finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Lyngdorf CD-2 play SACDs?
No. It is designed specifically for conventional Red Book audio CDs.
Can it play MP3 or FLAC files from a disc?
No. The CD-2 does not support compressed or lossless computer audio files.
Does it play CD-R discs?
Yes. Lyngdorf specifies compatibility with CD-DA and suitable CD-R discs.
Does it play CD-RW discs?
CD-RW compatibility is not included in Lyngdorf’s official supported-disc specification.
Which DAC does it use?
The built-in digital-to-analogue converter is based around the Wolfson WM8740 chip.
Does it have balanced outputs?
Yes. A stereo pair of balanced XLR outputs is provided alongside the unbalanced RCA outputs.
What is the maximum XLR output level?
The maximum balanced output level is 7V, with adjustable gain between -12dB and 0dB.
What is the maximum RCA output level?
The maximum unbalanced output level is 3.5V, with adjustable gain between -12dB and 0dB.
Can it be used purely as a CD transport?
Yes. Coaxial and optical digital outputs are provided for connection to a compatible DAC, digital amplifier or processor.
Which connection should I use with a Lyngdorf TDAI amplifier?
Lyngdorf recommends using the coaxial digital output to keep the signal in the digital domain for as long as possible.
Can the digital output be upsampled?
Yes. The digital output rate can be selected from 16-bit/44.1kHz and several 24-bit settings.
Does the optical output support 192kHz?
No. Lyngdorf specifies a maximum optical output rate of 24-bit/96kHz. The coaxial output supports up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Does it have a volume control?
It does not provide a conventional listening-volume control, but the analogue output gain can be adjusted between -12dB and 0dB.
Can it connect directly to a power amplifier?
The adjustable gain is intended for matching output levels, not for replacing a dedicated preamplifier. A suitable integrated amplifier or preamplifier should normally be used.
Does it have a headphone output?
No. A separate amplifier or headphone amplifier is required.
Does it include streaming or Bluetooth?
No. The CD-2 is a dedicated physical-disc player without network streaming or Bluetooth.
Can the USB socket play music?
No. The USB connection is provided for firmware updates only.
Does it display CD-Text?
Yes. Album, track and artist information can be displayed when CD-Text data is present on the disc.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. A Lyngdorf system remote control is supplied.
How large and heavy is it?
It measures approximately 450mm wide, 58mm high and 375mm deep, and weighs around 6.1kg.
Which finish is available?
The Lyngdorf CD-2 is supplied in a matte black anodised aluminium finish.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist demonstrations with familiar CDs
- Direct comparison with other CD players and transports
- Analogue and digital connection comparisons
- Amplifier and loudspeaker matching advice
- Balanced XLR and RCA cable guidance
- External DAC and digital amplifier matching
- Lyngdorf TDAI system demonstrations
- Output-level and system setup assistance
- Part-exchange options on suitable equipment
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding the Lyngdorf CD-2 to your hi-fi system.