I've set my heart on the new Audiolab 8200CD due to the positive feedback and sound this new player offers, but before I do finally buy is there any thing else I should consider?, every thing about the player suit me just fine. I'm also looking for matching amplifiers and speakers, should I stick with audiolab amplifiers or look at something else that synergizes well with the 8200CD, and what about speakers. Im fairly flexible at the moment as I have nothing concrete in mind or which route I finally want to go down, but the audiolab seems like the current hot product that I should put at the top of my list.

8200CD or the 8200CDQ?

What are the differences?

In addition to the 8200CD, the 8200CDQ adds full preamp functionality whilst maintaining the same chassis size as the 8200CD. The existing digital inputs are joined by three line-level analogue inputs, providing source selection and volume control in the analogue domain. The preamplifier section is fully balanced and all analogue input signals are converted to balanced form, helping to reduce distortion and noise. Class A gain structures are present throughout, and users may choose between preamplification in the analogue or digital domain in respect of the digital inputs. In addition, the 8200CDQ adds a direct-coupled, discrete, Class A headphone amplifier, accessible via a socket on the front panel.

Design: John Westlake leads the design team responsible for developing the 8200CD and 8200CDQ. Johnʼs technical skills have delivered award-winning digital audio products spanning the last two decades and a variety of companies have benefited from his expertise. John is convinced that the 8200CD and 8200CDQ are the finest CD players he has ever designed.

This years hype product goes to warp factor 9, this year it is the turn of Audiolab, last year it was Cyrus and the year before that it was Cambridge audio, as audiophiles around the word start salivating at the mouth over products they've never heard.

what is the difference sonically CD sound wise?

I wonder how it stacks up against the Cyrus 8SE.

I haven't heard the two side by side yet, but it seems the CDQ is appreciably better than the CD even though it adds preamp facilities.

There have been some revision that have been implemented in to the CDQ the make it the player to go for even if you don't require the pre stage, you never know but it might can in handy in the future, so I'd go for the CDQ as ever your source quality is vital get the best you can and from reports from those have it it really is a bit of a giant slayer.