LEAK CDT

Overview

The LEAK CDT is a dedicated CD transport, which means it is a pure disc spinner engineered to read your CDs cleanly and pass the digital signal to an external converter. It has no built-in DAC, so it needs a DAC-equipped amplifier such as the LEAK Stereo 130 or Stereo 230, or an outboard DAC, to make sound. By separating the disc mechanism from digital-to-analog conversion, the CDT lets each stage do its job without compromise.

At the heart of the CDT is a read-ahead buffer paired with a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator, a combination designed to reduce jitter and deliver a stable, precise data stream. Coaxial and optical digital outputs give you flexible connection to modern amplifiers and DACs. Beyond Red Book CDs the transport also plays CD-R and CD-RW discs, along with USB files including WAV, MP3, WMA and AAC, so it doubles as a convenient way to play ripped and downloaded music.

Wrapped in LEAK's signature vintage-styled casework in Walnut or metal finishes, the CDT is aimed at listeners who still value physical media and want a properly engineered transport to sit alongside a LEAK amplifier. It is an ideal partner for anyone building a compact, character-rich system centered on real CDs.

Key Features

• Dedicated CD transport with no built-in DAC, designed to pair with a DAC-equipped amplifier or outboard DAC
• Read-ahead buffer with a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator for low jitter
• Coaxial and optical digital outputs for flexible connection
• Plays CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs
• USB playback of WAV, MP3, WMA and AAC files
• Natural partner for the LEAK Stereo 130 and Stereo 230 integrated amplifiers
• Vintage-styled casework with real mid-century design cues
• Available in Walnut or metal finishes

How the CDT Compares

LEAK CDT vs LEAK TruStream Network Streamer

The CDT and TruStream are complementary rather than competing sources within the same range. The CDT is a disc-first component for listeners with a CD collection, requiring an external DAC to make sound. The TruStream is a network streamer with its own built-in ES9038Q2M DAC and analog outputs, aimed at streaming from Tidal, Qobuz and more. Choose the CDT for physical media and the TruStream for network playback, or run both. See the LEAK TruStream Network Streamer.

LEAK CDT vs Audiolab 7000CDT CD Transport

Both are pure CD transports without onboard DACs, sharing engineering DNA within the IAG family. The Audiolab 7000CDT leans into a clean, modern aesthetic with a slim, contemporary fascia. The LEAK CDT wraps the same transport-first philosophy in mid-century styling with Walnut and metal finishes. The choice comes down to visual character and how it matches the rest of your system. See the Audiolab 7000CDT CD Transport.

LEAK CDT vs Advance Paris ACD APEX CD Player

The Advance Paris ACD APEX is a complete CD player with an internal DAC and analog outputs, ready to connect straight to any amplifier. The LEAK CDT is a transport only, designed to feed a separate DAC or a DAC-equipped LEAK amplifier. Pick the ACD APEX if you want a one-box CD solution, or the CDT if you prefer separating the disc mechanism from conversion in a LEAK-based system. See the Advance Paris ACD APEX CD Player.

Recommended Amplifier and Speakers

Because the CDT is a transport with no DAC, its most important partner is a DAC-equipped amplifier. These LEAK components complete the system and keep the mid-century look consistent.

• LEAK Stereo 130 Its built-in ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC decodes the CDT's digital output, making it the natural match for a compact, character-rich CD system.
• LEAK Stereo 230 A step up in power at 2 x 75W with the higher ES9038Q2M DAC, giving the CDT more headroom for larger speakers and rooms.
• LEAK Sandwich 150 A two-way standmount that revives LEAK's classic aluminum-foamcore Sandwich cone, pairing beautifully with a CDT and Stereo 130 in a smaller space.
• LEAK Sandwich 250 A three-way design offering fuller scale and bass, an ideal match when driven by the Stereo 230 for a more ambitious CD-based system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the LEAK CDT have a built-in DAC?
No. The CDT is a dedicated CD transport with no built-in DAC. It needs an outboard DAC or a DAC-equipped amplifier such as the LEAK Stereo 130 or Stereo 230 to make sound.

What amplifier should I pair with the CDT?
The LEAK Stereo 130 or Stereo 230 integrated amplifiers are the natural partners because they include built-in DACs that decode the CDT's digital output.

What digital outputs does the CDT have?
It offers both coaxial and optical digital outputs for flexible connection to a DAC or DAC-equipped amplifier.

Can the CDT connect directly to speakers?
No. As a transport with no DAC or amplification, it must feed a DAC-equipped amplifier, which in turn drives the speakers.

What disc types can the CDT play?
It plays standard CDs along with CD-R and CD-RW discs.

Can I play USB files on the CDT?
Yes. It supports USB playback of WAV, MP3, WMA and AAC files.

How does the CDT reduce jitter?
It uses a read-ahead buffer combined with a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator to deliver a stable, low-jitter data stream.

What finishes are available?
The CDT comes in vintage-styled casework in Walnut or metal finishes to match the LEAK range.

Does the CDT support high-resolution audio?
The CDT reads Red Book CDs and the listed USB file formats. Any high-resolution conversion or upsampling happens in the connected DAC or amplifier.

Is the CDT compatible with a non-LEAK DAC?
Yes. Its coaxial and optical outputs connect to any compatible outboard DAC, though the LEAK amplifiers keep the styling and engineering consistent.

Why choose a transport instead of a full CD player?
A transport separates the disc mechanism from digital-to-analog conversion, letting a dedicated DAC handle that stage. This appeals to listeners building a system around a DAC-equipped LEAK amplifier.

What speakers work well with a CDT-based system?
The LEAK Sandwich 150 and Sandwich 250 loudspeakers pair naturally, matching the range in both design and voicing when driven by a LEAK amplifier.

How does the CDT differ from the LEAK TruStream?
The CDT is a disc transport for CDs and needs an external DAC, while the TruStream is a network streamer with its own built-in DAC and analog outputs for streaming services.

Does the CDT come with a remote control?
Yes. A remote control is included for convenient disc and playback operation.

What is the warranty on the CDT?
The CDT is covered by a 3 year parts and labor warranty for the original owner through LEAK.

Is the CDT part of a matched LEAK system?
Yes. It shares mid-century styling with the LEAK Stereo 130, Stereo 230, TruStream and Sandwich speakers to build a coordinated system.

Can I use both a CDT and a streamer in one system?
Yes. Many listeners run the CDT for physical media and the TruStream for network audio, both feeding a DAC-equipped LEAK amplifier.

Does the CDT play SACD or DVD discs?
The CDT plays CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs. It is a CD transport and is not specified for SACD or DVD formats.

Is the CDT a good choice for a small system?
Yes. Paired with the Stereo 130 and Sandwich 150 speakers, it forms a compact, character-rich CD system that fits neatly into smaller rooms.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized LEAK dealer, so your CDT arrives with a full factory warranty and genuine support. We offer expert guidance on pairing it with the right DAC-equipped amplifier and speakers to complete your system.