A CD player and DAC built for a 60th anniversary
The Rotel Diamond Series DT-6000 CD Player DAC is a combined CD player and digital-to-analogue converter that marks Rotel's 60th anniversary. Alongside its tray-loading CD mechanism, it adds PC-USB, optical and coaxial inputs so it can serve as the digital hub of a hi-fi system. An 8-channel ESS Sabre DAC and fully balanced XLR outputs put clean, detailed sound at the centre of the design.
Why You'll Love It
- CD player and DAC in one box. Play discs on the tray-loading transport, then connect a computer, streamer or TV through PC-USB, optical or coaxial to cover your other digital sources.
- High-resolution and MQA ready. PC-USB handles up to 32-bit/384kHz, native DSD and MQA, so hi-res files and MQA streams play at full quality. The unit is also Roon Tested.
- Balanced and single-ended outputs. Fully balanced XLR outputs sit alongside standard RCA, so the DT-6000 matches balanced or conventional amplifiers.
Under the Hood
- ESS Sabre conversion. An 8-channel ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC dedicates four channels to each stereo output for an ultra-low noise floor and strong channel separation, quoted at greater than 115 dB at 10 kHz.
- Quiet power delivery. Dedicated supplies feed the critical circuits from an in-house toroidal transformer, with isolation techniques to lower residual noise and distortion.
- Proven CD engineering. The tray-loading mechanism draws on Rotel's decades of CD player design, backed by front-panel controls, a two-line display and a back-lit remote.
CHT Insider Verdict
The DT-6000 is a strong choice if you still value discs but also want a capable standalone DAC for streaming and computer audio. Distortion figures below 0.0012% and a signal-to-noise ratio above 115 dB point to a genuinely quiet, detailed source, and the balanced outputs suit it to higher-end amplifiers. RS232 and 12V trigger connections make it easy to fold into a controlled system.
Pro Tip: To get the most from a computer source, use the rear PC-USB input (up to 32-bit/384kHz with DSD and MQA) rather than optical or coaxial, which top out at 24-bit/192kHz; install the supplied USB driver first so the computer sees the DAC in USB Audio Class 2.0 mode.
Specifications
| Digital Conversion & Inputs | |
| DAC | ESS Sabre ES9028PRO; ESS 32-Bit/768kHz, 8-channel |
| PC-USB | USB Audio Class 2.0, up to 32-bit/384kHz; native DSD up to 11.2M and DoP; MQA and MQA Studio up to 24-bit/384kHz; Roon Tested |
| Coaxial/optical input | LPCM up to 24-bit/192kHz |
| Input sensitivity | 0 dBfs / 75 Ω |
| Performance | |
| Total harmonic distortion | Optical/coaxial < 0.0007%; CD/PC-USB < 0.0012% |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0, -0.15 dB); 10 Hz - 70 kHz (+0, -3 dB) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | > 115 dB ("A" weighted) |
| Dynamic range | > 99 dB |
| Channel balance | ±0.5 dB |
| Channel separation | > 115 dB @ 10 kHz |
| Intermodulation distortion | < 0.0012% |
| Analog Outputs | |
| Analog output level | Unbalanced (RCA): 2.1V; Balanced (XLR): 4.3V |
| Analog output impedance | Unbalanced (RCA): 10 Ω; Balanced (XLR): 20 Ω |
| General | |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 431 x 104 x 320 mm |
| Front panel height | 2U / 88.1 mm |
| Power consumption | 25W (standby < 0.5W) |
| Net weight | 8.11 kg |
| Finishes | |
| Available finishes | Silver, Black |


