Music Hall CD25.3 CD Player

Music Hall CD25.3 Compact Disc Player

The Music Hall CD25.3 is a single-disc CD player from Music Hall Audio (Great Neck, New York), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Built around the ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M 32-bit/384kHz DAC and the Sanyo HD850 transport mechanism, the CD25.3 achieves a signal-to-noise ratio of 100dB, dynamic range greater than 95dB, channel separation greater than 80dB at 1kHz, and total harmonic distortion below 0.005% A-weighted — measurements that place it in audiophile territory at its price point. Balanced XLR outputs alongside unbalanced RCA outputs, a coaxial S/PDIF digital output, and a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz +0/-0.5dB make the CD25.3 a capable source component for both analogue and digital signal chains. Browse our full range of CD players at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada.

ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M DAC and Sanyo HD850 Transport

The ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M is a high-performance eight-channel DAC capable of processing up to 32-bit/384kHz signals, selected in the CD25.3 for its extremely low noise floor, excellent dynamic range, and precise stereo channel separation. In the CD25.3's two-channel application, the ES9018K2M operates at the full resolution of the CD standard, delivering a measured SNR of 100dB and channel separation greater than 80dB at 1kHz via both the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs. The Sanyo HD850 is a transport mechanism used across a range of audiophile CD players, chosen for its reliable disc reading performance and low vibration characteristics. The combination of this transport with the ES9018K2M DAC produces the CD25.3's flat frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz +0/-0.5dB and output level of 2.0V at 1kHz.

Balanced XLR Outputs and Digital Connection

The inclusion of balanced XLR stereo outputs in the CD25.3 is unusual at its price point and provides a practical advantage when connecting to amplifiers or preamplifiers with balanced inputs. A balanced connection uses two signal conductors in opposite phase, cancelling common-mode noise picked up by the interconnect cable and resulting in a cleaner signal at the amplifier input compared to an unbalanced RCA connection, particularly over longer cable runs. Both the XLR and RCA outputs operate simultaneously at 2.0V output level, providing flexibility to connect to systems with either input type. The coaxial digital output allows the CD25.3 to function as a transport feeding an external DAC, bypassing the internal ES9018K2M converter entirely and allowing any downstream digital processor to handle conversion.

Key Features

• ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M DAC (32-bit/384kHz): High-performance eight-channel converter operating in two-channel mode for 100dB SNR, greater than 95dB dynamic range, and below 0.005% THD A-weighted from the CD standard.
• Sanyo HD850 Transport Mechanism: Reliable, low-vibration disc transport used in audiophile CD players for consistent disc reading performance and mechanical stability.
• Balanced XLR Stereo Outputs: Differential balanced outputs for connection to amplifiers or preamplifiers with XLR inputs, providing common-mode noise rejection over the interconnect that unbalanced RCA cannot achieve.
• Unbalanced RCA Stereo Outputs: Standard analog RCA outputs at 2.0V output level operating simultaneously with the XLR outputs.
• Coaxial S/PDIF Digital Output (75Ω): Allows the CD25.3 to feed an external DAC directly, bypassing the internal converter for listeners who prefer their own downstream DAC.
• 100dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Low noise floor across the full dynamic range of CD playback for a clean, quiet background in both quiet passages and complex recordings.
• Greater Than 95dB Dynamic Range: High dynamic range preserves fine musical detail and low-level resolution throughout the audible spectrum.
• Greater Than 80dB Channel Separation (1kHz): High stereo separation prevents crosstalk between left and right channels for a clearly defined stereo image.
• THD Below 0.005% A-Weighted: Very low harmonic distortion indicating high circuit linearity and accurate signal reproduction from the CD source.
• Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz +0/-0.5dB: Extremely flat response across the full audible bandwidth with less than half a decibel of rolloff at the frequency limits.
• 2.0V Output Level (1kHz): Standard line-level output compatible with any integrated amplifier or preamplifier line input without level matching concerns.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Music Hall CD25.3?

The Music Hall CD25.3 is a single-disc CD player using the ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M 32-bit DAC and Sanyo HD850 transport, delivering 100dB SNR, greater than 95dB dynamic range, greater than 80dB channel separation at 1kHz, and THD below 0.005% A-weighted. It provides balanced XLR stereo outputs, unbalanced RCA stereo outputs, and a coaxial S/PDIF digital output. Frequency response measures 20Hz to 20kHz +0/-0.5dB with a 2.0V output level at 1kHz. The CD25.3 is available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada.

What is the ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M DAC in the Music Hall CD25.3?

The ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M is a high-performance eight-channel DAC from ESS Technology (San Jose, California), used in the CD25.3 in two-channel stereo mode. It is capable of processing up to 32-bit/384kHz digital audio and is selected in the CD25.3 for its extremely low noise floor, excellent dynamic range, and high channel separation. In CD playback at 44.1kHz/16-bit, the ES9018K2M operates well within its maximum capability, contributing to the CD25.3's measured 100dB SNR and greater than 95dB dynamic range from standard compact disc sources.

Does the Music Hall CD25.3 have balanced XLR outputs?

Yes. The CD25.3 includes a pair of balanced XLR stereo outputs operating simultaneously with the unbalanced RCA outputs at the same 2.0V output level. The balanced XLR connection uses two conductors carrying the signal in opposite phase, which cancels common-mode noise induced in the cable between the source and amplifier. This makes the XLR output advantageous for longer interconnect runs or for systems where the amplifier or preamplifier includes balanced XLR inputs. Balanced XLR outputs are unusual in CD players at the CD25.3's price level and represent a meaningful upgrade over single-ended-only competitors.

Can the Music Hall CD25.3 be used as a CD transport with an external DAC?

Yes. The CD25.3 provides a coaxial S/PDIF digital output at 75 ohms, allowing it to connect directly to any external DAC with a coaxial S/PDIF input. Using the digital output routes the raw 44.1kHz/16-bit bitstream from the Sanyo HD850 transport to the external converter, bypassing the internal ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M DAC entirely. This makes the CD25.3 a flexible source component for listeners who already own a high-specification external DAC or who prefer a different conversion stage for their system.

How does the Music Hall CD25.3 compare to the Yamaha CD-S303 or Cambridge Audio AXC35?

The Music Hall CD25.3 is positioned above the Yamaha CD-S303 and Cambridge Audio AXC35 in both specification and output configuration. The CD25.3's ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M DAC achieves 100dB SNR, compared to 105dB for the CD-S303's 192kHz/24-bit converter and lower published figures for the AXC35. The CD25.3's most significant differentiator from both competitors is its balanced XLR output stage, which neither the CD-S303 nor the AXC35 provides. The CD25.3 and CD-S303 both offer coaxial digital outputs for external DAC use, while the AXC35 provides only optical. For listeners whose amplifier or preamplifier includes balanced XLR inputs, the CD25.3 is the most directly compatible option in this price range.

What amplifier pairs well with the Music Hall CD25.3 in Toronto?

The Music Hall CD25.3 pairs naturally with integrated amplifiers that include balanced XLR inputs to take full advantage of the XLR output stage. At Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada, suitable pairings include integrated amplifiers from Rega, Musical Fidelity, Audiolab, and Yamaha with XLR-equipped line inputs. For amplifiers with only unbalanced RCA inputs, the CD25.3's simultaneous RCA outputs provide direct compatibility without any adapters. Contact Vinyl Sound at 647-977-1100 for system matching advice specific to your listening room and existing equipment.

Where to buy the Music Hall CD25.3 in Toronto, Canada?

The Music Hall CD25.3 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Music Hall Audio dealer in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries Music Hall turntables, CD players, and phono stages and can assist with system pairing and source component selection. Visit vinylsound.ca or contact the store at 647-977-1100 for current availability and demonstration.