CD-303/300

About the CD-303/300

The Cary Audio Design CD 303/300 is a premium single-box CD player designed for audiophiles seeking high fidelity and flexibility. It supports CD, CD-R, and CD-RW formats and features a 3-beam CD/DVD ROM transport. The player offers selectable tube (using 12AU7 dual-triode tubes) and solid-state analog output stages, which can be switched via front panel or remote control. It includes dual Burr Brown PCM1792u 24-bit DAC chips in a fully balanced configuration and supports upsampling at 44.1, 96, 192, 384, 512, or 768 kHz sample rates. The player is HDCD compatible and uses Cary's proprietary DSP-300 digital filter module. It provides comprehensive output options including balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analog outputs, as well as balanced XLR, coaxial RCA, and TosLink digital outputs. Additional features include a variable analog volume control, adjustable metal cone feet, a bubble level on the chassis top, dimmer control for the display, and an RS-232 port for custom installation systems. The chassis is solid and substantial, measuring 18" W x 15" D x 4" H and weighing 38 lbs. The player is well-regarded for its neutrality and sound quality, with the ability to tailor sound via output stage and upsampling settings to suit different music styles.