About Audio Research CD7


"Does the ARC have any flaws? Yes, there are two. They are subtle and not obtrusive but they do exist. The first is a lack of midbass power, weight and body. Drums do not have the impact they could nor does double bass and cello possess the growl they should. The other is a slight leaning out of the harmonics in the upper midrange accompanied by a slight tendency towards stridency in this range." This is from Arthur Salvatore's webpage high-end critique.
I'd like to ask you to comment; does the CD7 has the same traditional sound of ARC as described above?
Thank you,
Nikos.
128x128apopira2
Reading the "review" it's obvious that Arthur loved the CD7. The points he made were small ones. No player is perfect. I have not seen a review of the CD7 that is more positive. He gave it an A+. I own the CD7 and from my perspective it's pretty darn good for the price.
To Branimir:

Have you compared the CD7 to the Burmester 069? The 069 is not in the reference line of Burmester. I'm very much interested in your comments on this comparison.
Apopira2,

Burmester 069 in new Reference CD Player. Replacement for 970/969 combo. 069 cost in EU 34K Euro.

I did not hear it in the same system with REF CD7 but, 069 demo was pretty amazing...

But, I did compare REF CD7 with Esoteric X-01 D2 and Esoteric is more powerfull in bass with more tightness and definition. It is not that much colder in sonic signature then REF CD7 but, much more powerfull sounding overall...
I prefered X-01 D2 in multibit BB mode.
Bradimir,

Okey, it's my mistake, I confused it with the Burmester 061. Have you ever heard the Burmester 001?
Burmester 001 is pretty close in overall sound to ARC REF CD7. Powerfull overall sound with good midrange presence and sweet yet detailed highs. REF CD7 is little bit more organic but, both are very good to my ears.

Try to audition both in your own system if possible.