ARC Ref CD-8 compared to CD-6 and/or Ref CD-9


Looking for comments from members who might have compared the ARC Ref CD-8 to the newly minted CD-6 and/or Ref CD-9, principally focusing on the redbook CDP function.

Based on a conversation with ARC, I understand that the redbook CD playback circuitry in the 3 models is similar, but not exact. Principal differences are upgraded coupling caps and the DAC configuration.

The Ref CD-8 used Burr Brown PCM 1792 chips configured in stereo mode. By contrast, the CD-6 and Ref CD-9 use the BB PCM 1792A, but configured in quad mono mode.

Also, the CD-6 and Ref CD-9 upsample and have fast/slow filter options. The Ref CD-8 does not offer these options.

Obviously, techno-babble aside, what counts most is how the CDPs sound. ARC says the CD-6 and Ref CD-9 have better dynamics and bandwidth, and lower distortion than the Ref CD-8. Not surprisingly, the new issues sound better.

So ... has anyone had a chance to road test the new players. Even better, compare them to the Ref CD-8. If they newest offerings are markedly better, maybe I should put on the bucket list. Oh ... mainly interested in the redbook functionality.

Thanks

BIF
bifwynne
Yes BIF. In the CD9 one is paying for a DAC (first) and CD transport (second). Nothing wrong w/ this, as many competitors are building the very same.

If you like tubes, buy a CD7 used and spend the leftover $$$$ elsewhere.
Thanks Jafant, but I already owned the CD-7 and traded up to the CD-8. IMO, the CD-8 sounds better than the CD-7, probably because the CD-8 uses the newer Burr Brown 1796 PCM DAC. The CD-6 and CD-9 use a later version of the BB DAC ... the BB 1796A PCM and use it in some type of quad mono configuration, probably to handle the DAC side of the house.

As I mentioned above, I surmise that the bottleneck is NOT my CDP; instead it's the fair to poor quality of CDs. Sad irony is that many folks are bailing on redbook CD in favor of other digital media sources for the wrong reasons.

IMO, if folks are moving in another direction because of convenience ... that's ok by me. Who am I say say no.

But .. if folks are moving on because redbook CD is obsolete and just doesn't sound that good, there I take some exception. I don't think the problem is the technology. Instead, as stated above, it's fair to poor redbook CD recordings.

I've recently picked up some "Gold" quality hi-rez CDs -- WOW!! Buckle up and prepare to be impressed.
Many Thanks! BIF.

I, too, like gold CDs and SACDs. I have never had the opportunity to demo a CD8? I would like to someday. The ARC dealer network always updates to the latest + greatest, example the CD9.

Keep me posted on which way you go.
Bifwynne - I'm just curious in what ways you found the CD8 superior to the CD7. I currently own the CD7 and have debated whether to upgrade to a CD8 (used one, of course). I have not been able to audition a CD8 but I see them for sale at prices that are starting to become tempting. The CD7 is wonderful in many ways but I have my own thoughts on how it could be improved. The rest of my electronics are all ARC.
As I said, I used to own the CD-7. Compared to the CD-8, I found the CD-7's sonic presentation to be a touch dark; almost thick. IMO, I think imaging is a bit better with the CD-8. Also, better dynamics, drum hits and so forth.

The two main differences between the 7 and 8 are power supply and DAC. The CD-7's PS was modified by removing 2 6H30s and replacing with a single 5881. Honestly, I don't know if the 5881 sounds the same as a 6550, but it is a difference.

The other difference is that the CD-8 uses a BB DAC. The CD-7 used another brand, the name of which escapes me.

Hey look .. the CD-7 is a fine player. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

Bruce