Audio Research Reference CD-7

No, but way to rip off Marantz whose reference player is the CD-7. AR is a great company but how about some originality.

I think Jond's response is a bit harsh here. I would not say that "CD-7" is very original whether company A is first to use it or not. I am surprised that ARC did not name this product the CD7 to be more inline with it's CD#, LS#, PH#, D#, V#, VT#, etc., model designations. Other than the MK II or III and Reference designations, the product line has always been straight forward.

Um, it's a number. I'm really sure they said, "Hey, what can we do to be more like Marantz?"

I think ARC used Reference CD-7 name because there is seven 6H30 triodes inside( more on www.arcdb.ws ). But, i agree name is not very original...
Since it is using many things from REF3 preamp i am very interested to audition it as soon as it gets in my hands.

I have the ARC Ref3 preamp and IMO it is one of the best preamps available

For this CD7 to have much of the Ref3 technology will stand it in good stead.

I spoke to Marc Mickelson, Editor for http://www.soundstage.com and he heard the CD7 at CEDIA with their new Refernce 210T. Marc thought the sound was terrific.

Here is a look at my system with the Ref3

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vaslt&1049587927&openmine&zzOneobgyn&4&5#Oneobgyn