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Audio Research Reference CD-7

Audio Research has introduced Reference CD-7 tube cd player($8995). Did somebody had a chance to audition it? Opinions?
branimir
jdorp
2 posts
 
Last month I decided to buy a US$6.000,00 (RB) CD PLAYER to replace my GAMUT CD-1. This was my $$$ limit. Nevertheless, it took me a 15 minutes audition to the REF-CD7 to make me double the investment... and i bougth it. Am i happy? You can bet. Regrets? None.
Good Luck!
João - Brazil
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
I have about 300 hours on my CD-7 now. To me, it sounds like listening to an ultra high end turntable and cartridge. This was a wonderful upgrade from my CD3 MK 2. Voice, piano, strings, guitar, horns all sound very natural and involving. Quite honestly, I would never have believed that digital could sound so natural. I'm still not ready to dump my several thousand record collection yet though. The CD-7 has proven to me that BOTH mediums can be truely great.
dazzdax
599 posts
 
This is a bit off topic, but I feel I have to comment on the following: I think the looks of the CD-7 is boring, cheapish, in short: it sucks. It doesn't have the looks of a CDP but one of an traditional ARC preamp or poweramp. Why didn't ARC design a CDP which doesn't share the similar looks of their pre- and poweramps? This is design for the sake of design itself and not in service of functionality.

Chris
branimir OP
236 posts
 
Chris,
I agree with you to some degree...
But, ARC REF CD7 is together with REF3 the best ARC component in last ten years IMHO. REF CD7 is wonderfully music Cd player and is a natural choice is all ARC system.
BTW, I changed my REF210 to HD220. To my ears HD220 is better... But, this is topic for another thread.
sprbggr
32 posts
 
I just received my Audio Research CD7. Out of the box it sounded already fantastic but now after 2 days of playing the sound even improved more. So holographic, musical and fun to listen. The details are also very good on this player.

I compared side by side with the Wadia 581 and I prefererred the CD7. Two of my friends prefer also the CD7 and another one prefers the Wadia.

Try before you buy. It must match the set. But in my set the matching is wonderful and I am a very happy owner now.

In this price range I think the ARC is the best. If cost is no object than the DCS Scarlati is still better. I heard this one besides the Wadia and it totaly smashed the Wadia.

Peter
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