Audio Research Ref: CD8

Now it is a good time to get an used CD-7 IMO. S/H prices have dropped to ~$5k, even for low mileage units - I would argue that it would be difficoult to find a better player for the money.

Sure, CD-8 is even better, but twice as expensive.

Hello forum members , which of you CD 8 owners can tell me what DAC is used in your machine , I like to know what is written on the DAC itself.Eq in my CD7 is written on it : CS 4396 KS . Hope anybody can help me
Regards Hans ( The Netherlands )

CD-8 is based on the latest BB PCM1792 chipset.

Does anyone know who makes the otput coupling gold colored caps and is the the back tape on the Nichicon caps for Vibration damping?

Output caps are custom made for ARC. The thick black tape is indeed for vibration damping - the hole player is full of it, not only the caps.