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ARC Ref CD-8 Compared to ARC Ref CD-9 or CD-6??

I'm reposting this quesrion.

The ARC Ref CD-9 has been out for a while. At the moment, I am playing only redbook CD on my ARC Ref CD-8.

Has anyone out there had a chance to compares the Ref CD-8 with either the ARC Ref CD-9 or the recently released CD-6?

I understand that CD-6 shares a very similar circuit topology with the CD-9. The latter uses tubes in the power supply (6550 and 6H30) and output circuits (four 6H30s).
bifwynne
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Would sure appreciate some thought on this subject. Thnx
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,669 posts
 
Bifwynne-

basically the CD8 and CD9 are the same player. What you will gain w/ the CD9 is that killer DAC (much like the DAC8) offered by ARC. Said DAC is for computer audio applications.
I spent some time w/ the CD9 last year during my business travels. Every set-up had a Mac Book connected to the system.
Happy Listening.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Thanks Jafant ... still thinking about dipping a toe into computer/digital world, but so far, I'm holding with redbook CDs and vinyl for source.

So ... have you had the chance to compare just the redbook CD function of the CD-8 and CD-9. Is there much sonic difference?

I seem to recall that Kal once said that the CD-9 redbook function uses upsampling features and it doesn't have a 20K Hz brickwall filter. Therefore, slightly better sound; more dynamic.

Well that may be. But let me tell you about my PH-7 phono pre experience. I switched out my PH-7 for the PH-8. To this day, I still can't tell the difference.
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