My front end is all ARC too.
The CD-3 uses the Phillips Pro 2 transport, which is used in the CD-5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 models. I own the CD-8, which is a very nice unit. I previoulsy owned the CD-7, which is very similar to the CD-8, except that the CD-8 uses a Burr Brown 1792 PCM D/A chip. I think the CD-8 sounds better than the CD-7.
The DAC 8 has a similar DAC topology as the ones used in the current CD-6 and CD-9. I believe Burr Brown 1795 PCM chipsets used in quad mono mode. I think you would do quite well using the CD-3 as a transport and the DAC 8 as the DAC ... if the price is right. I think I've seen some preowned DAC 8's being offered for sale on A'gon for $2K+, but I coul be wrong. I also suggest that you use balanced I/Cs between the DAC 8 and the Ref 3.
Btw, I use to own the Ref 3 before moving on to the Ref 5. I think the Ref 3 is a classic linestage that is a tough act to beat.
I also own the Ref 150 amp, the bigger brother of the Ref 75. Your amp is another classic.
I think you have an A++ system.
Cheers,
BIF
P.S. what brand speakers are you using?
The CD-3 uses the Phillips Pro 2 transport, which is used in the CD-5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 models. I own the CD-8, which is a very nice unit. I previoulsy owned the CD-7, which is very similar to the CD-8, except that the CD-8 uses a Burr Brown 1792 PCM D/A chip. I think the CD-8 sounds better than the CD-7.
The DAC 8 has a similar DAC topology as the ones used in the current CD-6 and CD-9. I believe Burr Brown 1795 PCM chipsets used in quad mono mode. I think you would do quite well using the CD-3 as a transport and the DAC 8 as the DAC ... if the price is right. I think I've seen some preowned DAC 8's being offered for sale on A'gon for $2K+, but I coul be wrong. I also suggest that you use balanced I/Cs between the DAC 8 and the Ref 3.
Btw, I use to own the Ref 3 before moving on to the Ref 5. I think the Ref 3 is a classic linestage that is a tough act to beat.
I also own the Ref 150 amp, the bigger brother of the Ref 75. Your amp is another classic.
I think you have an A++ system.
Cheers,
BIF
P.S. what brand speakers are you using?