I currently own both a Ref CD7 with the power supply upgrade and a DAC 8. The rest of my system is also all ARC, LS27 and Ref 110. I purchased the DAC 8 to stream music from a laptop. The DAC 8 is all solid state while the Ref CD7 is tube including the power supply. I have played around with the system in the past and prefer the CD7 to either the CD7 as a transport with the DAC 8, or streaming red book through the DAC 8. One nice thing about the DAC is because it is solid state it can be left on so it does not need to warm up. If it were me I would look for either a used Ref CD7 with power supply upgrade or if possible a CD8. If you also want to stream music then you might want to still consider the DAC 8.
ARC CD 3 mk II upgrade with DAC 8
My current gear is all ARC which includes a REF 3, CD 3 MK II and REF 75. In the continuation of ongoing improvements, I consider my digital source as the next component for upgrade. I have been considering the CD 6 or a used CD 7. Recently a friend purchased a CD 9 and has offered me his DAC 8 at a very reasonable price. Using my existing CD 3 as a transport in conjunction with the DAC 8 is an option. Any recommendations or thoughts on this would be appreciated. thanks
- ...
- 9 posts total
I currently own both a Ref CD7 with the power supply upgrade and a DAC 8. The rest of my system is also all ARC, LS27 and Ref 110. I purchased the DAC 8 to stream music from a laptop. The DAC 8 is all solid state while the Ref CD7 is tube including the power supply. I have played around with the system in the past and prefer the CD7 to either the CD7 as a transport with the DAC 8, or streaming red book through the DAC 8. One nice thing about the DAC is because it is solid state it can be left on so it does not need to warm up. If it were me I would look for either a used Ref CD7 with power supply upgrade or if possible a CD8. If you also want to stream music then you might want to still consider the DAC 8. |
Supermodified - Congrats on the DAC8. I think you got a fantastic deal on it. I acquired a DAC8 to use with my existing transport and also to allow for Computer Audio / Hi Rez files. In the end I made the decision to go for the approach that didn't make changes to the actual files/cd's we purchase and plays them in their native format. A key part for me is explained in the DAC8 manual re: Audio Device Software Drivers: "The DAC8Âs USB driver software provides your computer with special high speed audio drivers not supplied by MS Windows or Mac OS. The ARC USB drivers are specially designed to assure low jitter BIT PERFECT data transfer between the server/computer and the DAC8 at all sample rates. Our drivers setup the USB interface to guarantee bandwidth, independent of active bulk transfers from the hard drive." Also a very good read document IMO on the engineering behind the DAC8 From a pure DAC performance perspective from ARC. The ARC DAC8 is identical to the current ARC REF DAC except for a tube output stage. Hello Chris, Am very happy I brought this DAC in. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Happy listening. Chris |
Currently I am building as small dedicated listening room (9' ceilings, 14' x 16') hence the reason I felt that the REF 75 should be more than sufficient. As I have a couple of weeks before completed, the REF 75 is unopened new in the box. can't wait to get my gear reconnected. Previously I was using a Pass x250.5 but have longed to get back to a full tube front end. I have decided to make the move to the DAC 8. thanks again for feedback. |
- 9 posts total