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Audio Research CD3 vs Electrocompaniet EMC 1

Both of these players seem to elicit a common theme among many owners & listeners: analog sounding, vinyl like, musically involving. Any definite opinions out there as to which is better, or is it just splitting hairs at this level? Appreciate any comments. (Would be interested in any version of the EMC 1).
kubrickorange
judit
217 posts
 
I own the EMC1 MK2 upgrade. It is musical, without glare, terrific detail and extended bass. A data point you may wish to consider: It is easier to find the EMC1 at a reasonable markdown than the AR CD3, at least when I was shopping.
j_k
234 posts
 
I compared the two when I was in the market and ended up with a CD3.... As the previous poster stated, low chance at finding one under MSRP or used...there is a reason for that - It is a GREAT player...
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
I have not seen an ARC CD3 in the used market since it's release last year. I've listened to one and it sounded nice but would need to take it home and compare it to what I have now before I could make that kind of commitment and even then I would never pay retail. Another near impossible piece to find used is the Theta DaViD II with progressive scan WHAT'S UP!!!
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