2014 CES News: ARC Showcases New CD-6

My two cents. I also have a CD8 and 5SE combo and for redbook there isn't anything better unless one gets into exotic separates. If it were me and I was set on getting into digital while retaining redbook CD quality playback I'd add a high quality DAC w/ all the digital features and retain the CD8 in its unmolested status into the 5SE. Doesn't have to be ARC either. I would not give up the tube front end of the CD8 for my CDs.

Djcxxx, thanks for the comments. Do you think the redbook CD "side of the house" in the Ref CD-9 is basically the same CDP as the Ref CD-8? Ever get a chance to check out the CD-9?

Djcxxx, unless you or someone else could persuasively convince me that the CD-9 was "in another league" compared to the CD-8 as regards redbook CD, I'd probably try to pick up an ARC DAC 8 if I wanted to try other digital sources. Otherwise, I think your comment about the CD-8 sounds spot on.

Yes I do think the CD9 a CD8 w/ enhanced digital capacities. I did not think the CD9 was sonically in another league, but it could be argued the CD9 had only a couple of hundred hours on the clock. But I think you get my drift about keeping the CD8 for redbook and expanding digital capabilities w/ a separate component that could be purchased for far less than ARC sells its gear. What makes the CD8 sonically special is the tube analog stage, the digital section is excellent but others do it arguably as well for less money. Personally I think ARC has reached the end of the their line w/ the CD8 and rebook playback.

Thanks Djxxx. You may be right about the CD-8. Seems like you think the CD-9 isn't substanatively moving the goal post very much by way of redbook CD playback quality. Ok ... that's cool. If I get the itch, one day I'll try and pick up a pre-owned DAC 8.

But I'll tell you what hasn't reached the end of the line. IMO, it's the quality of redbook CD discs. I've been checking out "Gold" quality HDCD lately. I think this level of redbook CP *is* in another league and that it's a darn shame that folks don't appreciate that fact. I just posted on another thread that I picked up some Mofi reissues of the 80s group, the Cars. I found the CDs to be musically very satisfying and enjoyable. We music lovers ought to be more demanding.

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I would not give up the tube front end of the CD8 for my CDs.

Djcxxx, I have a Ref3 CD7 combo, and I agree with the above.
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