2. digital
  3. 161740-509

Need really simple advice. How do I use the DAC side of my ARC Ref CD-9SE to stream music?

Ok, ... I just bought an ARC Ref CD-9SE redbook CD player, which has its own built-in DAC functionality.  The CD-9 DAC does not have DSD capability.  The ARC website describes the CD-9's capability in part as follow:

The Reference CD9SE incorporates four digital inputs: USB 2.0HS, AES/EBU, RCA, and Toslink. All inputs handle 24 bit / 192k resolution. The Reference CD9SE retains the Philips PRO2R transport, still the best dedicated CD mechanism that is simply unsurpassed for compact disc playback. Benefitting from what we have learned in the development of the Reference DAC, the REF CD9 utilizes quad 24-bit DACs running in mono mode, with dual master oscillators; one for 44.1/88.2/176.4 sample rates, the other for 48/96/192kHz sample rates. Sample rate conversion is selectable for all inputs, allowing playback in native resolution or via upsampling, including compact disc and all inputs, including USB. Additionally, there is a selectable digital filter, with either fast or slow rolloff. 

I have no idea what any of the glarff quoted above means.  So, ... my simple minded understanding is that I need to sign up for a streaming service, ...  like Spotify, Tidal or something off Amazon.  The CD-9 is very close to an ethernet cable, so that is a good fact.  I assume that I will need a streamer like, Lumin or some other brand that I do not know a thing about, plus some interconnects and maybe a USB cord.  If I need a computer, ... I have a regular PC which has an Intel Core i7 CPU and a solid state hard drive.

So, ... in simple baby talk, how can I stream music from the internet into my CD-9 DAC and then into my ARC Ref 6SE linestage?  Please, please, ... keep it really simple.   

Thanks

bifwynne

Showing 1 response by hdm

hdm
1,055 posts
 
I find upsampling to have exactly the same effect in my system. It 
imparts a brighter, thinner & seemingly more detailed presentation but I really don't like it. With critical listening the "detail" and "sense of air" is actually false IMO, and more based on distortions and increased noise than anything else. 

Upsample even more, say to 384K, and it becomes even stranger. 

I think you should be sampling at the original bit/sampling rate, nothing more, nothing less. 
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