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ARC Ref CD-8 compared to CD-6 and/or Ref CD-9

Looking for comments from members who might have compared the ARC Ref CD-8 to the newly minted CD-6 and/or Ref CD-9, principally focusing on the redbook CDP function.

Based on a conversation with ARC, I understand that the redbook CD playback circuitry in the 3 models is similar, but not exact. Principal differences are upgraded coupling caps and the DAC configuration.

The Ref CD-8 used Burr Brown PCM 1792 chips configured in stereo mode. By contrast, the CD-6 and Ref CD-9 use the BB PCM 1792A, but configured in quad mono mode.

Also, the CD-6 and Ref CD-9 upsample and have fast/slow filter options. The Ref CD-8 does not offer these options.

Obviously, techno-babble aside, what counts most is how the CDPs sound. ARC says the CD-6 and Ref CD-9 have better dynamics and bandwidth, and lower distortion than the Ref CD-8. Not surprisingly, the new issues sound better.

So ... has anyone had a chance to road test the new players. Even better, compare them to the Ref CD-8. If they newest offerings are markedly better, maybe I should put on the bucket list. Oh ... mainly interested in the redbook functionality.

Thanks

BIF
bifwynne
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
I've had the CD-7 since new. I sent it back to the factory for the power supply upgrade when that was first available.  I'm using SR Black fuses and Herbie's tube dampeners in the unit. Doesn't sound "thick" to me by any means. It just plays music. In fact, before the fuse and dampener tweaks I would have never imagined that red book CD's could sound this good. 

Frank
jafant's avatar
jafant
21,611 posts
 
Thanks! for sharing- Frank.
Happy Listening!
solobone22
88 posts
 
@jafant Have you had the chance to hear the CD6 and CD9 back to back?  I'm demoing the CD6 and I'm finding the bass a bit too rounded for my taste.
jafant's avatar
jafant
21,611 posts
 
solobone22

No- I have not had an opportunity to audition the CD6. I believe that there is a CD6 SE model?  My last CD9 demo was in 2015. It is a killer player especially on the used market.

Happy Listening!
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Ok, ... I can answer my own OP from 7 years ago.  Last year, I swapped out my Ref CD-8 for the Ref CD-9SE.  I think the CD-9SE sounds noticeably better than the CD-8, ... but not by a mile.  Yes, there seems to be more detail. Bass is a little tighter.  Soundstage and imaging are better too.  But the CD-8 still does a fine job. 

I think the take-away here is that there is only so much juice that can be squeezed out the redbook CD orange.  That said, I can see at least one possible improvement; namely: the next round of ARC CDPs that comes off the line has a 3-stage audio circuit like the Ref 6SE and the Ref Phono 3SE.  It would also be nice if ARC would build-in a remote on/off button and hour counter on the clicker.  

As to a comparison of the CD-6 to the CD-9, I seem to recall that a reviewer from one of the audio magazines made some comments.  I can't recall the name of the reviewer or the magazine, but I think I picked up the article from one the reviews collected on the ARC website.  Take a look.

BIF
   
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