From my preliminary
testing, Audio Research's new top of the line vacuum tube CD
Player is possibly the best sounding CD Player available today
at any price. This level of performance from CD is revolutionary
and it's musicality is very analogue sounding. So far is the
harsh CD like sound removed from any digital source I have ever
heard this really sets new limits.
The new 24-bit,
192-kHz chipset is cutting edge and to my knowledge a world
first for a CD Player the power-supply regulation uses a 6550C
vacuum tube!!! This is the same as is used in the Reference 3
Line Stage.
Beautifully designed and
crafted this is my new Reference CD Player of choice.
Can be fully controlled
with basic operations from manual front panel buttons.
Beautiful display is ever
so clear and easy to read in all lighting levels.
Top loading unit with a
well ventilated top panel for heat.
The ARC CD8 uses 3
separate power supplies for total noise isolation and current
control.
Philips PRO2R still the
best dedicated CD mechanism available today.
Philips PRO2R with cover
attached.
Special ARC designed and
developed coupling caps.
Cap storage array -
Nichicon power supply.
Digital output with both
Coax and AES/EBU connectors.
As you would expect,
balanced and single ended outputs.
Heres there the magic
starts,
6H30 vacuum tube output
stage.
Massive over spec primary
power supply.
REFERENCE CD8 Compact Disc Player
We are proud to introduce a model that may be the most musical and
musically accurate single-chassis compact disc player, the Reference
CD8. It replaces a product that was still garnering five-star
reviews three years after its introduction, the esteemed Reference
CD7.
With the advent of the CD5 and DAC7 in 2008, we knew that the DAC
used in our Reference player needed a newer, higher-resolution
version. (The new 24-bit, 192-kHz chipset is not retrofittable to
the CD7.) And, our engineers found a way to physically incorporate
the same power-supply regulation used in the Reference 3, using a
single 6550C to replace two 6H30 triodes, giving better performance
and longer tube life. Other enhancements include our newest output
coupling capacitors and special damping tweaks. The playback
mechanism continues to be the unsurpassed Philips PRO2R still the
best dedicated CD mechanism available.
The REFCD8 also features a new dimmable display, allowing five
levels of illumination or completely off. A small LED indicator
remains lit when the player is on, as a reminder to prevent the
player from being left on inadvertently. In size, input and output
configuration, and in all other operational functions, the REFCD8
is identical to the REFCD7. But there the similarities end.
Sonically, the REFCD8 stands in a class all its own. While retaining
the lush, full embodiment of the CD7 sound, the CD8 adds new
dimensions of transparency. It immediately shows greater transient
speed top-to-bottom, purer resolution of low-level detail and
expanded dynamic contrasts, with more bass slam, definition and
extension. The soundstage is larger and more holographic because of
the heightened ability of the REFCD8 to embody and locate
instruments and voices. Rhythmically, the REFCD8 also picks up the
pace compared to the CD7, with improved timing cues and better
rhythmic interplay. You will find other sonic dimensions to marvel
as you spend time with this enticing player.
Quite simply, the REFCD8 will have you rearranging your compact disc
collection all over again as you rediscover and reprioritize old and
new favorites. It really is the most mesmerizing, musically accurate
CD player we have ever experienced and what better way to bring
enhanced value to a growing, and costly, CD collection!
