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  1. #1

    Ref CD 8 vs Ref CD 9 or CD 9SE

    I own the Ref CD 8, which I use to play redbook CDs. Been thinking about picking up a used Ref CD 9 or perhaps a new CD 6SE toget into streaming. Has anyone critically compared just the redbook function of the CD 8 to the Ref CD 9 or CD 6SE.

    I ask because I have been thinking about getting into streaming music for some time now, but if I get cold feet I would like to know if the jump to the Ref CD 9 or CD 6SE is worth it just for the redbook playback function. I have read elsewhere that some folks believe the redbook playback improvement is not all that significant.

    Thanks for the comments.

    BIF
    System description: VPI Classic "2.7" (basic Classic turntable plinth, with Classic 3 tone arm base and SS wand; upgraded stock Classic 600 rpm motor for 300 rpm motor); Lyra Kleos cartridge; VPI periphery ring and SS clamp; 35 pound maple TT slab base; ARC phono 3SE ; ARC Ref 6SE linestage; ARC Ref CD-9SE CD player; ARC Ref 150 SE power amp; Paradigm Signature 8 (v3)speakers w/ BE dome tweeters; Kimber Hero I/Cs; Kimber speaker cables.

  2. #2
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    Re: Ref CD 8 vs Ref CD 9 or CD 9SE

    BIF - Any reason why you are only considering ARC CD players? I have own quite a few ARC pieces and continue to like their house sound. The ARC CD players do not do DSD nor MQA; is that not important to you?
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
    Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
    Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
    Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
    Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
    ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

  3. #3

    Re: Ref CD 8 vs Ref CD 9 or CD 9SE

    Quote Originally Posted by Ritmo View Post
    BIF - Any reason why you are only considering ARC CD players? I have own quite a few ARC pieces and continue to like their house sound. The ARC CD players do not do DSD nor MQA; is that not important to you?
    Ritmo, I happen to love my ARC gear. That is why I am asking about the CD 9 and CD 6SE.

    Admittedly, becasue I am a baby boomer, I do not know what DSD or MQA is. I thought the digital inputs on the CD 9 and CD 6SE would permit me to stream high quality music from one of the better source websites. I realize that I will still need a streamer, but as stated I do not know what DSD or MQA is all about.

    Care to educate me?

    Btw, do you have any insights to my original question about whether the redbook quality of the CD 9 and/or CD 6SE is all that much better than the CD 8.

    Thanks

    BIF
    System description: VPI Classic "2.7" (basic Classic turntable plinth, with Classic 3 tone arm base and SS wand; upgraded stock Classic 600 rpm motor for 300 rpm motor); Lyra Kleos cartridge; VPI periphery ring and SS clamp; 35 pound maple TT slab base; ARC phono 3SE ; ARC Ref 6SE linestage; ARC Ref CD-9SE CD player; ARC Ref 150 SE power amp; Paradigm Signature 8 (v3)speakers w/ BE dome tweeters; Kimber Hero I/Cs; Kimber speaker cables.

  4. #4
    Senior Member
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    Re: Ref CD 8 vs Ref CD 9 or CD 9SE

    Based on this announcement it appears that the changes to the models centered around updated cosmetics to match the current line and an upgraded USB board. No mention of enhancements to the CD drive unit itself.

    https://hometheaterreview.com/audio-...transportdacs/.

    If you're happy with your current unit I would keep it and concentrate on a streamer like the Lumin X1 in that price range or a T2 for a lot less.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  5. #5
    Senior Member
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    Re: Ref CD 8 vs Ref CD 9 or CD 9SE

    BIF -

    Having owned an ARC DAC a few years ago, I can tell you that there are better digital alternatives than ARC. I’ve listened to a presentation made by ARC on their SE updates and there are no meaningful technical updates to their players.

    The ARC CD/DACs are limited in their ability to play recording up to 192. There are wonderful recordings in high resolution that you would not be able to enjoy.

    I’m a baby boomer as well. A couple of years ago I “ripped” my entire CD collection of over 1500 titles. While I still have a CD/SACD player (Esoteric), most of my digital music listening is via a server (Lumin X1). It sounds terrific, super easy to setup and use and has the capability to play lots of formats (redbook, DSD, MQA) and provide access to Roon and Qobuz (millions of songs at my finger tips).

    By the way, nothing wrong with the ARC players. But, if you are going to make a significant investment, I would suggest to at least examine the possibilities.

    Best of luck and enjoy the music!
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
    Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
    Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
    Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
    Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
    ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

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Ref CD 8 vs Ref CD 9 or CD 9SE

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