Ref CD 8 vs Ref CD 9 or CD 9SE

B

Bifwynne

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Sep 26, 2015
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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
 
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 said:
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?
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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
 
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!
 
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