Contact Customer Support The REF CD9 SE incorporates four digital inputs: USB 2.0HS, AES/EBU, RCA, and Toslink. The main changes centre on a redesigned front panel, which now mirrors those on Audio Research’s newest products, and an upgrade to the USB circuitry. Springsteen’s voice comes through with grit and passion intact. Once we start using the CD9 SE, we’re reminded how nice a top-loading CD player is to operate. It’s time to hear your music in High Definition. Single owner. It simply lets the listener concentrate on the music rather than introducing anomalies that ultimately prove fatiguing over the long run. The REF CD9SE retains the Philips PRO2R transport, still the best dedicated CD mechanism that is simply unsurpassed for compact disc playback. The only thing I wanted from my system during the Audio Research DAC 9's residency, was more music. Benefitting from what they 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. We’re not sure there will be many people who buy a player like this and then connect it to an outboard DAC. Audio Research CD5 CD Player Price: $5995 USD. Today, Audio Research remains a performance-oriented company by philosophy and design. In it we find everything this Plymouth-based manufacturer has been known for all along. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! Thank you for signing up to What Hi-Fi?. Privacy Statement Sonically, the Reference CD9 SE is in a new class, combining the magical musicality of tubes with remarkable transparency and aliveness. Audio Research introduced its first Reference series CD player in 2005 with the Reference CD7, then evolving into the Reference CD8. What Hi-Fi? We all know about the crazy state-of-the-art DACs out there which cost as much as a new BMW. The Audio Research Reference 80S is now available in black or silver, priced £14,998. Please refresh the page and try again. For over 40 years, Audio Research has remained a performance-oriented company by philosophy and design, with HIGH DEFINITION as the hallmark of the company’s products. The original was always considered a cutting edge machine, and the market is a mature one that doesn’t move on in leaps and bounds every year. The addition of the esteemed 'SE' suffix on this occasion, however, does not signal as radical a change as seen, for example, in the move from the … Is there still a place for a truly high-end CD player this far into the age of streaming? The original Reference CD9 was introduced back in 2013, and quickly built a solid reputation as one of the best players around. Reference CD9 SE Audio Research. There’s natural warmth here and the kind of dynamic nuance that only the best hi-fi manages to convey. If you’re after a one-box solution, we haven’t come across an alternative that works as convincingly. If you have the option, it’s worth trying both to see which one sounds better in your set-up. Those expecting a valve-based CD player to sound soft and lush are in for a real shock. Audio Research REF CD9 SE. Product Information: Product - Audio Research DAC 9 ($7,500) Product Page - Link; User Manual - Link Where To Buy (CA Supporter): The unit should never be transported with the valves fitted. Given the price point, Audio Research has few excuses for excluding it. Nothing else seems to have been touched, though that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It certainly sounds a touch bolder and clearer in our experience. It’s this stability and control that makes listening to this player so easy. Benefitting from what Audio Research has learned in the development of the REF DAC and CD9, the CD6 utilizes quad 24-bit DACs running in mono mode, with dual master oscillators for highest performance; one for 44.1/88.2/176.4 sample rates, the other for 48/96/192kHz sample rates. Visit our corporate site. Super High Resolution DAC; Natural or Black Finish; Audio Research introduced its first Reference series CD player in 2005 with the Reference CD7, then evolving into the Reference CD8 in 2008. People still want to play their CDs, but they also want to add other digital sources such as computer audio and streaming to their music systems. Instruments are precisely placed and remain focused no matter how complex the piece gets. Despite our criticisms of some aspects of finish, there’s no denying that the CD9 SE is an excellent player. This product is unavailable for online purchase. There are players that sound shrill with the strings on this recording, but through the CD9 SE we get all the natural bite without added harshness. It has its weaknesses and a clearly programmed own sound but what it does well it does brilliantly. It has never been moved and has been used in a smoke free environment. We start by trying the CD9’s various filter and up-sampling options. If you like to think of your hi-fi as a functional tool, rather than a piece of luxury electronics, you’ll find much to like here. We switch to Bruce Springsteen’s High Hopes set and the Audio Research continues to impress. For those familiar with Audio Research CD players, the Reference CD9 is the same as the CD8 (released in 2010 at a price of $9995), except for its digital inputs, the selectable filters and upsampling options, and the circuitry that facilitates them: the four DACs (vs the CD8's two), the two master oscillators ( vs the CD8's one), the greater bandwidth of the analog circuitry, and the sample … Bath The CD6 stirs up memories of the CD9, arguably one of the finest-sounding CD players there is Producing a solid-state version of a valve CD player is nothing new for the Minnesota-based company, although, for many, ‘Audio Research’ means valves. Either way, listening fatigue didn't even enter my mind. So, it comes as some surprise that the CD9 doesn’t play that game. Benefitting from what Audio Research has learned in the development of the Reference DAC and CD9, the CD6SE utilizes quad 24-bit DACs running in mono mode, with dual master oscillators for highest performance; one for 44.1/88.2/176.4 sample rates, the other for 48/96/192kHz sample rates. Audio Research Reference CD9 Compact Disc Player/DAC The Reference CD9 is a super high-resolution compact disc player with a super high-resolution digital-to-analog converter to play CDs and other digital sources with greater dynamic range. Excellent overall condition. Natural silver or … Valve life is quoted at a pretty standard 4000 hours for the 6H30s and around 2000 hours for the 6550WE. There’s no denying that the CD9 SE feels solid and will last. We use Gamut’s D3i/D200i pre/power driving a pair of Audiovector’s R1 Arreté speakers, as well as a Nagra PL-P feeding Audio-Technica’s Kokutan and Grado’s GS1000es headphones. But, for those that want to, there are digital outs in both BNC (coax) and AES/EBU form. This player also has a choice of digital inputs – USB, co-ax, optical and AES/EBU are all on the menu. You’ll also have to leave plenty of space around the player for ventilation. Overview + + + + + + Audio Research introduced its first Reference series CD player in 2005 with the Reference CD7, then evolving into the Reference CD8. Audio Research Corporation 3900 Annapolis Lane North Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Phone: (763) 577-9700 Fax: (763) 577-0323. ARC-CD9.jpg We stay as traditional as ever. sure, at more than twice the price, the CD9 will sound better than the CD5. An Apple MacBook Pro loaded with Audirvana music-playing software and Cyrus’s Signature CD transport are on hand to test the digital inputs. Plus there’s this little tidbit: I don’t know if I’ve heard a better sounding one-box CD player than the Audio Research CD6 SE, especially with “lowly” redbook CDs. If you do not need a killer DAC, go for a CD5 or CD7- that is the better money spent. We’re used to premium DACs handling pretty much every music file format and resolution. An awesome combination. They've taken a Philips Pro-2 transport and attached it with isolation pads to a machined aluminum I-beam which in turn is bolted to a machined aluminum bottom plate. Audio Research Corporation 3900 Annapolis Lane North Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 (763) 577-9700 www.audioresearch.com The player’s innate refinement means that it works well across a wide range of recordings. We think not. At 13.5cm tall, it’s pretty big and weighs in at a hefty 15kg. Warranty: Three years parts and labor. Return Policy It gives a full dose of the insight and expression we hear from CD, even if ultimately our laptop isn’t as good a source (even with hi-res files) as the internal disc drive. My Account. Audio Research introduced its first Reference series CD player in 2005 with the Reference CD7, then evolving into the Reference CD8 in 2008. It renders a believable acoustic, delivering enough spatial information to make it easy to guess at the size of the recording venue and the musicians’ placement within it. We have no such complaints when it comes to sound quality. Don’t forget to put the magnetic puck in place after putting the disc on the motor spindle, otherwise all you’ll hear is the screech of polycarbonate on metal as it slips. © 110W in 8 ohms per side. It helps that the tonal balance is nicely judged. Apparently so, as the original REF CD9 [HFN May '13] remains popular enough to warrant an update. If it’s as capable as the CD9 SE then the answer has to be ‘yes’. Like other Reference products, the analog section is vacuum-tube, with four 6H30 dual-triodes, and there is vacuum-tube power-supply regulation featuring a 6550WE with a 6H30. The unit was professionally … But, considering the superb standards of finish routinely available at this level, we want better. But at least the CD6 can be sited in a cabinet or other enclosure with doors, whereas the REF9 CD player/DAC [HFN May ’13] needs ventilation. Even Audio Research offers a more expensive tubed player, the Reference CD9 SE, which costs $15,000. There’s plenty of drive and power in tracks such as the reworked The Ghost Of Tom Joad. Audio Research introduced its first Reference series CD player in 2005 with the Reference CD7, then evolving into the Reference CD8 in 2008. I used it for a while on Magnepan MGII (brutal to power) and it made them sound great. We’re pleased with the attack of the electric guitars and the way the player drives the song with such enthusiasm. Audio Research products have almost prided themselves on having the look and feel of laboratory equipment and this CD player is no different. Audio Research also makes a model called the CD6 SE. Best B&O speakers 2021: portable, hi-fi and wireless, Best Apple iPod alternatives 2021: budget and premium, Best waterproof speakers 2021: budget, portable, smart. Validated for WB. The CD8 is a fully balanced design and features the same power supply regulation used in the Reference 3 and a … That reworked USB sounds excellent. It’s important to recognise that this is never a make-or-break thing, and there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer. Audio Research is showing their new replacement for the CD7, the Reference CD8 CD player shipping now at $9,995. Additionally, there is a selectable digital filter, with either fast or slow rolloff. We’re pleased to report that we don’t notice any great discrepancy between the inputs. This thing runs hot. Benefitting from what Audio Research has learned in the development of the Reference DAC and CD9, the CD6SE utilizes quad 24-bit DACs running in mono mode, with dual master oscillators for highest performance; one for 44.1/88.2/176.4 sample rates, the other for 48/96/192kHz sample rates. Moving to analogue, the CD9 SE has the standard pairing of balanced XLR and single-ended RCA. This is a wonderfully fluid, refined and natural-sounding performer. The Audio Research under review may indeed be something like it. BA1 1UA. ARC CD transport/player Reference CD-9. Full kit included. It combines the best of both, a super high-resolution compact disc player with a super high-resolution digital-to-analog converter that is stunning in its musicality. CD9 antibody LS-C372680 is an unconjugated rabbit polyclonal antibody to human CD9 (aa112-195). We play Arvo Part’s Tabula Rasa set and are stunned by the CD9’s ability to render space and scale. The front panel has the familiar, dimmable CD display on the left side. The decision comes down to system, recording and taste, with our preference swinging between ‘Fast’ with upsampling and ‘Slow’ without. I would be interested in the newer CD6- it is priced way too high at $8K retail. For the tube nerds out there, you’ll find four of the five 6H30s in the output stage with the fifth one working in tandem with a 6550WE in the power supply. ... nothing is for free and that’s the price we here pay for how absolutely the Reference CD9 distances itself from the digital realm. Both players received critical acclaim for their accuracy and naturalness. Both players received critical acclaim for their accuracy and naturalness. Remove the top panel – it’s held on by cross-headed screws – and push the valves carefully into place. Rhythm, pace and timing are better than ever, something you must hear to appreciate. MORE: Read our 2020 Audio Research Reference CD9 SE CD player review Three years later came the Ref CD8 and in 2013 the Ref CD9, subject of today's review. Both players met with critical acclaim for their musicality and reproductive accuracy. Audio Research was founded by William Z. Johnson, whose efforts almost single-handedly revived vacuum-tube designs. Website: www.audioresearch.com Few people will have PCM files beyond the CD9’s capabilities, but we can imagine some purists missing DSD playback. On the right side there are LEDs to indicate sampling rate, input selection, filter and power. In the high price segment, dealers stock Audio Research, and at a lower price point lines like PrimaLuna are popular. So, to return to our original question, is there still a place for a truly high-end CD player? Shipping Information MacOS, Windows, Linux compatibility for USB 2.0 digital audio input The CD6SE will retail for $10,000 USD and the REFCD9SE will retail for $15,000 USD. Most recently used them with my Vanersteen 2Ce Signatures. Both the valves and locations are clearly marked so it’s hard to get it wrong. How much this matters is open to debate. With its top-loading design, valve-powered output stage and hefty £15k price tag, the Reference CD9 SE is quite some statement. Both players received critical acclaim for their accuracy and naturalness. Price: $9995 Warranty: Two years parts and labor. The company has grown steadily … Audio Research’s CD9 SE is a strong high-end choice for those who still love the humble compact disc. Audio Research certainly seems to thinks so. Sliding back the aluminium CD door reveals a Philips Pro2R CD transport mechanism, which Audio Research still considers the best dedicated option available. Audio Research certainly seems to thinks so. Both players met with critical acclaim for their musicality and reproductive accuracy. They could move, possibly causing damage in the process. Take the Audio Research out of its packaging and you’ll find that it’s a substantial unit. With its top-loading design, valve-powered output stage and hefty £15k price tag, the Reference CD9 SE is quite some statement. Whatever you do, don’t plug the unit into the mains until after this step is complete – there are highly dangerous electric currents flowing through the circuitry. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Compatibility with 32-bit/384kHz PCM files and multiple-speed DSD is pretty standard at anything above budget level. At this stage in the decline of Compact Disc's popularity, is there still a demand for CD players like the Audio Research REF CD9 SE at a heady £14,500? If I were ARC, I would have set the price … The DAC9 lights up the stage and casts a vivid glow around the images creating full rich sound. The American company Audio Research announced an SE update to the Reference CD9 Transport/DAC. Audio Research is one of the oldest continually operating manufacturers in American audio. is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. All rights reserved. US availability and pricing to follow. Call us 1 … In addition to the digital inputs, the back panel includes Digital Outputs (AES/EBU and BNC), single-ended RCA and balanced XLR outputs, and a 15A IEC power connector. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Surprisingly, given the chunk of time that has passed, the move to SE spec is a relatively mild one. Its inputs are limited to 24-bit/192kHz at best, while DSD isn’t even on the menu. This is the new Audio Research Reference CD9 DAC and CD Player. Stellar tube CD player with full DAC. Stereo imaging is excellent. It feels a more interactive and charming experience than using something with a conventional CD drawer or slot loader. The original Reference CD9 was introduced back in 2013, and quickly built a … All inputs handle 24 bit / 192k resolution. People still want to play their CDs, but they also want to add other digital sources such as computer audio and streaming to their music systems, so Audio Research created the REF CD9 SE CD Player/DAC. You’ll need enough space to be able to load a disc, which in most equipment racks will normally mean placement on the top shelf. Before initial use, the first course of action is to fit the full complement of valves. The casework is suitably sturdy and we’ve no complaints about the quality of components used in the circuit. Having heard the similar last generation model, we suspect that it won’t sound as good. New product introductions are driven only by genuine advances in technology and performance -- the HIGH DEFINITION that is the hallmark of the company's products. It’s available for a third less money than the CD9 and the difference is that the more affordable machine’s circuitry uses transistors rather than valves. This is a hugely accomplished performer that sets sky-high standards for one-box spinners. The filter choice is between ‘Fast’ and ‘Slow’ with upsampling either on or off. Compact Disk Player/DAC. I have decided to sell my beautiful Audio research D200 solid-state audio power amplifier. Both players met with critical acclaim for their musicality and reproductive accuracy. As long as the rest of your system is up to scratch we suspect the balanced option will win out in most cases. There’s just so much detail here from the rich, harmonic texture of the instruments to the dynamic nuances that build into the irresistible ebb and flow of the piece. The CD9 is just a little sweeter and fuller sounding than the norm. Sample rate conversion is selectable for all inputs, allowing playback in native resolution or via upsampling, including compact disc and all inputs, including USB. Would the CD9 SE be less of an Audio Research product if it were finished with the same attention to detail as products from the likes of dCS, Ayre or Burmester? There was a problem. Much more than a mere carriage-trade brand name, the Audio Research marque has come to represent stellar performance and lasting value for music lovers and audio enthusiasts everywhere. The addition of the DAC9 makes the music closer, becoming more vibrant and tactile, a quality enhanced by its tubed configuration no doubt. You will receive a verification email shortly. Very musical and capable of powering problem speakers. Audio Research Reference CD-9 for sale. Audio Research introduced its first Reference series CD player in 2005 with the Reference CD7, then evolving into the Reference CD8. While its high level of transparency means that flaws in recordings will always be obvious, they rarely intrude on our enjoyment. The machine is a top-loader like all previous Audio Research CDPs with a tube-based output stage. We try the digital inputs and the results are equally positive. Of course, you need to have a top class system to truly appreciate its talents. Audio Research REF CD9. I am the original owner of this Audio Research Reference CD-9. The Reference CD9 SE sounds fast, with great transient speed, improved dynamics from top to bottom, much greater resolution of inner detail, with a focus and purity that is captivating. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, Audio Research Reference CD9 SE tech specs, We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices, Skullcandy launches cheap pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones, Soundboks claims it just released the world's loudest portable speaker, Australian Open live stream: how to watch the 2021 tennis in HD, New Xbox Wireless Headset supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X, Argos PS5 restock rumoured for tonight, you might need to set an alarm. The Audio Research Reference CD9SE combines the best of both, a super high-resolution compact disc player with a super high-resolution digital-to-analog converter that is stunning in its musicality.Sonically, the Reference CD9SE is in a new class, combining the magical musicality of tubes with remarkable transparency and aliveness. The company was founded in 1970 in Minneapolis with one goal in mind: to advance the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. 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