A nice little Audio Research System from 2 pieces
 

Suppose you are keen for a 2 channel system built of the caliber that comes with Audio Research components, but you don't have the space for 4+ components (amp, pre-amp, DAC, CD or other source). Or you want to keep the system simple enough to
hide in a multipurpose living room. Or away from kids, dogs, etc
Or you want to keep the price down. I had a number of these considerations in mind and wanted to share my solution.

Two Pieces:
ARC VSi75 + ARC CD9/DAC

These are two new units from ARC which each do a good job of covering the jobs of two components in one, thus a very small footprint. The VSi75 is a 75 watt integrated many of the same parts and much similarity to the ARC REF75. The CD9/DAC is a top-notch CD player and a top notch DAC with all the external connectivity for those using any digital source. These units play well together, keep it simple while giving up little, and only need 1 interconnect and 2 power cords. With the price of some of the most wanted cords reaching so high, this last point alone saves a lot of $$$ over a 4+ box solution, not to mention savings through reduced number of components.
I think something is gained too by the reduction in external connections and handoffs.
You can put these two boxes on a bookcase shelf so they can hide in a living room and away from kids and dogs. I am very happy with the combo.

Anyone else use use this combination?

ariess.......Excellent system and a super choice of components that allow you to keep it simple without compromising high-end performance. Way to go. .:thumbsup:


http://www.audioresearch.com/VSi75angle.png



http://www.audioresearch.com/CD9angleblack.png

This combination scores a lot of points with me on looks alone. I too am interested in others' listening impressions.

Excellent choice! :yes:

But one thing for sure, I would not want those beauties out of sight while listening. Reminded me somewhat of my first few VTLs 100, 225, 300.. There's just that added uncanny warm oozy feeling watching those open tubes glowing whilst playing some tunes in a dimly lit room. Love the retro nostalgic look! :thumbsup:

What about some system pics..:scratch2:

What's the MSRP, I wonder?

A big +1
Nice choices!

MSRP for VSi75 ($8k) +REF CD9/DAC ($13k) is $21k
The closest 4 box approximation (not exact, but close) would probably be
REF75 ($9k) + LS27 ($7k) + CD8 ($10k) + DAC8 ($5k)=$31k. I would love to A/B the 4 box version against the 2.

If one added (just an example, but what I use) some Shunyata power cords ($1k-$2k per cord) and Transparent Ultra/Reference connectors ($1k-$2k per set), thats half the cable cost, so another $6k saved on cables.

I don't actually hide my components away as I too think they look great, but the small number of boxes earns big value on the WAF scale and the ability to put the whole system on a higher up shelf keeps the kids from touching them. I will send some pics.

IMO, one can do better for 21k than this two piece offering.......

Dave.......That's one of the things about our wonderful hobby that keeps it interesting for all. Everyone has an opinion and often it is different. I am of the opinion that member ariess could spend more than $21K and get less, too. Love this hobby. :)

Thanks Dan for the support. That is why I prefaced my original post with the statement that *if* one covets an Audio Research system and why I posted this in the Audio Research forum. If you are not decided on ARC, than all bets are off...

What I find special with my 2 box system is that one usually associates Audio Research with a big stack of shiny boxes, lots of cables, and a higher price point in a large, dedicated listening room. Having heard both, my listening experience is that I am getting a large fraction of that Audio Research magic in a footprint that fits my life and I wanted to share that in case it could be the answer for someone else too.