ARC Ref CD-9 vs. Ref DAC

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare these two units? I auditioned the Ref CD-9 in my system a few months ago and it was the most analog sounding CD player I've ever heard yet quite linear. As I own a large catalog of high res. files, I'm also curious how the Ref CD-9's DAC stacks up to the Ref DAC.

Thanks,
Ken

[rscotth]

I've heard the RefDac connected directly to ref75se and it was amazing. Haven't heard the CD9. Since the RefDac is an older piece, and the new Dac9 just came out in the Foundation series, I've got to believe that a newer RefDac is on the horizon. Pure speculation!

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Originally Posted by rscotth

I've heard the RefDac connected directly to ref75se and it was amazing. Haven't heard the CD9. Since the RefDac is an older piece, and the new Dac9 just came out in the Foundation series, I've got to believe that a newer RefDac is on the horizon. Pure speculation!

Based on my conversations with ARC, it is unlikely that they will be doing an SE update on their Reference DAC, Reference CD-9 Player and CD-6 Player. However, there is the possibility that they may eventually come out with an entirely new Reference DAC at some point in the future, leveraging the new digital technology in their DAC9.

I think the interesting question is what sort of analog gain stage will they use. Will they continue to use the Ref 5SE circuit (2 6H30 input tubes, 2 6H30 output tubes and 2 power supply tubes (6550 & 6H30)) or will they move to the Ref 6 circuit (4 6H30 input tubes, 2 6H30 output tubes and 2 power supply tubes (6550 & 6H30)).

IMO, the advantage of the Ref6 circuit is greater transparency, dynamics and presence, while the advantage of the Ref 5SE circuit is a more laid back, forgiving and slightly euphonic presentation. I feel the Ref6 circuit can bring you closer to the original recording, while the Ref5SE circuit can produce a very analog-like sound that can take the digital edge off a lot of recordings.

Best,
Ken

[New guy]

Originally Posted by PlanarSpeakerFan

Based on my conversations with ARC, it is unlikely that they will be doing an SE update on their Reference DAC, Reference CD-9 Player and CD-6 Player. However, there is the possibility that they may eventually come out with an entirely new Reference DAC at some point in the future, leveraging the new digital technology in their DAC9.

I think the interesting question is what sort of analog gain stage will they use. Will they continue to use the Ref 5SE circuit (2 6H30 input tubes, 2 6H30 output tubes and 2 power supply tubes (6550 & 6H30)) or will they move to the Ref 6 circuit (4 6H30 input tubes, 2 6H30 output tubes and 2 power supply tubes (6550 & 6H30)).

IMO, the advantage of the Ref6 circuit is greater transparency, dynamics and presence, while the advantage of the Ref 5SE circuit is a more laid back, forgiving and slightly euphonic presentation. I feel the Ref6 circuit can bring you closer to the original recording, while the Ref5SE circuit can produce a very analog-like sound that can take the digital edge off a lot of recordings.

Best,
Ken

Ken,

Maybe ARC can implement a selector switch to switich between 2 or 4 6H30 tubes😀. I have had my CD9 now for about 4 years and I like it a bit more than the K03. Recently got the REF6 and it's definitely better the ref 5se.

Rich

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Originally Posted by New guy

Ken,

Maybe ARC can implement a selector switch to switich between 2 or 4 6H30 tubes😀. I have had my CD9 now for about 4 years and I like it a bit more than the K03. Recently got the REF6 and it's definitely better the ref 5se.

Rich

Hi Rich,

That is a great idea, I really like it. I agree that the Ref 6 preamp is significantly better than the Ref 5SE. It is much more transparent with greater dynamic capabilities. This is what I want in a preamp. It should just step out of the way and let the music come through.

But having tried the ARC Ref CD-9 Player as the source in my system with its Ref 5SE analog gain stage, I appreciate the analog-like presentation it provides and how it takes the digital edge off many recordings. So having the ability to switch back and forth between the more transparent Ref 6 analog gain stage and the more forgiving Ref 5SE analog gain stage could be the perfect solution.

However, I suspect that with the popularity of the Ref 6 preamp that ARC will choose to combine its analog gain stage with the DAC9's new digital circuitry to create a new Ref DAC. I just hope they provide a volume control bypass this time around.

Best,
Ken

[Maxflo]

Ken, some times ago i had a chance to compare CD9 with RefDac (+ CD9 as transport) on the same system and both sound more or less the same. RefDac has wider range of features like streaming from the NAS. If you plan to have Pre from ARC on the level of Ref5SE it would be no differences, if you want to have system with higher level pre or newer one like Ref6 you can have better sound (maybe).
After the testing i bought RefDac, I am very happy and maybe upgrade it when REFDac MK2 would be available.

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Originally Posted by Maxflo

Ken, some times ago i had a chance to compare CD9 with RefDac (+ CD9 as transport) on the same system and both sound more or less the same. RefDac has wider range of features like streaming from the NAS. If you plan to have Pre from ARC on the level of Ref5SE it would be no differences, if you want to have system with higher level pre or newer one like Ref6 you can have better sound (maybe).
After the testing i bought RefDac, I am very happy and maybe upgrade it when REFDac MK2 would be available.

Hi Maxflo,

Very informative post. Thanks so much! The way you compared them makes a lot of sense. I'm definitely leaning towards the Ref DAC now. I have a Ref 10 preamp. The two should go great together. I will take advantage of the terrific transport in my K-01X via its AES/EBU digital output if I want to listen to CDs through the Ref DAC, and continue to spin my SACD collection through the K-01X.

Thanks,
Ken

[PASSFREAK]

Hi Ken,
I read some posts from you earlier and i believe that you have a Esoteric K-01X right?
The Ref CD-9 is better for you than a K-01X????
Best

Pablo

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Originally Posted by PASSFREAK

Hi Ken,
I read some posts from you earlier and i believe that you have a Esoteric K-01X right?
The Ref CD-9 is better for you than a K-01X????
Best

Pablo

Hi Pablo,

The K-01X and the Ref CD-9 are different and each has its own strengths. They are different flavors. Sometimes I like vanilla and sometimes I like chocolate. The Ref CD-9's performance benefits from strong synergy with my Ref 10 preamp.

Best,
Ken

[JBT]

From what I understand the Reference DAC has been somewhat of a bust. I have the CD9 and it's not only a great CD player but also a great DAC!! One of ARCs best. IMHO!