Questions for CD9 owners

[jakegt3]

I just got a new Reference CD9 at home for evaluation and possible purchase. My first impression right out of the box is that it sounds a bit "hot" compared to the Reference CD7 that I have now. I'm guessing it needs more break-in time. How much break-in time should I give it?

Also, can someone explain exactly what the technical difference is between the "fast" and "slow" digital filters? The owner's manual does not really give any explanation and I couldn't find any information elsewhere.

So far when playing regular CD's, I prefer the "slow" digital filter and no upsampling. However, we'll see what happens after more break-in time.

[ariess]

The CD9 needs break in but it's easy to do so. Put a disk on repeat and the output to something. Give it at least 5 days, 20+ hrs per day if it's new.

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[jakegt3]

I just found a couple reviews online that explain a bit more about the "fast" and "slow" digital filter options. The fast and slow refer to the rates of frequency rolloff of the digital filters in the D/A chip. Interestingly the reviewers prefer the slow rolloff, like I do. And like me, they prefer no upsampling on CD's.

My experience with other ARC gear is that the sound improves significantly after 100 hours or so. So, I'll give it some more playing time and see what happens.

[fgchong]

Congratulation on your new purchase. I had this amazing CD player since 2013 and now just into its 1k-hours, I still enjoy each time I spin a disc on it. Just like you, I prefered unsample particularly on high definition disc.

[Giancarlo]

I had a good listen to this player and it is quite beautiful in its delivery of Audio, when paired with good electronics the results were incredible, I would love to own this player

[jakegt3]

Now that I've had a chance to get in some break-in time on the CD9, I have to say it is a signficant improvement over my CD7 which itself was a very fine player. Detail, transparency, dynamics, and soundstaging are all improved without a trace of any digital hardness. At the same time the midrange has that magic that good tube equipment delivers. I am loving it.

[Giancarlo]

Originally Posted by jakegt3

Now that I've had a chance to get in some break-in time on the CD9, I have to say it is a signficant improvement over my CD7 which itself was a very fine player. Detail, transparency, dynamics, and soundstaging are all improved without a trace of any digital hardness. At the same time the midrange has that magic that good tube equipment delivers. I am loving it.

You are a lucky guy jakegt3, as the CD9 is a stunning player