The (good) old CD player

I have to admit it, I am loving the sound of the ARC Reference CD-9 player that I am borrowing. First, there is zero digital artifice on the redbook CDs I have played. The sound is truly analog-like in its presentation. Second, there is wonderful tonal density in the midrange providing tremendous body to vocals and instrumentals. Third, its provides a soundstage with amazing width and depth and holographic images. Last but not least, there is huge synergy with the ARC Reference 6 preamp and the Vandersteen M7-HPA mono amps. There is some real magic happening there. It's a shame that this component doesn't play SACDs or DSD files or I would be in in in.

Ken
 
Randy Myers said:
Dang, too bad no SA-CD.... that is an absolute must for me.
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I totally understand. I own about a hundred SACDs myself. But the tube analog stage of the CD-9 is really something special. I'll have to give ARC's new DAC9 (384K PCM; DSD 128) a listen to see if its tube analog stage is as smooth as the CD-9.

Ken
 
That makes sense. I would be surprised if it is not as good as the one you are trying. Obviously different level than what I would look at. I am surprised how good the Marantz sounds. It also sounds better with Redbooks than any CD spinner I have previously listened to. One thing that does make a nice improvement for Redbooks for me is running the coax output through the Wyred 4 Sound Remedy unit.
 
Randy Myers said:
That makes sense. I would be surprised if it is not as good as the one you are trying. Obviously different level than what I would look at. I am surprised how good the Marantz sounds. It also sounds better with Redbooks than any CD spinner I have previously listened to. One thing that does make a nice improvement for Redbooks for me is running the coax output through the Wyred 4 Sound Remedy unit.
Click to expand...

Hi Randy,

I called ARC and spoke to one of their tech support guys and he said the new DAC9 was their best sounding digital component. I don't doubt that the digital circuitry of the DAC9 is better than the CD-9 but its two tube analog stage and solid state power supply vs. the CD-9's four tube analog stage and two tube power supply could still have a leg up on it. I think it may all come down to personal preference. The CD-9 is one of the most forgiving digital players I've ever heard but still remains hugely musical.

I've heard great things about the Marantz SA-8005 CD/SACD Player. Some of their players have become classics. It just goes to show, you don't have to break the bank to get great sound. How does the Wyred 4 Sound Remedy unit work?

Best,
Ken
 
Guys, while we are on the topic of CD/SACD/DAC - digital hubs as I like to call them, the challenge going forward is going to be SACD transports.

As it stands right now, only Esoteric & D&M are making SACD transports. The D&M one's are the one's you see in your $99 Best Buy special (and oddly, look like the ones in the MSB SACD player...but I could be wrong). Anyway, the top tier SACD transports are the ones you see in Esoteric (obviously), DCS, T+A, Playback designs, and many many others. To be honest, the T+A is the one I'm not entirely sure about as their SACD transport looks nothing like an Esoteric or D&M. And Esoteric has told all their competitors to go pound sound. No more SACD OEM drives.

What's interesting is that we see a "many against one" assault on SACD as a format. Those companies who can no longer acquire SACD transports are downplaying the format, like we are seeing in the latest DCS product, the Rossini. $60K+ and no SACD capabilities.

It will be interesting to see what happens going forward.

I really need to find out who makes T+A's SACD transport, because it's built like a tank.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/ta-elektroakustik-releases-pdp-3000-hv-sacdcd-playerdac/
 
Alpinist said:
Hi Randy,

I called ARC and spoke to one of their tech support guys and he said the new DAC9 was their best sounding digital component. I don't doubt that the digital circuitry of the DAC9 is better than the CD-9 but its two tube analog stage and solid state power supply vs. the CD-9's four tube analog stage and two tube power supply could still have a leg up on it. I think it may all come down to personal preference. The CD-9 is one of the most forgiving digital players I've ever heard but still remains hugely musical.

I've heard great things about the Marantz SA-8005 CD/SACD Player. Some of their players have become classics. It just goes to show, you don't have to break the bank to get great sound. How does the Wyred 4 Sound Remedy unit work?

Best,
Ken
Click to expand...

Hey Ken,

The Remedy is a reclocker and also adds a Femto clock. It can work on either Coax or Optical (actually both, there is a switch on which one is currently being used). It really adds a vinyl feel to Redbook CDs. It also automatically up-samples the signal to 96 KHz. The output from the CD goes into the unit and then the Remedy output goes to your DAC.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/wyred/2.html
http://hifipig.com/wyred4sound-remedy-digital-reclocker/
And here is Dan's review:
http://www.audioaficionado.org/wyred-4-sound/28450-wyred-4-sound-remedy-review.html
Wyred website:
https://www.wyred4sound.com/products/digital-converters/remedy-reclocker

And yes, the Marantz seems like a fantastic unit so far. I have been happy with it. I absolutely love SA-CDs... I think I have collect about 40 so far (but that is in maybe 6 months or so).

I would love to be able to get some ARC gear. It seems like it is amazing. We all do what we can do of course. Very happy how my system is coming along in just about a year since getting back into this fantastic hobby.... you're new system must be amazing.... still waiting for some photos :)....
 
Mike said:
Guys, while we are on the topic of CD/SACD/DAC - digital hubs as I like to call them, the challenge going forward is going to be SACD transports.

As it stands right now, only Esoteric & D&M are making SACD transports. The D&M one's are the one's you see in your $99 Best Buy special (and oddly, look like the ones in the MSB SACD player...but I could be wrong). Anyway, the top tier SACD transports are the ones you see in Esoteric (obviously), DCS, T+A, Playback designs, and many many others. To be honest, the T+A is the one I'm not entirely sure about as their SACD transport looks nothing like an Esoteric or D&M. And Esoteric has told all their competitors to go pound sound. No more SACD OEM drives.

What's interesting is that we see a "many against one" assault on SACD as a format. Those companies who can no longer acquire SACD transports are downplaying the format, like we are seeing in the latest DCS product, the Rossini. $60K+ and no SACD capabilities.

It will be interesting to see what happens going forward.

I really need to find out who makes T+A's SACD transport, because it's built like a tank.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/ta-elektroakustik-releases-pdp-3000-hv-sacdcd-playerdac/
Click to expand...

Mike
I thought that the parent company of Oppo in China was the last company other that those named above that was making CD/SACD drives. Also most audio companies have move away from CD drives to CD-ROM drives.
 
still-one said:
Mike
I thought that the parent company of Oppo in China was the last company other that those named above that was making CD/SACD drives. Also most audio companies have move away from CD drives to CD-ROM drives.
Click to expand...

Could be. Not sure. The Oppo transport is good, but not sure it's at the same level as the others.
 
Mike said:
Guys, while we are on the topic of CD/SACD/DAC - digital hubs as I like to call them, the challenge going forward is going to be SACD transports.

As it stands right now, only Esoteric & D&M are making SACD transports. The D&M one's are the one's you see in your $99 Best Buy special (and oddly, look like the ones in the MSB SACD player...but I could be wrong). Anyway, the top tier SACD transports are the ones you see in Esoteric (obviously), DCS, T+A, Playback designs, and many many others. To be honest, the T+A is the one I'm not entirely sure about as their SACD transport looks nothing like an Esoteric or D&M. And Esoteric has told all their competitors to go pound sound. No more SACD OEM drives.

What's interesting is that we see a "many against one" assault on SACD as a format. Those companies who can no longer acquire SACD transports are downplaying the format, like we are seeing in the latest DCS product, the Rossini. $60K+ and no SACD capabilities.

It will be interesting to see what happens going forward.

I really need to find out who makes T+A's SACD transport, because it's built like a tank.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/ta-elektroakustik-releases-pdp-3000-hv-sacdcd-playerdac/
Click to expand...

Hmmm... so Mike wondering who makes the one in the Marantz? I have a very basic Yamaha which actually plays SA-CD disks very well, but the transport is very cheap. The Marantz on the other hand is an entirely different world. Very solid look and feel. So if what you are saying is still true then Marantz get their transports from Esoteric?
 
Randy Myers said:
Hmmm... so Mike wondering who makes the one in the Marantz? I have a very basic Yamaha which actually plays SA-CD disks very well, but the transport is very cheap looking. The Marantz on the other hand is an entirely different world. Very solid look and feel. So if what you are saying is still true then Marantz get their transports from Esoteric?
Click to expand...

D&M is Denon & Marantz. So, D&M.
 
OK, dumb question. I am beginning to understand SACD vs. CD. what is a redbook CD, vs. a regular CD, and where do I buy them? bob:hey:
 
Old Bob said:
OK, dumb question. I am beginning to understand SACD vs. CD. what is a redbook CD, vs. a regular CD, and where do I buy them? bob:hey:
Click to expand...

Bob, "redbook" is just another name for "CD".

Here's what you want to experience: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Reiner-Chic...336459?hash=item4649a6270b:g:0z4AAOSwB4NWy1kr

and pretty much all of them from that series. There are thousands of truly amazing SACD's, like: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Use-Me-Vane...976196?hash=item2368cacb84:g:Js0AAOSw0OJXLXFT
 
super! thanks MIke!

have a great day, everyone! my wife is starting to notice the equipment piling up in our small room!!
 
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