Audio Research Reference CD7 CD Player

[Κώστας Φ.]

"Audio Research Corporation’s Reference CD7 CD player ($8995 USD) came to me at a great time. I was starting to experiment with computer-based digital audio via an Apple MacBook and a Stello DA220 Mk.II USB DAC, and was still enjoying a universal (future-proof? OK, gotcha) A/V player as the primary source in my stereo system. Before I even connected the CD7, I was thinking about why such a player had been brought to market today, and who might buy it. Here is a $9000 machine that plays only CDs, supports none of the high-resolution audio formats, doesn’t do video at all, isn’t promoted as "upgradeable," and uses vacuum tubes.

The Reference CD7 uses tried-and-true technology from the vaults of the Audio Research brain trust: seven 6H30 triode tubes, a gain stage taken directly from the very successful REF3 preamp, a Crystal 24-bit DAC, a Philips CD-Pro2 transport mechanism, and capacitors developed especially for ARC’s Reference line. In other words, all of the ARC goodies are in there. In fact, those who follow ARC lore should note that the CD7 is the first CD player to earn the company’s Reference designation, heretofore worn only by amplifying components. In short, the Reference CD7 is ARC’s statement CD player.

The look is classic ARC: a 19"W x 5 1/4"H x 15 3/8"D case with a brushed-aluminum faceplate in silver or black, with cutouts for the display (green numerals) and pushbuttons for the basic functions; a top-loading CD transport with a manually retractable cover; balanced and single-ended outputs; and an IEC connector for the power cord. The CD7 also has two digital outputs (AES/EBU, coaxial), for use with an outboard D/A converter. One slight disappointment is the lack of a digital input; it would be nice to have the ability to use the CD7’s DAC section with another source (such as a computer). The CD7 weighs 32.5 pounds.

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The Esoteric UX3-SE has served as my reference source player for a couple of years now. For $8250 you get a machine that will play SACD, DVD-Audio, and standard-definition DVD-Video, has such proprietary features as the VRDS-Neo transport mechanism (which Esoteric manufactures), and is built to extremely high standards (it weighs over 50 pounds). I’ve really enjoyed it, and have recommended it to friends and colleagues and not heard a single complaint. As far as functionality with various types of disc, the UX3-SE has it all over the Reference CD7 -- it simply does a lot more. But if you’re ambivalent about multichannel audio and high-resolution audio formats, those advantages will mean little to you. If, instead, you’re simply looking for the best CD playback you can get, then the ARC Reference CD7 is a contender.

The Reference CD7’s sound is just a touch more natural and harmonically rich than the Esoteric UX3-SE’s. I heard a bit more warmth and palpability with stringed instruments, which made them sound more "analog" than "digital." Images had more bloom through the CD7, and just felt a bit more like live music. This quality is hard to describe but was not hard to hear. The ARC shone particularly well on acoustic music and recordings that were minimally miked and processed. On the other hand, the UX3-SE had a more vise-like grip on the music, with more visceral drive and pacing, and perhaps a bit stronger bass slam. The Esoteric was also a touch more resolving of low-level details -- you might prefer it with synth and electronica.

But eventually I came to the conclusion that, with most of the music I listen to for enjoyment, the Reference CD7 painted a slightly more complete musical picture. It just sounded more honest to my ears, seeming to structure music more in its natural form. It didn’t seem to "process" the sound at all, but instead let things just flow along.

At the end of the day, the ARC and Esoteric are both very good players at about the same price that will suit different listeners. The comparison might smack somewhat of apples-to-oranges -- the Esoteric isn’t strictly optimized for CD playback -- but that doesn’t change my conclusion: If I were buying something on which I would play only CDs, I’d take the ARC Reference CD7.

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Conclusions

There are almost no one-size-fits-all products in high-end audio, so I try to not make blanket recommendations. Although I’ve been accused, usually by their wives, of "helping" my audiophile friends spend lots of money, I understand that sometimes money flies out the door a whole lot easier than it flies in. I want the people who buy the products I recommend to be happy with them for years to come. Given that criterion, here is who I think the ACR CD7 is made for:

If you have a large CD collection on your shelves, aren’t inclined to rip them all to a hard drive (read: enjoy the physical media, or don’t trust computer technology for long-term reliability, or simply don’t have the time to be messing with uploads, downloads, etc.), and if you’re OK with spending almost nine grand on a CD player, you should add the Reference CD7 to your audition list. It probably is for you if you value natural, honest sound over hi-fi hijinks. I’m listening to Nickel Creek’s "Out of the Woods," from their eponymous first album [Sugar Hill 3909], and the harmonies are just perfect. I couldn’t ask for more.

The sound quality offered by the Audio Research Reference CD7 is outstanding in the here and now. I hypothesize that it is components like the CD7 that stretch the limitations of the "Red Book" CD format, and not the other way around. That makes the CD7 about as future-proof as you can get in today’s audiophile marketplace. Consider it the ultimate sonic shovel for those wishing to maximize the sound of their CDs: Take care of it, and it’ll serve you in a way that you’ll appreciate for years to come. If you turn out to be the lucky owner of one, my guess is that you won’t be tempted to upgrade it for some "future-proof" thingy. ARC’s Reference CD7 will be long remembered as a solid musical investment in our seemingly ever-changing hobby."

Full Review: Ultra Audio.com