Audio Research CD5 Redbook Cd Player

vc69

Hey everyone.

For the last couple of days (and thankfully a few weeks to come) I have had the distinct pleasure of listening to an ARC CD5 in my rig. This player is stunning in both form and function. Frankly, it's opened my ears to a new depth of detail and warmth I did not really expect from a redbook CD player. It is an absolute joy to listen to. The transport mechanism is unique in that it is a top loader with a magnetized "puck" that clamps the disc to the spindle and a sliding door for access. The transport is silent and the player looks great with a dim-able front panel display (which I really like.)

I truly lack the words I would need to adequately describe the sound. Analog would be the first one that comes to mind. There is an absolute lack of any digital glare. It is simply a pleasure to listen to. My poor old BDP83SE just cannot keep up.

Here is a link to ARC webpage containing technical details and a picture.

I should add that I currently using Transparent MusicWave IC's (RCA's).
Here is a review @ Soundstage.

dkg999

I've always heard really good things about the ARC CDP's! I almost pulled the trigger on a used CD2 a while back, however after consulting with ARC I found out that the drives on the CD1/CD2 can no longer be repaired if something goes wrong on them.

megasat16

Excellent! Now, you need to hear this with Ref 5 Preamp and Ref 110 Amps.

Please don't break the CDP. It's 5K or more in the used market price.

vc69

I'm actually using it with LS25mkII pre and VT100mkII amp right now. All of my good IC's are RCA so I have yet to go fully balanced. That WILL happen though.

dorokusai

I've owned a couple AR CDP's and aside from no SACD, they're pretty awesome.

vc69

Spent a little more time with this player last night. I have to say that as I grow into this hobby, I am learning a lot. The detail and resolution in a given system have a huge impact on my listening enjoyment. It is like there is music buried in my discs that I have never heard before. It is actually startling at times. I found myself actually laughing with joy as I listened to Talking Heads - Speaking in Tongues. Just amazing and so much fun. I wish I had some good balanced IC's.