Audio Research CD5 Redbook Cd Player
vc69
Posts: 2,500
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.
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.
-Kevin
HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
2 Channel:
Oppo BDP-83 SE
Squeezebox Touch
Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
VTL 2.5
McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
B&W 801's
Transparent IC's
HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
2 Channel:
Oppo BDP-83 SE
Squeezebox Touch
Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
VTL 2.5
McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
B&W 801's
Transparent IC's
Post edited by vc69 on
Comments
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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.DKG999
HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED
Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC -
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. Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin: -
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.
-Kevin
HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
2 Channel:
Oppo BDP-83 SE
Squeezebox Touch
Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
VTL 2.5
McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
B&W 801's
Transparent IC's -
I've owned a couple AR CDP's and aside from no SACD, they're pretty awesome.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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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.-Kevin
HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
2 Channel:
Oppo BDP-83 SE
Squeezebox Touch
Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
VTL 2.5
McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
B&W 801's
Transparent IC's
