Audio Research Ref: CD8

Seems like MK. is short for marketing.

It's no news flash that a larger, well executed power supply (followed by a good circuit topology) will merit better sound.

Lula, I have heard that the price will be in the $10,000 range and that the CD7 will be discontinued. If the sonic improvement is really that large it will be interesting to see how it stacks up against some of the much higher priced competition. The CD7 was already close to the top regardless of price.

Wsill, what did the power supply upgrade cost?

I spoke to Leonard at ARC; the new CD8 will be shipping next month and will be
$10K. The power supply upgrade for the CD7 is free of charge for original
owners, aside from the usual shipping both ways. However, the PS upgrade
which includes a change from the 2 6H30 tubes to 5881s is more of a stabilized
regulation than sonic improvement. Probably some improved dynamics. The
CD8 will have the new PS and a new DAC, but keep the same transport.

"The CD 7 was already close to the top regardless of price." What other top flight players have you found the CD7 comparable to or better than ?

Hi Fjn04,

I have the ARC CD7 and also the Wadia 581SE. I also owned the top Krell CD players, Marantz, Accuphase and heard the AMR CD7 next to the ARC CD7.

To my opinion the ARC is the best of all. So I guess the CD8 will be better again. But like always it will not be a world of difference.

Peter