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About Audio Research CD7

"Does the ARC have any flaws? Yes, there are two. They are subtle and not obtrusive but they do exist. The first is a lack of midbass power, weight and body. Drums do not have the impact they could nor does double bass and cello possess the growl they should. The other is a slight leaning out of the harmonics in the upper midrange accompanied by a slight tendency towards stridency in this range." This is from Arthur Salvatore's webpage high-end critique.
I'd like to ask you to comment; does the CD7 has the same traditional sound of ARC as described above?
Thank you,
Nikos.
apopira2

Showing 3 responses by branimir

branimir
236 posts
 
As an REF CD7 owner I find all Arthur Salvatore(and his buddy Israel Blume) findings wrong. To MY ears REF CD7 sound pretty opposite...

So, Marc Mickelson from Soundstage(who bought REF CD7!), Ken Kessler and Jonathan Valin are all deaf(me also I guess) since these Gents all raved about REF CD7...

Let me tell you one thing-there are better RBCD players on the market. Esoteric X-01 D2 or Burmester 069 for example but, they are more expensive(X-01 D2) or much more expensive(069) then REF CD7.
branimir
236 posts
 
Apopira2,

Burmester 069 in new Reference CD Player. Replacement for 970/969 combo. 069 cost in EU 34K Euro.

I did not hear it in the same system with REF CD7 but, 069 demo was pretty amazing...

But, I did compare REF CD7 with Esoteric X-01 D2 and Esoteric is more powerfull in bass with more tightness and definition. It is not that much colder in sonic signature then REF CD7 but, much more powerfull sounding overall...
I prefered X-01 D2 in multibit BB mode.
branimir
236 posts
 
Burmester 001 is pretty close in overall sound to ARC REF CD7. Powerfull overall sound with good midrange presence and sweet yet detailed highs. REF CD7 is little bit more organic but, both are very good to my ears.

Try to audition both in your own system if possible.
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