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Tubes to digital

hi,I have a Arcam av8 prepro and a Arcam 139 cd-dvd player.I want to upgrade to use the 139 for my movies and perhaps the audio research CD-7(dedicated for my cds as I like separates.
QUESTION is-running the tube based cd-7 into the av-8,will there be a major improvement in the sound from the Ar-7 running into a solidstate prepro,or will it still have the character of the AV-8 as it is the last component in the chain.THANKS FOR ANY HELP.

Av-8,Dv-139,Benchmark Dac-1,Bryston 7b-sst X 3 monos,2x4b-ssts, Revel 50-as X3,S-30 surrounds,Velodyne DD15,GRC interconnects and Shunyata python helix pcs and Clearaudio champion II turntable.
128x128drummermitchell
5 responses Add your response
davemitchell
253 posts
 
Hey Drummermitchell,

Sure there would be a substantial improvement, but your question does raise something to consider. A good 2 channel analog preamp will be much better sounding than any surround processor for music listening.

You might consider getting a CD3mkII or ARC's new CD5 (coming out very soon) and spending the left over cash on a good preamp with a processor unity gain input (HT pass through). I think that combination would yield far better results than the CD7 alone.

I'm an ARC dealer.
drummermitchell's avatar
drummermitchell OP
262 posts
 
HI Dave,True enough(analog pre)would be the way to go,now ifn I can find a couple of hundred thousand to play with ,I surely would.My av-8 will have to do for now.what is a processor unity gain input(ht pass thru).I do have a bypass switch, that bypasses all digital circuitry and gives me analog(which I am running my cdp thru,Thanks, Don
jp1208
502 posts
 
Drummermitchell, I went from the AV-8 to a Ming DA MC2a3 dedicated 2 channel tube pre. It is like taking the blinds off a window and when you change out all the Chinese tubes it is like opening the window. You would be money ahead as well but then again there is no by-pass option on the pre.
Defenitely a different set up without a by-pass option. It is absolutely worth it to me though. As you well know the AV-8 is no slouch either.
davemitchell
253 posts
 
Don,

My point was that you could spend about the same amount of money as you would have on the CD7 alone and get both a CD3mkII and a good ARC tube line stage.

For example:

CD7 = 9000

CD3mkII = 5500
LS17 Pre = 4000

That's within $500 of your target. Also, the CD3mkII has just been discontinued so you can get a good deal on a used or demo model and save some more $.
drummermitchell's avatar
drummermitchell OP
262 posts
 
I'll be checking into that,Thanks dave.
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