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Need really simple advice. How do I use the DAC side of my ARC Ref CD-9SE to stream music?

Ok, ... I just bought an ARC Ref CD-9SE redbook CD player, which has its own built-in DAC functionality.  The CD-9 DAC does not have DSD capability.  The ARC website describes the CD-9's capability in part as follow:

The Reference CD9SE incorporates four digital inputs: USB 2.0HS, AES/EBU, RCA, and Toslink. All inputs handle 24 bit / 192k resolution. The Reference CD9SE retains the Philips PRO2R transport, still the best dedicated CD mechanism that is simply unsurpassed for compact disc playback. Benefitting from what we have learned in the development of the Reference DAC, the REF CD9 utilizes quad 24-bit DACs running in mono mode, with dual master oscillators; one for 44.1/88.2/176.4 sample rates, the other for 48/96/192kHz sample rates. Sample rate conversion is selectable for all inputs, allowing playback in native resolution or via upsampling, including compact disc and all inputs, including USB. Additionally, there is a selectable digital filter, with either fast or slow rolloff. 

I have no idea what any of the glarff quoted above means.  So, ... my simple minded understanding is that I need to sign up for a streaming service, ...  like Spotify, Tidal or something off Amazon.  The CD-9 is very close to an ethernet cable, so that is a good fact.  I assume that I will need a streamer like, Lumin or some other brand that I do not know a thing about, plus some interconnects and maybe a USB cord.  If I need a computer, ... I have a regular PC which has an Intel Core i7 CPU and a solid state hard drive.

So, ... in simple baby talk, how can I stream music from the internet into my CD-9 DAC and then into my ARC Ref 6SE linestage?  Please, please, ... keep it really simple.   

Thanks

bifwynne
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
Any old USB cable that fits into your computer and has a square "type b" connector on the other end will work to get you started. Pangea if you feel like buying something with a little care put in, but not expensive enough that you'll worry about resale.
mahler123
3,083 posts
 
OP

As above, any bog standard USB 2 cable should work.   You won't injure your ARC.   Whether or not getting a pricier USB cable has any value is a subject that gets debated around here.  Being an audiophile, I eventually shelled out for a Pangea cable, and can't say that I noticed any difference.  As you can surmise, one reason that streaming is dominating the market place is that from an expense standpoint, not much required--everyone has a computer and a usb cable.
   One of my first DACs a PSAudio DLinkIII which I must have purchased during the G.W. Bush Presidency did upsampling to 176 and at first I was quite taken with it.  Eventually I came to a few CDs that sounded "thin" upsampled.  My present DAC, a Bryston DAC3 offers upsampling, but I don't like the implementation and the regular DAC sounds fine.  
   As has been said on this thread, many audiophiles are so pleased with the results from their computer into a DAC that they never feel compelled to buy a dedicated streamer.  
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
The advice above has been very helpful.  Thank you. 

I think someone asked about the CD-9's USB input.  Here is what the ARC website says:   USB 2.0HS   

I understand that the SE version has an updated USB card.  I think the old card was a USB 2 and the new card card is a USB 3,....whatever that means.

So, what do I about the USB cable.  Just get a long cable, hook it up to the input socket of my DAC and let it hang loose until I want to stream from my PC?

If so, that seems simple enough. 
  
jetter
2,971 posts
 
Per page 9 of the player’s Owner Manual

USB: Connect to a Windows-based PC or Mac computer for music playback from your computer. Press the INPUT button until the ‘USB’ LED is illumindated. Software installation is not necessary for Mac or Linux users. Windows users can find the necessary software at www.audioresearch.com.

Other connections also addressed.

CD9SE-Manual.pdf (audioresearch.com)
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Thanks Jetter.  I just downloaded the ARC driver.  Next a USB cable, and then almost in business.

I'll check out Amazon for streaming options.  Hopefully Amazon can stream at least redbook quality music.

I know there are a "bazilion" A'gon threads running about streaming services.  The two most popular services that come to mind are Spotify and Tidal. 

Which of the two services offers the highest quality data transmission?
  
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