Audio Research Reference CD7 VACUUM TUBE CD Player!

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YES you read that right/not a typo. 

This is a real-deal TUBE CD player from Audio Research that also has the upgraded power supply section from ARC direct.

One of the last and very best CD players Audio Research ever made, and the pinnacle of redbook CD technology. $9000 MSRP 

The special and unique tube driver stage helps takes a bit of the harshness out of your CD's.

The top loading mechanism makes this model a super reliable unit with none of the typical drawer issues from similar solid state models of this era.

This CD Player was thoroughly tested in our lab and is tracking perfectly. The drive is super responsive and quick. 

The display is also bright and clear with no signs of aging. **Any inconsistency you see in our photos is because of the camera refresh rate against the display technology of the time.

The original box and remote control are also included.

More from ARC:

The CD3 has proven to be one of the most respected, highly-praised CD players available anywhere. Nonetheless, we have been asked repeatedly when we might bring out an even higher-performance, Reference-level model to complement the CD3MKII.

Try as we might, it was not until we had the remarkable circuit of the REF3 preamp that we knew we had the missing link: a gain stage so pure and revelatory that it could finally push CD-player performance well beyond the limits of the CD3MKII. So, we are pleased to introduce the Reference CD7 vacuum-tube player / transport - the first digital product from Audio Research to justify the "Reference" badge.

Incorporating the strongest aspects of the CD3MKII - its rugged construction, the Philips Pro2 laser mechanism, the Crystal 24-bit DAC, its user-friendly menu of useful features and functions - the REF-CD7 breaks new ground with a gain stage taken directly from the REF3, incorporating the latest proprietary capacitor technology found only in Audio Research Reference components. Using four 6H30 triodes, the audio stage features high-voltage regulation using an additional three 6H30s, coupled to a massive power supply.

The extensively ventilated top-load chassis is just slightly deeper front-to-back than the CD3MKII. Height is unchanged to allow a wide range of shelf installation options, while a thicker front panel helps identify the REF-CD7 as a Reference product. Inputs, outputs and the accompanying remote are identical to the CD3MKII. The "standby" function on the CD3MKII is now a power on / off function on the REF-CD7, with an accompanying LED indicator on the front panel.

Given the CD3MKII's reputation for exceptionally musical performance, the logical question might be: "Is the REF-CD7 really that much better?" Yes it is, in every way. You will quickly discover that the REF-CD7 offers a sonic background that is quieter and blacker, thanks to noise and distortion figures that are significantly lower than those of the CD3MKII. Musical dynamics and sheer openness of the soundstage are also much improved, in part due to the massive power supply and carefully chosen parts. But you will also hear dynamic nuances that render small-ensemble recordings much more believable and vivid. Notes and sounds have more individual shape, body and location as they appear and recede. The soundstage expands and breathes as the recording calls for it. Bass response is massive, tuneful and controlled. The REF-CD7 simply has a natural speed and ease without coloration - it is truly like the REF3 in this regard. There is a weight and harmonic completeness one expects from a reference-level vacuum-tube product.

With other digital music formats losing support in the marketplace, we music lovers continue to add ever more redbook CDs to our collections. And what better way to bring those CDs alive than by retrieving their full musical potential and enjoyment through playback on the Reference CD7? With tens of thousands of dollars already invested in CDs, and many more yet to be purchased, it makes more sense than ever to bring out the best in your collection by investing in a CD player that performs musically beyond anything you have previously experienced. This is the heart of what the Reference CD7 is all about.

Audio Research Reference CD7 - Manual

Specifications:
ANALOG OUTPUTS
1. Balanced XLR 5.4V RMS (+14.6dBv) max.
2. Single-Ended RCA 2.7V RMS (+8.6dBv) max.

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
(Analog) 660 ohms BAL, 330 ohms SE

FREQUENCY RESPONSE
0.5-20,000Hz +0 -1dB

S/N RATIO
110dBA

DISTORTION
.005% 1kHz

CHANNEL SEPARATION
95dB 1kHz

RESOLUTION
24 BIT DELTA-SIGMA DAC

DIGITAL OUTPUTS
1. XLR Balanced AES/EBU 110-ohm 4V P-P. 2.
BNC coax SPDIF 75-ohm 0.7V P-P.

SIGNAL FORMAT
Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz.
Quantization Bit: 16bit linear per channel.
Channel bit rate: 4.3218Mb/sec.
Channel modulation code: EFM (8-14 modulation). E
rror correction: CIRC (cross interleave Reed Solomon Code).

DRIVE MECHANISM
Wow & Flutter: Unmeasurable (Quartz stability).
Discs: Accepts 5" (12cm) and 3" (8cm) sizes.

OPTICAL PICKUP
Type: 3-beam LDGU (Laser Diode & Grating Unit), with holographic diffraction light pen.
Laser: GaAIAs semiconductor, 780nm, 0.5mW maximum output.
Servo: Digitally-controlled low-inertia linear positioning actuator.

JITTER REDUCTION
High-stability crystal-controlled re-clocking for all outputs.

TUBE COMPLEMENT
(7) 6H30

POWER REQUIREMENTS
100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz>, 120 watts maximum.
(5 watts maximum when unit is turned off).

OTHER
Detachable power cord.

DIMENSIONS
19" (48cm) W x 5 ¼" (13.4 cm) H x 15 ⅜" (39.0 cm) D.
Handles extend 1 ½" (3.8 cm) forward of the front panel.
Rear connectors extend ¾" (1.9 cm)

WEIGHT
32.5 lbs. (14.8 kg) Net.
43 lbs. (19.5 kg) Shipping.

Please click here for detailed specifics regarding our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.