Digital Drive: REVIEW: Audio Research, Inc. cd3 CD Player/Recorder by Tasos

Model:	cd3
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	£5499
Description:	one box cd player
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Research, Inc.
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Research, Inc.

Review by Tasos ( A ) on March 11, 2003 at 14:40:40
IP Address: 216.145.231.238

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I purchased the Audio Research CD3 as an upgrade to my Meridian 507, itself a wonderful player. My purchase was pursuant to listening to the CD3 in a variety of systems, including those at CES, over a 14 month period and always enjoying the sound. The CD3 always seemed to be consistent with very good sound.

After several days of burn-in, I compared the new ARC to my Meridian 507 -the ARC had much blacker background and much less "haze", something I previously never noted the Meridian to have. The ARC portrayed music with a clarity and purity that I hever never experienced. Detail retrieval was exceptional, and each note floated in a less distorted fashion.

Now the ARC is $5000, the Meridian just over $2000, so I expected the ARC to be better and it was by a significant measure. I also enjoy the buld quality of the ARC, the solidity of the transport section. The remote is a cheap plastic device, but it works well.

I enjoyed the Meridian and believed it was one of the better $2k CD players on the market, bettering the Arcan FMJ and Audio Analogue player in my auditions. Now I enjoy the ARC CD#, and it has elevated my system to a higher level of performance, giving me more realistic, natural sound.

Product Weakness: no ability to turn-off display, although it is not overly bright
Product Strengths: clarity, build quality

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Ayre V-5X
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Pass Labs 2.5
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	ARC CD3
Speakers:	Harley Day
Cables/Interconnects:	LAT and Audience AU24
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz, pop
Room Size (LxWxH):	15 x 10 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	acoustic panels
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio Power Plant 300
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	no ability to turn-off display, although it is not overly bright
Product Strengths:	clarity, build quality